Bikes

A guide to choosing a bike

Appearance and the number of gears alone do not determine whether a bike suits you. For transport mainly on tarmac, consider riding position and carrying options; off-road, tyre and suspension design; and on long rides, geometry and correct sizing together. Children's bikes also require different selection criteria from adult models.

First identify your usual routes, then compare the frames, brakes and drivetrains of models intended for similar uses. Consider your accessory needs from the outset.

• Assess frame size using your height, inseam and the manufacturer's geometry chart for that model.
• Do not treat wheel size alone as a sizing guide; handlebar reach and riding position also matter.
• If you plan to fit mudguards, a rack or a child seat, check each product's mounting points.

What type should my first bike be?

Start with a type suited to your usual terrain and purpose; do not focus solely on adding more equipment.

Is the same size identical across brands?

No. Similar size labels can conceal different frame geometries; use the chosen model's size chart.

Related collections and brands

• Mountain Bikes
• City Bikes
• Road and Gravel Bikes
• Children's Bikes
• Salcano
• Bisan
• Kron