Resize text

Find the right bike for you

A 'how to' guide

Buying a bicycle can be an overwhelming experience, with so many different styles of bicycle to choose from and a whole new language to learn. We aim to help you navigate your way through the process of choosing the right bike.

Riding is a great way to catch up with friends, explore, save money, beat traffic, stay fit and reduce carbon emissions. With so many established bicycle paths and advances in bicycle technology, riding has never been easier.

Before choosing a bike, it is important to decide on the type of environment you want to ride in.

Different bikes for different environments

Bicycles are tuned to specific riding environments. The characteristics of a bicycle determine the best environment for its use, be it on road, off road or in a mixed urban environment.

On road and racing

Sealed roads offer many track configurations for distance and endurance riding. City and country routes that offer interesting or scenic loops are often used by groups of road cyclists.

Road and fixed gear bikes are best suited for on road and racing environments. With their lightweight frames, low profile tyres and, in the case of road bicycles, multiple gears, these bicycles are perfect for fitness and long distance riding on sealed roads.

	Style	Road bike
	Environment	sealed roads
	Why	fitness, distance riding, commuting
	Advantages	streamlined for aerodynamics
	Disadvantages	fragile frame, can only be ridden on sealed roads, may be vulnerable to potholes
	Position	pro riding position (leaning forward, pedalling fast, weight supported by seat, bars and pedals)

	Style	Fixed gear bike
	Environment	sealed roads
	Why	fitness, recreational fun, commuting
	Advantages	lightweight frame, streamlined for aerodynamics
	Disadvantages	single gear makes it more difficult to ride in hilly areas
	Position	upright (sitting completely upright, pedalling slowly, all weight on seat)

City and urban commuting

Built up urban environments can offer quiet local roads and dedicated bicycle paths. Riding around the city to go to work, the shops or just to catch up with friends is a great way to keep fit, beat the traffic and save money.

You don't need a specialised bicycle for commuting; but the distance you have to travel and how many hills there are may be a deciding factor when choosing a multiple geared over a fixed gear bicycle.

City and urban environments are suitable for all bicycles, although narrow-rimmed wheels can be vulnerable to the odd pothole.

	Style	Hybrid mountain bike
	Environment	sealed and off road riding, parks, trails, commuting and urban (depends on tyres)
	Why	recreational fun, mixed environments, fitness, commuting
	Advantages	durable, strong frame
	Disadvantages	depends on style; some hybrids have thin tyres that cannot be ridden off road, while fat tyres that soak up bumps increase rolling resistance when you're wanting to ride fast
	Position	regular riding (leaning forward slightly, some weight supported by handlebars and pedals) or upright

	Style	Cruiser
	Environment	sealed and off road riding, parks, trails, commuting and urban (depends on tyres)
	Why	recreational fun, mixed environments, fitness
	Advantages	durable, strong frame
	Disadvantages	the wide tyres increase rolling resistance when you're wanting to ride fast
	Position	regular riding (leaning forward slightly, some weight supported by handlebars and pedals) or upright

	Style	Roadster (ladies)
	Environment	sealed road riding, parks, commuting and urban (depends on tyres)
	Why	recreational fun, fitness, commuting, carrying stuff
	Advantages	durable, strong frame, chainguards keep your clothes clean
	Disadvantages	cannot be ridden off road
	Position	regular riding (leaning forward slightly, some weight supported by handlebars and pedals) or upright

	Style	Roadster
	Environment	sealed road riding, parks, commuting and urban
	Why	recreational fun, fitness, commuting
	Advantages	durable, strong frame
	Disadvantages	depends on style; some hybrids have thin tyres that cannot be ridden off road
	Position	regular riding (leaning forward slightly, some weight supported by handlebars and pedals) or upright

Weekend parks and paths

Riding on the weekend is a great way to shake off the working week and explore your local area at your own pace. It can be challenging, with frequently changing riding surfaces, from sealed roads to grass, sand to narrow bush tracks. Having a versatile bicycle with good tyres will allow you to ride through these areas comfortably.

Bicycles suitable for weekend parks and paths: hybrid bicycles, entry level mountain bicycles.

Country and off road

There are many trekking, touring and downhill mountain biking tracks in or near NSW urban centres. This type of cycling can offer a range of riding styles, from relaxing to physically demanding. Some State forests, public and private reserves and regional towns have extensive and well maintained tracks for country and off road riding. Some of these tracks are suitable for hybrid mountain bicycles while others are more suited for specialist mountain bicycles.

Bicycles suitable for country and off road: hybrid bicycles, mountain bicycles.

	Style	Mountain bike
	Environment	sealed and off road riding, parks, trails, commuting and urban (depends on tyres)
	Why	recreational fun, mixed environments, fitness, trekking, touring; 'urban warrior' commuting
	Advantages	depends on style; some hybrids have thin tyres that cannot be ridden off road, while fat tyres that soak up bumps increase rolling resistance when you're wanting to ride fast
	Disadvantages	off road tyres are slow on sealed roads
	Position	regular riding (leaning forward slightly, some weight supported by handlebars and pedals) or upright

Skate parks and urban environments

Predominantly for young people and the young at heart, skate parks and some urban areas offer a playground for tricks, jumps and aerial assault. Not for the faint-hearted and definitely not suited to every bicycle! Riding these spaces requires a special bicycle such as a BMX or dirt jumper, with tyres that can withstand falls and jumps.

Bicycles suitable for skate parks and urban environments: BMX, dirt jumper.

	Style	BMX
	Environment	sealed and off road, skateparks and BMX race tracks
	Why	racing, tricks and jumps
	Advantages	lightweight, easy to maintain, simple
	Disadvantages	single gear, not suited to carrying stuff
	Position	upright

Anatomy of a bicycle

New or secondhand?

The quality of parts and materials used to manufacture the frame, the type of brakes, the wheels and, of course, the brand you choose will all contribute to the price of your bicycle. Fortunately there are many bicycle shops, online communities, groups and associations that sell bicycles, new and used.

Bicycles are mechanically simple. Parts can be replaced, and regardless of whether you choose to buy secondhand or brand new, do your research and you will find a good deal to suit your style and budget.