Buying a bike is kind of a big deal.

With so much to choose from, so many different types of bikes and styles, it can be hard to know where to start.

Enter, our guide.

Here’s a rundown of the different types of bikes and what they’re good for, so you can pick out that one that feels like a fit.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF BIKES: THE ULTIMATE BIKE BUYING GUIDE

Road Bikes

Built for speed, designed for distance, and always with performance in mind. Road bikes are as slick as they are smooth and they’re there to keep you riding for longer, on a flat and uncomplicated surface – they’re not made to go off-roading.

Where they thrive: Long and winding roads, straight ones too

We love: Pinarello F7
We’ve actually just partnered with Pinarello to give all of our Team PAU riders one of these to race on. The ultimate dream riding machine with

  • Asymmetric frame
  • Onda fork
  • Competition geometry

Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes are for the wild and the free. Out exploring? A mountain bike is your best mate, but there are two different categories that they fall into, so have a read before you find your next exploring partner.

Hardtail Mountain Bikes
They’re great if you’re just starting out or looking at smoother trails, as they have everything you need for a solid ride.

Where they thrive: Smoother mountain bike trails
We love: Cannondale Habit

  • Minimum fuss, maximum fun
  • RockShox 35 Silver airsprung fork
  • Grippy WTB Vigilante 2.5″-2.4″ tires

Full Suspension Mountain Bikes

A full suspension mountain bike offers enhanced comfort and control on rough terrain by absorbing bumps and impacts with both front and rear suspension, ideal for aggressive trail riding and downhill descents.

Where they thrive: Rocky or rough terrain
We love: Focus Jam

  • F.O.L.D. kinematics
  • Playful and intuitive
  • Integrated and clean

Hybrid Bikes

Where the mountain and the road meet. The best of both worlds, a hybrid bike will let you use it on and off road, providing the off-roading isn’t too crazy. A hybrid bike is the everyday bike we often think about the most, the all-rounder that is capable of adapting, and going with us wherever we are heading. You might also see these called commuter bikes, as they’re great for everyday riding and use.

Where it thrives: On and off road, with light to mid terrain

We love: Cannondale Quick

  • Natural riding position
  • Comfort and control
  • Bump-absorbing suspension forks

Electric Bikes

We all get by with a little help from our friends and this is exactly what an electric bike does for you. With a built in motor, it helps you to get up hills, keep pace, make the commute a little easier, and can even help those with joint pain or limited mobility to enjoy the wonders of cycling.

Where it thrives: Almost anywhere you want to go, model depending.

Discover more about The folding eBike: Your ultimate travel companion

We love: MiRiDER One

  • Compact, lightweight design for easy folding and portability
  • Powerful electric motor for effortless riding
  • Long-lasting battery for extended range.

Gravel Bikes

Built for life’s descents, the gravel bike is great for negotiating tricky downhill rides, as well as coming out on top for all-terrain riding. Superb off road as well as stellar on road, this is the jack of all trades bike that always comes out trumps.

Where it thrives: Built for downhill and technical off road-ing

We love: Pinarello Grevil

Different terrains need different bikes

It goes without saying that whatever is under foot or under wheel will determine the kind of bike you chose. We’re big fans of buying a bike that will serve you in as many ways as possible, so if you’re stuck for choice, get in touch and see how we can help.

The beauty of a well fitted bike

We have to mention the beauty of a bike fit here. It can make or break a riding experience, and a well-fitted bike can last longer, make you ride smoother, and pick up a bit of extra speed. We offer bike fits with all our bikes, so choose one and get it fitted out so it feels like it was made just for you.

Know your wheels

We know a thing or two about bikes and we have a team of bike mechanics that live and breathe this stuff. Come in and see us in one of our three shops, or if you’re from further afield, get in touch and we will be your personal shopper from afar. We’re here to help, get you riding, and keep you out and about.

PAU Shoe Store in Trentham

GET KITTED OUT

At PAU, we have a range of bikes, protective gear, lights, and accessories for all kinds of cyclists.

We have three stores across Staffordshire & Cheshire. Shop online or come and speak to our team of experts in store.

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