How to choose a bike

If you're tempted to start cycling, you'll appreciate the following article. We will advise you on how to make the right choice of bicycle for this beautiful sport. We will describe what categories of bikes are on the market and from what you can choose.

If you still don't know what to do, remember that we are not just an online shop. We will be happy to welcome you directly in our brick-and-mortar shop, where our cycling specialists will help you to choose the right bike model in the right frame size.

Bike categories according to intended use

Mountain bikes

Mountain bikes, or MTBs, are designed for off-road use. They won't be stopped by bumps, rocks or roots in the road. Thanks to the off-road tread tyres, they can also handle wet and mud well. Comfort is ensured by a suspension fork on mountain bikes or even the rear suspension (on full suspension bikes). Mountain bikes can also be used on the road without any problems, but expect to be slower than cyclists on road or trekking bikes. If you love cycling in the countryside away from car traffic, look no further. This category is one of the most popular.

Learn how to choose a mountain bike, then browse the mountain bike section for suitable models.

Cross

These bicycles are designed to move primarily on roads, paved paths, or lighter terrain. These are ideal bikes for bicycle touring. They combine the features of road bikes and mountain bikes. They benefit from MTBs advantages of a suspension fork. In the road cycling world, they are characterised by larger wheel diameters and "faster" gears. The tyres are narrower compared to mountain bikes and have a finer pattern. If you are a tourer who spends most of your time on the roads, occasionally straying onto a forest path, then these bikes will suit you.

Learn how to choose a cross bike, then find suitable models in the cross bikes section.

Trekking

These bikes are identical to the cross bikes. They are also suitable for the same terrain. They are best suited to roads and paved paths. Unlike cross bikes, trekking bikes are usually fitted with more accessories from the factory. These include mudguards, carrier and lights. Again, these are ideal bikes for bicycle touring. Cyclists can ride them in all weathers and on longer trips.

Read the article on how to choose a trekking bike. You can choose one in the trekking bikes section.

Road bikes

Traditional bicycle category. As the name suggests, they are designed for the road. It is not possible to use these bikes off-road due to the narrow tyres and their additional fitment. Road bikes are the fastest bikes and can cover the longest distances in the same amount of time. They are also the lightest. This group of bikes is experiencing a new renaissance in our country and more and more cyclists are using them as a main bike or as a complement to MTBs. The same category of bikes is used by riders in traditional road tours.

Learn how to choose a road bike. You can find a range of suitable models in the road bike section.

City bikes

Need some transport to work or shopping? Then a city bike will come in handy. City bikes are designed to move on city roads and pavements. They are designed to be ridden by a person in civilian, non-cycling clothing. The seat tends to be very upright and comfortable. The bikes are often fitted with carriers or mudguards, or these accessories can be easily added. Popular in this category (not only by women) are the so-called skirt frames, which allow you to get on and off the bike easily thanks to the absence of a top frame tube.

You can see bikes in this category in the city bikes section.

BMX

A special category of bicycles designed for riding on obstacle courses or cyclocross tracks. It is used for fun, but also for racing in modern disciplines such as dirt, flat, ramp, or bikros. They use 16" to 24" diameter wheels. This category is not designed to cover any long distances, but you can have a lot of fun with them.

Bicycle categories by cyclist

Children's and junior's

Bikes designed for the youngest cyclists. They are divided according to the diameter of the wheels into several sizes. The smallest 12" size can be used before the child is three years old. The two smallest sizes 12" and 16" are equipped with regular auxiliary support wheels and one speed. In the 20" and 24" sizes, you will also find a gear changer (derailleur) and suspension forks for more comfort for the child.

Learn how to choose a bike for kids. And find suitable models in the kids' bikes section.

Women's bikes

These bicycles are designed for all female cyclists. They differ not only in the colour of the frame, but above all in the design differences. They take into account a smaller body height and a different limb length. Smaller frame sizes are regularly available for women's bicycles. The bikes use narrower handlebars, ladies saddles, shorter cranks, brake levers and there are other differences. For most women, they are a better choice than men's/unisex bikes.

Go to women's bikes.

Men's/unisex

Bikes designed not only for men. This is the basic category of bikes for all adult cyclists. Every cyclist should choose between them. Size-wise they cover the spectrum from juniors to tall cyclists.

Wheel size chart

How do I find the right size of the bicycle? You can use the attached size chart as a guide, but remember that frame sizes vary widely between bike categories and brands. It is therefore not possible to give a single precise recommendation. Often two sizes are suitable for a given cyclist and it is not enough to consider body height alone. If you are unsure of the right size, please contact us and we will help you choose the right size for your specific bike model.