Guide
Bike types: Find a bike with suitable characteristics
by Michael Restin
Find the right bike for you
8.6.2018
Translation: machine translated
The choice of different types of bike is huge. To help you find your way through the jungle of offers and find the right bike for your needs, we have compiled some useful information.
As soon as you get on the saddle of your bike, you realise that cycling gives you a special feeling of freedom. Enjoy the pleasure of your own power, the wind in your face and hair and the new paths that open up with the freedom you have gained. The tips in this article will help you find the right bike for you.
Which bike should it be?
One of the almost 4 million bikes in Switzerland can probably be found in your home. In most cases, all you need to do is inflate the tyres, check the brakes and lights and you're ready to go. An existing bike will certainly suffice for the first few routes. Over time, however, you will want to cycle more, better and more comfortably. Then it's time to optimise or buy a new one.
Before the purchase
First of all, you should use your existing bike to get to know your needs better. Instead of buying a new bike, it's often enough to refurbish or upgrade your old bike. It also makes sense to experience yourself as a cyclist before you spend any money. This will quickly help you realise what exactly you are looking for. You can use the following checklist to sound out your needs.
Checklist for buying a bike
I'm looking for a bike ...
- For a price of no more than XY francs
- For short journeys in the city
- For a long commute (longer than ten kilometres)
- For touring and travelling
- For travelling on the train/tram
- For a comfortable sitting position
- For a sporty ride
- That is low maintenance
- That I can easily carry into the cellar or apartment
- On which I can transport a lot of luggage
- Which is suitable for transporting children
Inform yourself
In magazines such as "cyclinfo", "velojournal" or "bike-magazin" you can find out about the latest developments on the bike market, combined with test reports. The "Stiftung Warentest" foundation also regularly scrutinises bikes. Incidentally, more than 250 brands are also presented at Switzerland's largest bicycle trade fair every year - and you can test and compare many models on site.
1. Hollandvelo
Ideal for comfortable cycling in the city. Not for fast cyclists due to the upright riding position. The solid workmanship is reflected in the weight. The closed chain case protects the chain from the weather, which unfortunately means that the bikes are not very easy to repair.
2. Cityvelo
Also enables an upright sitting position, differs from the Hollandrand in that it has higher handlebars and a different sitting position as a result, which is not ergonomically favourable. One of the most popular types of bike due to its low maintenance and comfort, so you will find a large selection at favourable prices. In combination with suspension, city bikes become very heavy.
3. touring or trekking bike
These bikes are designed for transporting luggage and people over long distances, but also perform well as all-rounders in the city. They are equipped with a special luggage rack and bottle holders. The riding position is much more stretched out than on typical city bikes. Models for beginners are available at a favourable price; with higher-quality components, they quickly become more expensive.
4. pedelecs and e-bikes
With the help of an electric motor, these bikes get you moving faster and more easily. The battery, motor and modified frame geometry result in a higher weight and a significantly higher price, so the bike and battery must be well protected against theft. Pedelecs are legally considered bicycles and may be ridden on the cycle path, while other regulations apply to the faster S-pedelecs and e-bikes (insurance licence plate, driving licence, helmet requirement).
5. racing bike
Fast, sporty riding is the main focus of racing bikes. The crouched riding position is not always comfortable and reduces visibility. The narrow tyres restrict use in bad weather and on poor road surfaces. The lightweight frames carry little or no luggage.
6th mountain bike
With their thick tyres and suspension, mountain bikes are more at home off-road. Nevertheless, they are also very popular in the city. Lights and bells usually need to be retrofitted. Mudguards and pannier racks are also often missing, meaning that additional costs and sometimes time-consuming assembly are added after purchase.
7th folding bike
Perfect for travelling on buses and trains and can be folded and stored in any home or under any desk. After a short period of familiarisation, folding bikes ride like a "normal" bike despite their small tyres. The options for transporting luggage are limited. However, good folding bikes and their accessories are not cheap.
8. Transport or cargo bike
For the everyday transport of larger loads or children, these bikes are the first choice for many people. Three-wheeled cargo bikes in particular make it easier for children to get on and off. With single-track models, you are faster and also more manoeuvrable. Due to the high price, you will need a theft-proof shelter.
9th recumbent bike
Due to the lower running resistance, this is ideal for brisk cycling over longer distances. The recumbent position takes some getting used to. Recumbents are only suitable for city traffic to a limited extent due to the poor visibility (you lie/sit lower than motorists). There is a large selection, but as recumbents are only produced in small quantities, they are quite expensive.
10th special bike
There are also good offers on the bike market for people with physical disabilities. There are tricycles with a high or low seating position, combinations of recumbent and touring bikes as well as bikes that can be coupled to wheelchairs. There are also models for small people. Due to the high prices, you should seek detailed advice and clarify whether any costs will be covered by social insurance before making a purchase.
You can simply get on and ride off. I've noticed that even inexperienced people can manage short distances. =D
Arbenita Jashari
Junior Editor
arbenita.jashari@digitecgalaxus.chWhen it comes to office supplies, I believe in form and function. From pens, scissors, paper notes to glittery glue and funky folders. That’s what I’m about at work. When I’m not busy checking out the latest desk accessories, I enjoy jetting off to remote corners of the world, lifting weights or taking an evening walk.
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