Commuting by bicycle is a great way to save money, improve your health, and reduce your carbon footprint.
Choosing the right bike for your commute can be challenging with so many different types and models available, especially if you are new to cycling. In this guide, we'll provide a detailed overview of the different types of bicycles that are suitable for commuting.
Road Bikes
Road bikes are designed for speed and efficiency, making them a popular choice for long-distance commuters who prioritise speed over comfort. They typically have narrow tires, lightweight frames, and drop handlebars that allow the rider to adopt an aerodynamic riding position. The gearing on a road bike is optimized for high speeds, making them ideal for covering long distances quickly.
Pros:
- Fast and efficient, great for long commutes
- Lightweight design means you can pick up and carry the bike easily
- Ideal for smooth roads, offering a smooth and stable ride
Cons:
- The aggressive riding position can be uncomfortable for some riders
- Not suitable for off-road riding or rough terrain
- More expensive than other types of bikes
Example models: Trek Emonda, Specialized Allez, Cannondale SuperSix
Hybrid Bikes
Hybrid bikes are a popular choice for commuters who want a comfortable and versatile bike that can handle a variety of riding surfaces, including pavement, gravel, and light off-road terrain. They typically have wider tires than road bikes, flat handlebars that allow for an upright riding position, and a relaxed geometry that prioritises comfort over speed.
Pros:
- Versatile and comfortable, great for commuting on a variety of surfaces
- Can handle light off-road riding
- Often come with accessories such as fenders and a rear rack for carrying cargo
Cons:
- Not as fast as road bikes
- Heavier than road bikes, making them more challenging to carry or store
- Suspension systems can be prone to wear and require more maintenance
Example models: Giant Escape, Trek FX, Specialized Sirrus
Electric Bikes
Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are a relatively new type of bicycle that are growing in popularity among commuters. They feature a battery-powered motor that provides an assist to the rider's pedaling, making it easier to ride longer distances or up hills. E-bikes can be either road or hybrid-style bikes, and they are often equipped with accessories such as lights and fenders/mudguards. E-bikes are great if you are new to cycling and don't have great fitness, or perhaps you have an injury that you don't want to aggravate. They are great at getting people out cycling, who would otherwise be put off the physical challenge.
Pros:
- Makes commuting easier and less tiring, especially for longer distances or hilly terrain
- Can handle hills and longer distances with ease
- Environmentally friendly
Cons:
- More expensive than traditional bicycles
- The motor adds weight to the bike, making it more challenging to carry or store
- Can require more maintenance due to the complexity of the electrical components
Example models: Rad Power Bikes RadCity, Trek Verve+, Specialized Turbo Como
Folding Bikes
Folding bikes are a unique type of bicycle that are designed to be compact and portable, making them an ideal choice for commuters who need to bring their bike onto public transportation or store it in a small space. They feature a folding frame that allows the bike to collapse down to a small size for easy transport and storage. These are very popular in cities where people catch trains from afar and cycle the final few miles from the station.
Pros:
- Compact and portable, making them easy to store in small spaces or bring onto public transportation
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Can be ridden on most types of roads and surfaces
Cons:
- Less efficient than other types of bikes due to their smaller wheels and limited gearing
- More expensive than traditional bicycles
- May not be as comfortable to ride as other types of bikes due to their smaller size and geometry
Example models: Brompton M6L, Dahon Mariner D8
Commuter Bikes
Commuter bikes are a general category of bicycles designed specifically for urban commuting. They are typically a hybrid-style bike with a focus on comfort, durability, and utility. Commuter bikes often come with features such as fenders/mudguards, racks, lights, and bells, making them ideal for commuting in all types of weather and carrying your daily essentials. These are great goto bicycles for people who are not as interested in getting the cycling bug and see the bicycle as a commuting device and a way of keeping fit and healthy without the serious side as you find with road cycling.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for commuting, making them a reliable and practical choice
- Equipped with features for all-weather riding and carrying cargo
- Comfortable geometry for an upright riding position
Cons:
- May not be as fast as road bikes or efficient as other specialized types of bikes
- Can be heavier than other types of bikes, making them more challenging to carry or store
- Not suitable for off-road or mountain biking
Example models: Raleigh Cadent 2, Jamis Coda, Kona Dew
Costs
Bicycle costs can vary widely depending on the type and quality of the bike. A basic entry-level road bike or hybrid bike can cost anywhere from US$300 to US$500, while a mid-range bike can cost between U$500 to US$2,500. High-end bikes can cost upwards of $5,000 or more. Remember you get what you pay for, so do spend some time reading reviews and understanding the quality of the components. If you plan to ride this bicycle to work a number of times per week, then it is wise to spend a little more upfront.
In addition to the bike itself, there are other costs to consider, such as accessories and maintenance. Accessories such as lights, locks, fenders/mudguards, racks, and panniers can add up to several hundred US dollars. Regular maintenance such as tune-ups, tire replacements, and brake adjustments can also add to the overall cost of owning a bike.
The other thing to consider is if your employer will help with the costs. Some countries have cycle-to-work schemes where the employer has a benefits scheme to purchase a bicycle and related accessories for the purpose of traveling to work. These costs are often subsidised and the payback costs are spread over a number of years.
Choosing the right bike for commuting depends on a variety of factors, such as the length of your commute, the type of terrain you will encounter, and your personal preferences. It's essential to consider the pros and cons of each type of bike and the costs involved before making a purchase. Keep in mind if you would like to use the bicycle for other reasons. No matter what type of bike you choose, commuting by bike is a healthy, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to get to work.