When you’re shopping for a new bike, there are a ton of factors to consider. Which terrain are you riding on? How often are you going to ride? Are you buying a bike for exercise, leisure, or a little bit of both? What’s your ideal riding position? These are just some of the questions you need to consider before investing in the right bike for you.

Sifting through the bicycle types from city bikes, mountain bikes, beach cruiser bikes, road bikes, to hybrid bikes and more can be super overwhelming. 

That's not to mention all of the specialized adventure bikes, triathlon bikes, and racing bikes. Thankfully, you don't need to be an expert on frame geometry, traction, or fenders to find the perfect bike for you.

Below, you’ll find a list of seven of our most popular bike types and their pros and cons.

Hopefully, by the end of this list, you’ll be able to determine which kind of bike is right for you. 

Single Speed/Fixie Bikes

The first bike on our list is by far the simplest.

Single speed bicycles are bikes in their purest forms. No add-ons, no specialties. This bike is meant for people who intend to bike short distances on smooth ground (preferably pavement). 

Fixies (also known as fixed gear bikes) are a subset of single speed bikes that offer a slightly different riding experience – one where the wheels move in sync with the pedals. Fixed gear riding isn’t for everyone, as it can be more strenuous and dangerous, but many fixie enthusiasts celebrate the connection they feel with their bike while riding fixie.

It’s simple, yet effective. Let’s look at what this bike lacks and how it excels. 

Pros

• Cost-effective: Because single-speed bikes are so simple, it makes them one of the cheapest. If you’re looking for nothing more than transportation to get you from point A to point B, single-speed bikes are perfect for you.

• Low-maintenance: We may be overusing the word “simple”, but the simplicity of single-speed bikes are great for riders looking for a low-cost, low-maintenance machine that will stand the test of time.

Cons

• Ineffective on rough terrain: Single-speed bikes are made for flat and smooth surfaces such as sidewalks and road riding. Riding one of these bikes on dirt, mud, sand, and other bumpy terrains might not be the best idea. 

• Nothing more, nothing less: It’s a solid bike, through and through. However, if you need something specialized like a cyclocross bike, road racing bike, or gravel bike, maybe single-speed bikes aren't, well, your speed. 

The single speed bike is perfect for you if you want a low-maintenance and easy-to-use bike that will last for years. For urban riders, if space is an issue, a single speed folding bike like Judd is a top contender.

City Bikes

The city bike is one of the most popular styles of bicycles.

It’s stylish, efficient, and perfect for those who commute to work or school — especially in an urban environment.  

The city bike is also great for people who want a little more than a single-speed bike while still keeping things simple. Let’s check out the awesome components of these bikes (and some disadvantages). 

Pros

• Commuting: Biking to work or school has never been easier or more convenient than with city bikes. If you’re looking for something to get you to where you need to be every day in style, the city bike is for you. 

• Cruising: The city bike is one of the best bikes on this list for cruising. Their upright saddle and swept back handlebars make for a fun, comfortable, and relaxing ride throughout any town or city. 

Cons

• Rough terrain: Just like the single speed, the city bike doesn’t excel at off-roading. It can certainly handle some hills here and there, but try to stick to the streets. 

• Speed: Because these bikes are primarily used in an urban setting, you’ll likely be doing a lot of stopping and going, however city bikes certainly won’t win you a time trial, as they can reach only moderate speeds. 

If you commute to school or work or live in a big city, the city bike is definitely the one for you. You’ll have a comfortable ride to wherever you’re headed.

Beach Cruiser Bikes

It’s in the name: this bike is the ultimate cruiser. 

The beach cruiser is built for a relaxing, slow-paced ride. If you’re looking to get into biking for pure leisure, you are undoubtedly going to want to try out a beach cruiser. 

Let’s see how the cruiser holds up compared to the other bikes on this list. 

Pros

• Cruising: Duh! How could this not be the first pro? The beach cruiser is the ultimate relaxation machine. Leave the adventuring to Mountain bikes — this saddle is meant for a slow and steady jaunt.

