How to choose a city bike
City bikes are ideal for daily work or school commute and shopping. They are very easy to handle, comfortable, and reliable.
Frequently asked questions when choosing a city bike
Can I ride a city bike outside the city?
Yes. Although they are called city bikes, they are perfectly suitable for all paved roads.
Do I need any accessories?
City bikes are usually equipped with a mount, front and rear lights, fenders, and a chain guard. The only thing they don’t include is a helmet.
Can I transport my groceries on it?
Yes. Most city bikes have a rear mount, where you can easily clip on a basket for smaller grocery purchases.
How do I sit on a city bike?
City bikes have you sitting upright. Your spine is almost perpendicular to the ground, so the sitting position doesn’t strain your back.
Important Parameters
Frame height
Frame height is usually measured in inches or sizes S, M, L, XL and is determined by the distance from your foot to crotch or by your total height.
Body height in cm | Frame height according to size | |
|---|---|---|
| less than 165 cm | 15", 16", S, up to 44 cm | |
| 160-170 cm | 17", 18", M, up to 48 cm | |
| 170-185 cm | 19", 20", L, up to 52 cm | |
| 185-200 cm | 21", 22", L, up to 55 cm | |
| over 195 cm | 23", 24" L, 58-60 cm | |
* The chart is only for the general reference, as in rare cases, the details may vary. | ||
Frame material
Steel frames are tough and cheaper than other options. The downside is their higher weight and tendency to rust. Carbon frames are lighter, flexible, and don't weaken over time. Duralumin frames are cheaper, but heavier than carbon frames.
Brakes
The most common are the so-called v-brakes, which brake by rubbing the friction pads against the rim. They are cheap, easy to maintain, but their braking effect drops when the mechanism gets wet..
Glossary - Bikes
Gears
Featured on most bikes, gears allow you to select the degree of difficulty when pedaling. At low gears (e.g. when cycling uphill), pedalling is easier, but the pedal frequency increases at the same time. Conversely, when using a high gear (e.g. on a flat road), you pedal less but more forcefully. Gears are essential for anyone who plans to cycle on mixed or hilly terrain.
Frame
An ideal bike frame is lightweight and sturdy. Frame sizes are measured in inches or units, or sizes S, M, L, XL. Bicycle frames are typically made from steel, aluminium or carbon fibre. Steel frames were once common but are now in decline; while being strong and relatively cheap, they are heavier and subject to rust. Alloy frames are cheaper but heavier than carbon fibre frames, which offer a lighter, more flexible, and yet equally strong option.
Fork
The front fork is a key component of any bicycle and determines its overall quality. Suspension forks use compressed air or a spring system to insulate the rider from the roughness of the terrain. Air suspension is the more common option, despite it being more expensive than spring suspension; moreover, the air pressure can be adjusted to the weight of the rider. Spring suspension is the cheaper option and provides a slightly more sensitive damping; however, one disadvantage is that the spring force depends on the weight of the rider, and sometimes the spring can harden at low temperatures.
Glossary
Wheel diameter
Most city bikes have 28-inch wheels with narrow tires. These give the bike good traction and speed on pavement and provide great handling.
For more information on how to choose the right bike size, our article.