Bikes

This is a “big” question, but start by considering your goals. Where do you plan to ride? On busy city streets, remote trails, or somewhere else? How often do you plan to ride? How many miles do you plan to ride in a regular sesh? Answering questions like this before you begin your search should help you fine-tune your options. If you’re stuck wondering how to choose a bike, don’t stress. We’ve created an intuitive “Help Me Choose a Bike” quiz to make it easy. It’s free and it only takes 30 seconds!

Bikes are sized by measuring your inseam. This is the distance between the bottom of your foot and your groin. Your inseam should be around one inch more than the top tube of the bike, a measurement known as the bike’s “standover height.” (Essentially, when you stand over the bike, there should be around one inch of clearance between your groin and the top tube.) At the bottom of every retrospec product page, you’ll find a “Sizing” tab to help you measure your potential bike.

You can spend anywhere from $100 to $10,000 on a bicycle. That said, unless you’re planning to enter the Tour de France, you really don’t need to spend over $1,000. For most casual adult riders, a price range between $200 and $500 is a good starting point. This should get you a quality bicycle without breaking the bank.

When buying a bike, consider where and how you ride, and then choose the right type of bike—road, mountain, hybrid, cruiser, and so on. Ensure the size and fit are comfortable, and that you have the space to store the bike (if you don’t, you could consider a folding bike).

Also, pay attention to components like gears, brakes, and tires. Research brands and seek advice from bike shops or experienced riders in your community. As you search, don’t forget to factor accessories like helmets, pumps, and bike locks into your budget.

When buying a bike, there are several things to avoid. For starters, don’t impulse buy! Take your time, research, and consider a test ride at a retrospec dealer before deciding. Also, make sure to check sizing. An ill-fitting bike can lead to discomfort and injury.

Don’t overspend—a traditional, casual bike shouldn’t cost more than $500—but don’t skimp on price, either. Below $200, bikes will lack quality and may require frequent repairs. On that note, you should also choose a bike you can easily maintain or have serviced.

Sure, it’s okay to buy a used or “second-hand” bike. It’s always better from an environmental perspective to buy used instead of new, and you may save some money—at least on the front end. However, there are downsides to consider.

For one, it’s unknown if a used bike was maintained properly, or if it was involved in any accidents. Serious damage isn’t always visible to the naked eye. Used bikes also don’t come with a warranty, so if your bike breaks down a few days after you buy it, you’re out of luck. In short, a used bike might be cheaper upfront, but it’s often more expensive in the long run due to maintenance and repair costs.

We obviously sell new bikes, so we won’t pretend to be unbiased, but given the affordability of brand new retrospect bikes ($200 to $500), we feel it’s safer and more cost-effective to purchase new!

The answer depends on who you ask, but retrospec bicycles are divided into ten classes. These are traditional city bikes, electric bikes, cruisers, single-speed bikes, fixed-gear bikes, gravel bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrid bikes, and folding bikes. We’ll define all these categories below!

It depends on where you want to ride, but for a novice bicyclist, a beach cruiser is probably the easiest (and most comfortable) bike to ride. With plush seats, step-through frames, simple coaster brakes, swept-back handlebars, and a relaxed riding position, these bikes are designed for laid back, casual riding.

Bicycle frames can be made from several different materials. The most common are steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber. Others include titanium, magnesium, and even bamboo.

A beach cruiser bicycle is a bike designed for casual riding, typically along boardwalks or beach paths. They are known for their comfortable, upright riding position, wide handlebars and tires, and large, cushioned seats. Beach cruisers often have step-through frames to make getting on and off easier. Many beach cruisers, like our Chatham Single-Speed or Sully Klunker Bike, have a single gear and coaster brakes. Some models—like our Chatham 7-Speed— have multiple gears or hand brakes for added convenience.

However, overall these bikes are built for leisure, not high speeds or long distances. Beach cruisers are also popular for their stylish, nostalgic look, often featuring bright colors, chrome accents, and vintage-inspired designs. They are a popular choice for rentals at beach resorts and vacation destinations and are also enjoyed by many for leisurely rides in their own neighborhoods.

What is a city bike? A city bike, also known as an urban or commuter bike, is designed for short-distance rides in urban environments. They prioritize comfort and practicality, making them ideal for navigating busy streets, running errands, or commuting to work. City bikes have an upright riding position, flat handlebars, internal hub gears, full-wrap fenders, and chain guards.

High-end city bikes, like Beaumont Plus, also have additional features to make urban riding more comfortable, such as a spacious rear rack, handlebar bell, head and tail lights, rapid-fire shifter, mechanical disc brakes, and a step through frame (which makes it easier to mount and dismount the bike). Overall, city bikes are a versatile and practical choice for those who want comfort, convenience, and functionality in daily rides around town.

A single speed bike—as the name suggests—is a bike with only one speed, or gear. This means the bike has no derailleur or internal hub gears, simplifying the drivetrain and making it more lightweight, streamlined, and low-maintenance. You pedal and you move forward. It’s that easy.