• Comfort: Beach cruisers tend to have larger seats and a larger frame, making them one of the more comfortable bikes to ride for an extended period of time. 

Cons

• Exercise: If you’re looking to get more exercise than pleasure out of your riding experience, the beach cruiser probably isn’t right for you. The bigger frame and seat make it great for relaxing but a little more challenging for exercise. 

• Off-roading: The cruiser has the same problem as the city and single-speed bikes. It’s definitely not meant for anything more than a slow-paced ride on smooth pavement. 

If your biggest goal is comfort and pleasure, this bike is perfect for you. No bike on this list excels in relaxation more than the beach cruiser. 

Hybrid

For riders who simply can’t make up their minds on which type of bike they want, you might want to start looking at hybrids. 

Hybrid bikes blend different bike styles, so depending on the hybrid you choose, you can find a ride that’s versatile and fits your needs.

Because of this, we aren’t going to do a pro and con list. There are a lot of hybrid bikes, all with different functions and purposes. If you want to use your bike for slow-paced rides but still want to take it out for exercise every now and then, a comfort hybrid is perfect for you. Conversely, if your goal is to get more exercise but you still want to enjoy a relaxing ride, the hybrid fitness or city bikes will get the job done. 

This all depends on your wants and needs. If you can’t make up your mind on a bike, it’s time to start considering a hybrid. 

Mountain

If you live near a place with lots of wilderness and trails, a mountain bike can make for a fun adventure. 

Make no mistake — mountain and trail biking aren’t easy. 

If you don’t have any experience mountain biking but live near accessible trails and want to start, don’t let this dissuade you. Start on some short, basic and easy trails in order to build up your endurance and adjust to rougher terrains. 

Let’s take a look at how the mountain bike compares to its counterparts. 

Pros

• Rough terrain: Mountain bikes are absolutely meant for the wilderness and adventure as they champion rough terrains such as dirt and gravel.

• Speed, disc brakes, and handling: Because mountain bikes are meant for hills and off-roading, they are built to be the fastest and easiest to maneuver. Navigating sharp turns and steep hills have never been easier. 

Cons

• Cruising: Since mountain bikes are built to handle trails and wilderness, it’s not going to be an optimal choice if you’re seeking a cushy cruise along the beach or through the neighborhood. 

• Comfort: It’s not that mountain bikes are uncomfortable. They aren’t. Still, if you use a mountain bike primarily for slow rides in an urban setting, you would likely enjoy your ride a lot more with a cruiser or city bike. 

If you’re ready to take that next step in your biking journey, mountain biking is an entirely different experience. 

Electric Bikes

E-bikes are a relatively new trend in the biking world, at least popularity-wise. 

Just like hybrids, there are tons of different kinds of e-bikes. The biggest difference is that these kinds of bikes have an electric motor built into the frame, making your ride smoother, easier and allows you to go long distances. 

They can be especially helpful as a primary vehicle. Electric bicycles are amazing for the environment and are actually 10 to 30 times more effective in fighting climate change than electric cars. 

Not to mention, they’re a lot cheaper than gas and electric cars in terms of overall cost, gas, insurance, and maintenance. 

E-bikes are also particularly efficient for those who commute to work or school. Electric cargo bikes are also optimal for commuting when you’re carrying heavy loads with you. You can utilize the motor when going up a hill or on a hot day to ensure you stay sweat-free. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint or don’t want to have to use your car to get to work or school, e-bikes are a perfect option for you. 

Retrospec

Phew. That was a lot of information about bikes. 

If you’re tired of reading, we don’t blame you. You can visit our shop here to view pictures and more information about the bikes we just broke down. Or if you want more help on what bike to choose, check out our personalized bike quiz!

At Retrospec, we believe the outdoors is meant for everybody. After reading through all the different types of bikes we offer, we promise that there is definitely something out there for everyone. 

Whether you’re here for adventure, relaxing, exercise, or everything in between, we’re here to help you find the perfect bike to reach your goals. 

Grab a friend or family member and hit the concrete rolling. See you out there!