Best Types of Bicycles for Beginners

With the lack of public transportation and the need for social distancing when getting around, more people are interested in buying a bicycle for their personal mobility. While many are thinking of bicycles for short-term use and commuting because of restricted movements brought by the lockdown and quarantine, once checkpoints and borders to other provinces open up and travel by air and sea is allowed again, traveling by bike for leisure may also become more popular.

Aside from transportation, bicycles can provide exercise and a form of meditation. But it can be intimidating to choose what type of bike to buy. Before you head to a bike shop, it’s helpful to know what type of bike is best for you.

If you are considering buying a bicycle for the first time, these are the most popular and practical types to consider and their pros and cons (arranged by skill level needed and price range).

BMX

BMX stands for bicycle motocross but the term is frequently used to describe any single-speed bike with a 20” wheel. Simple in construction and very durable, these low-maintenance bikes are a good option for first-time bikers on a budget who just need a form of transport around their barangay or nearby places. BMX bikes are a classic choice for a kid’s first bike.

Pros: Affordable, solid, simple, robust, durable, ruggedly built, compact frame, low maintenance
Cons: They only have one gear, can be heavy, hard to ride on uphills, not suited for long commutes, no suspension which makes the body absorb more impact compared to mountain bikes
Price range: Starts at P2,000 and up

Japanese Bike / Utility Bike

Japanese bikes (also called Utility bikes or Lady Bikes) are intended for commuting quickly around town. They are low-maintenance and durable. In city settings, they’re ideal for people who just want a means of transportation to work for short distances and trips to the grocery. These are not designed to be ridden in hilly areas but are made for short distances. These types of bikes are considered hip for travel and leisure, especially in touristy areas.

Pros: Affordable, low maintenance, great looks, relaxed riding position, practical for carrying stuff, ideal for wearing normal clothes, very durable
Cons: Heavy and slow, not designed for long-distance riding, can’t change gears so it’s hard to pedal if you’re going uphill
Price: Starts at P2,000 and up

Folding Bike

Folding bikes are bicycles designed to fold into a compact form and can be more easily carried into buildings. Folding bikes are ideal if you’re short on space at home and want a bike for urban commuting and errands in the city. They’re best for areas where roads are generally flat. While these bikes were designed for short distances, many enthusiasts also use them for epic rides up mountain roads and for bike touring over hundreds of kilometers.

Pros: Practical, convenient to store, can be taken on public transport, easy portability when traveling by car, boat or plane
Cons: Slower than a big-wheeled bike, not as stable
Sample models: Brompton, Nyfti, Carry Me, IF Move, Tern, Venzo
Price range: Starts at P4,500 and up

Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes are versatile bicycles that can be ridden on pavement and on dirt trails. These bikes have flat handlebars and rugged frames and components. They generally have great suspension, either on just the front fork or both front and rear. You can go virtually anywhere on a mountain bike. If you like the idea of riding through mountains, forest trails, and river crossings during weekends, you’ll want to invest in a mountain bike.

Pros: Great brakes, comfortable to ride, tough, versatile
Cons: Heavier than a road bike, can be slow on the pavement, expensive to upgrade
Sample brands: Giant, Cannondale, Trek, Santa Cruz, Brusko (Sandugo), Rurok, Trinx
Price range: Starts at P8,000 and up

Road Bikes

Road bikes (also known as roadies or racers) are designed for riding on paved surfaces. They’re characterized by skinny tires and “drop bars”– handlebars that curve downward. A road bike is the best choice if you intend to go on long rides on the pavement.

Pros: Lightweight, fast, good for long distances
Cons: Can’t go off-road, drop bars are uncomfortable for some riders, expensive to upgrade
Sample brands: Specialized, Giant, Cervelo, Trek, Trinx–practically all bike manufacturers that make mountain bikes also make road bikes
Price range: Starts at P12,000 and up

There are many other types of bicycles including Hybrid Bikes, Fat Bikes, Cyclocross, Gravel Bikes, Tandem Bikes, Cargo Bikes, E-bikes, and more, but I think the five types above are the most practical and best types of bikes for first-timers and newbies to consider.