Identifying your route
Before visiting your bike shop, it's important to identify the type of journeys you'll be making daily. Indeed, each bike is suited to a specific use, so to get the bike that will offer you the best performance, it's important to ask yourself a few questions:
- How long will your journey be?
- What is the length of your journey?
- What type of road will you be using?
- Does your journey involve many inclines?
These questions will guide your choice of bike, as well as its ideal weight and pedaling position.
Choosing your drivetrain type
A bike isn't just a frame, a saddle, and two wheels; it's also, and above all, a crankset and a drivetrain assembly, commonly known as a derailleur
.The latter, thanks to its various cogs, allows you to reach different speeds and therefore to adjust your pace according to the elevation of your route.
For example, if your journey is mostly flat, you won't need many gears and can even ride with a single chainring, or even a fixed gear.
On the other hand, if you're riding on a path that alternates between gentle slopes, ascents, and descents, we recommend purchasing a bike with multiple chainrings and gears.
💡Note that the larger a cog, the easier it will be to climb hills, and smaller cogs (with fewer teeth) will be useful for pedaling faster.
Choosing your braking system
Riding is good, but don't forget that a bike needs to be equipped with good brakes. There are two main types: cable brakes and hydraulic brakes.
Cable brakes are the most common. When you press the brake lever, the cable tightens and clamps the brake pads around the front or rear wheel. Hydraulic brakes work differently. The tension applied to the brake lever is transferred to a piston which, via a fluid, will clamp the brake discs. The advantage of hydraulic brakes is that they are much more progressive than traditional mechanical brakes, so no more going over the handlebars on your bike. However, they are reserved for higher-end models because they are more expensive than cable brakes.
Types of bikes
Now that you've identified your needs, you can choose the right bike for your intended use.
- The road bike If you already own a road bike, it can be perfectly suitable for your commute. Light and efficient, these bikes are perfect for long journeys with varying elevations. However, if you have to cross bumpy paths, they should be avoided due to their very thin wheels not suitable for this type of terrain.
- The city bike Unlike the road bike, the riding position here is more upright, which is beneficial for people suffering from neck or lower back pain.
- The hybrid bike (VTC) The All-Road Bike has a more upright position than its cousin the road bike, which is interesting for those who are not comfortable in a leaned-forward position, especially for many kilometers. Furthermore, as its name suggests, it will be perfectly suited for dirt or stony paths. It also offers the possibility of attaching panniers, luggage racks, or other necessary accessories when cycling to work.
- The mountain bike (MTB) You know the Mountain Bike well; it has a rather sporty position and larger tires than the hybrid bike, which makes it a little less efficient for road use than the latter. It is also often heavier than the hybrid bike and is more suitable for rides on damaged paths.
- The Gravel bike This bike is a compromise between a hybrid bike and a mountain bike.
- The e-bike (VAE) The Electric Assist Bicycle is perfect when you don't want your commute to be a strenuous workout. It is also very interesting when you want to maintain physical activity despite advanced age.
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