Single speed bikes come in all shapes and sizes, and are popular for their simplicity, clean aesthetics, and lower cost and maintenance compared to multi-gear bikes. They are well-suited for flat commutes, urban riding, or leisurely rides on level terrain.

A fixed gear or “fixie” bike is a single-speed bike (see above) with a drivetrain that directly connects the pedals to the rear wheel. This means there is no freewheel mechanism, so the pedals will continue to rotate when the bike is moving.

Fixed gear bikes have the same benefits as normal single speed, they’re lighter, cheaper, easier to maintain and very efficient. They also offer a unique riding experience that some bike enthusiasts would describe as “being one with the bike.” However, fixed gear riding requires more effort from the rider to maintain momentum and control speed, especially when going downhill. Our fixed gear bikes—Harper and Harper Plus—both feature a “flip-flop” hub that allows the rider to switch between freewheel and fixed-gear modes.

Hybrid and fitness bikes blend performance and comfort. It depends on the hybrid, but they offer some of the speed and power of a road bike coupled with the comfort of a cruiser. Unlike city bikes, however, they are designed more for short distances and (as the name suggests) fitness-focused riders, so you won’t find commuter accessories like fenders, rear racks, and headlights on these bikes.

Don’t get the wrong idea though. Some hybrid bikes—like our 21-speed comfort hybrid Barron Plus—are still capable of long-haul riding, albeit with a bit more comfort than a streamlined road bike like Culver.

A gravel bike is a class of bicycle designed for riding on unpaved roads, gravel paths, and mixed terrain. It combines elements of road bikes and mountain bikes to offer versatility and comfort for long-distance rides on varied surfaces.

Some of the features commonly found in a gravel bike—like our 8-speed Amok—are wide tires, aluminum frames, disc brakes, threadless steering, and a tapered headtube. Gravel bikes are popular for their ability to handle varied terrain. They are a great option for riders who want to explore beyond paved roads, whether it's for commuting, adventure riding, or bikepacking trips.

A mountain bike is a bicycle designed for riding off-road trails. Mountain bikes are built to withstand the rigors of bumpy and unpredictable surfaces, offering durability, control, and performance. Mountain bikes like our Ascent feature lightweight aluminum frames with an upright riding position, flat handlebars, threadless steering, wide, deep-lugged mountain tires, powerful disc brakes, a wide range of gears, and robust front suspension forks to absorb obstacles.

A road bike is a streamlined, lightweight bicycle designed for maximum speed and performance on paved roads. Road bikes have dropped handlebars to foster an aggressive, streamlined riding position; narrow, high-pressure tires, lightweight frames, a rigid front fork for maximum power transfer and efficiency; and a wide range of gears for tacking varied inclines (our Culver Road Bike, for example, has 14 speeds).

A folding bike is a bike that can be folded! Simple, right? Folding bikes incorporate collapsing parts so they can be stored without taking up much space. In the case of our Judd Folding Bike, the top tube, pedals, and handlebars all collapse so the bike can be stored in a car trunk, closet, or even under your desk. You’ll naturally see drawbacks in comfort and performance in a folding bike, but if storage and portability is your main concern, they can’t be beat!

Electric bikes are the easiest bike to ride, because you can rely on the throttle or pedal assist to power you up hills and on long rides! However, if we’re talking about traditional, human-powered bicycles, then beach cruisers are probably the easiest to ride. As the name suggests, these bikes are designed for casual riding, typically along boardwalks or beach paths. They are known for their comfortable, upright riding position, wide handlebars and tires, and large, cushioned seats.

Beach cruisers and city bikes are probably the best bike types for casual riding. They offer a blend of comfort, style, and versatility, and many have accessories like fenders, lights, and rear racks to make traveling by bicycle more convenient.

Fixing a flat bike tire involves a few steps. First remove the wheel, then deflate the tire completely and remove the inner tube from the tire using a tire lever if necessary. Next, inspect the tube to find the puncture or tear, and patch or replace the tube.

Then it’s time to reinstall the tube. First partially inflate it and slip it back into the tire (make sure the valve stem is aligned with the hole in the rim). Once the tube is back in the tire, inflate it to the recommended pressure (usually printed on the sidewall) and reattach the wheel to the bike. It’s always smart to carry a spare tube, patch kit, tire levers, and a pump or portable air compressor with you on long rides!

t depends on how often you ride and the conditions you ride in (such as rain, sand, dust, or mud). However, most cyclists clean and lubricate their chains at least once per week if riding regularly in normal conditions. If you’re riding in those rough conditions mentioned above, like mud or rain, you may want to clean your chain as soon as you finish riding.

Ultimately, chain maintenance is something you eyeball. If your chain looks dirty and grimy, it’s time for cleaning. If your chain is squeaking when you pedal, it’s time to lube it up.

Basic bicycle maintenance tools are tire levers, a patch kit, a pump, and chain lube. It’s also important to carry some sort of compact multi-tool, one with a variety of hex wrenches, screwdrivers and other basic tools. Some cycling multi-tools even come with a chain repair tool, which is always great to have on-hand.

Bike brake adjustment depends on whether your bike uses rim or disc brakes, and gear adjustment can vary based on the shifter system on your bike, but you’ll find a detailed guide in your owner’s manual with specific instructions and fine-tuning. If you’re having trouble—or if you’re more of a hands-on learner—don’t be afraid to get help from a local bike shop!

Cycling safety starts with a properly fitted bike helmet. Always follow traffic laws, use hand signals, and stay alert to your surroundings. Wearing reflective gear and using bike lights can also help you stay visible, especially at night.

Ride predictably, maintain your bike, and be extra cautious at intersections. Use bike lanes when available and ride defensively, assuming drivers might not see you. Also, adjust your riding to weather conditions, plan safe routes, and consider riding with a buddy. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility – be aware of others and share the road responsibly!

Yes! You should always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. Not only is it legally required in some jurisdictions—particularly to ride on city streets—but it’s also just a smart safety practice that can prevent serious injury or death.

For starters, lock your bike in a well-lit, visible location, and use a reliable, sturdy bike lock. U-locks and chain locks offer the most security. Beyond this, be sure to lock through both the frame and at least one wheel. Choose a solid, immovable object like a bike rack or sturdy pole. If possible, lock both wheels.

If you do this much, you should be safe. However, it can also help to position your bike and lock so that the interior of the locking space is filled as much as possible—with very little wiggle room. This makes it harder to use leverage tools to break the lock. You can also use multiple locks for added security.

If you're looking for a bicycle that makes getting on and off feel effortless, a step-through frame is the way to go. retrospec step-through bikes are designed so you can mount and dismount without swinging your leg over a high top tube, which makes every ride feel more relaxed and confident. The Chatham Step-Through 7-Speed Beach Cruiser is a great option with wide cushioned tires, a padded saddle, and smooth 7-speed Shimano gearing that handles light hills with ease. If you want something more city-ready with fenders and a rear rack built in, the Beaumont 7-Speed Step-Through City Bike is a bestseller for good reason. Not sure which frame style is right for you? The retrospec bike size guide walks you through finding your perfect fit.

The most comfortable bicycles for commuting are ones with an upright riding position, smooth-rolling tires, and reliable gearing that handles stop-and-go city streets without any fuss. retrospec city bikes and hybrid bikes are built with exactly that in mind. The Beaumont Plus 8-Speed Step-Through City Bike is a standout commuter pick, with full-wrap fenders, a rear rack, disc brakes, and an upright saddle that keeps you comfortable from block one. If you want more speed and terrain versatility, the Atlas 21-Speed Hybrid Bike brings a lightweight aluminum frame and 21 speeds to the table. For a deeper look at what to look for before you buy, check out the retrospec commuter bike guide.

The best women's bicycles strike a balance between a ride that feels smooth and a look you actually want to roll up on. retrospec step-through and classic frame bikes come in colors and builds that are as easy on the eyes as they are to ride. The Beaumont 7-Speed Step-Through City Bike is a go-to for everyday rides, complete with a rear rack and fenders that make running errands actually enjoyable. For a more relaxed, coastal feel, the Chatham Step-Through 7-Speed Beach Cruiser pairs a padded saddle and wide cushioned tires with a classic cruiser look that turns heads on any boardwalk or neighborhood path. If you want more speed and versatility without giving up comfort, the Atlas Step-Through 21-Speed Hybrid Bike brings a lightweight aluminum frame, disc brakes, and 21 speeds to every kind of ride. For a full breakdown of what to look for, the retrospec guide to the best women's bikes covers all the key considerations.

You don't need to spend a lot to get a bicycle that's reliable, good-looking, and genuinely fun to ride. retrospec has a solid lineup of bikes under $500 built for casual riding, whether that means cruising the neighborhood, hitting a beach path, or running a quick errand. The Beaumont 7-Speed Step-Through City Bike packs a lot of value into an accessible price, and the Chatham Step-Through 7-Speed Beach Cruiser keeps things laid-back and smooth. Not sure which style fits you? Take the retrospec bike quiz and find your match in about 30 seconds.

Under $800, you can get a genuinely well-built bicycle with multi-speed gearing, a durable frame, and features that make it feel like a much more expensive ride. retrospec bikes in this range give you the most bike for your budget, with options that cover commuting, cruising, and light trail riding. The Atlas 21-Speed Hybrid Bike is a strong pick for riders who want speed and versatility, while the Beaumont Plus 8-Speed Step-Through City Bike is ideal if you want a fully equipped commuter with disc brakes, fenders, and a rear rack right out of the box. For more guidance on hybrid options in this range, the retrospec hybrid bike buyer's guide is a helpful read.

The best adult bikes for speed and comfort don't make you choose between the two. retrospec hybrid and city bikes are built to move efficiently while keeping the ride smooth and the fit natural, so longer rides feel good from start to finish. The Atlas 21-Speed Hybrid Bike is a go-to for riders who want a faster, more responsive feel with disc brakes and a lightweight aluminum frame. If you want the full picture on how hybrids stack up against city bikes and road bikes, check out the retrospec guide to the most popular bike types before you decide.