Whether for daily trips in the city, leisurely rides or sporting challenges, needs vary and must be at the centre of the choice of bike. The ACL has therefore produced this guide to go over the advantages and disadvantages of each type of bike.
There are different types of bicycle and the choice of model depends above all on individual needs, motor and physical abilities, and the intended area of use. Here are a few application scenarios:
- Everyday/urban: For trips in the city, such as commuting or shopping, city and urban bikes are ideal.
- Leisure/tourism: For longer excursions, weekend rides or casual tours, trekking or touring bikes are recommended.
- Sport: Racing bikes, mountain bikes or gravel bikes are suitable for training, competitions or sporting challenges.
- Special applications: For transport, bike rides or special tasks, cargo, touring or folding bikes are necessary.
Let’s take a look at the most common models on the market:
The city bike
The city bike is the ideal companion for daily trips in the city and short journeys. Its comfortable riding position and reliable equipment make it ideal for commuters and occasional cyclists.
Characteristics
- Suspension: Generally equipped without suspension on the bike or frame.
- Frame material: steel or aluminium.
- Gears: Few gears, for example 7-speed hub gears for easy use.
- Additional functions: Integrated lighting, mudguards, luggage rack, stand and reflectors for greater safety.
Scope
- Ideal use: Races or short trips
- Terrain: Mainly asphalt roads, but also paved paths and cycle paths.
- Level of comfort: Upright sitting position for maximum riding comfort and reduced pressure on the back.
Price range
- Starting price: from 400 euros (800 euros for an electrically-assisted bicycle – EAB)
- Top-of-the-range models: up to 1,000 euros (1,500 euros for an electrically-assisted bicycle – EAB)
Conclusion
City bikes offer a comfortable sitting position, simple operation, comprehensive equipment and low purchase and maintenance costs, but they are less suitable for difficult terrain, have a limited speed, are often heavier and prioritise comfort over efficiency.
Touring bike
Some people call it a ‘trekking bike’. It is the ideal companion for longer excursions, weekend tours or cycling holidays. It combines comfort and versatility and offers robust equipment that is suitable for both occasional excursions and tours lasting several days.
Characteristics
- Suspension: Often equipped with a suspension fork to better absorb large bumps over long distances.
- Frame material: Often aluminium or steel.
- Gears: Several speeds (for example 21 speeds or more) for different types of terrain and slopes.
- Additional functions: luggage rack, mudguards, lighting, ergonomic handles and adjustable saddles for greater comfort.
Field of application
- Ideal use: long-distance cycling, cycle touring, weekend excursions or daily commuting over long distances.
- Terrain: well suited to paved roads, but also to unpaved paths, dirt tracks or easy trails.
- Level of comfort: Ergonomic riding position geared towards a comfortable long-distance riding style, combined with a sturdy suspension for more demanding routes.
Price range
- Starting price: from 500 euros [from 1,000 euros for e-bikes]
- Top-of-the-range models: from 1,500 euros [from 2,000 euros for electric bikes]
Conclusion
Touring bikes are versatile and durable, offering comfort and high load capacity, with efficient gear shifting to manage slopes. However, they are often heavier, require more complex maintenance and represent a compromise between everyday use and sports performance.
Cross or fitness bike
The cross or fitness bike is the perfect mix between a sports bike and an everyday bike. It offers a fast and dynamic ride, but is also suitable for riding in the city and on paved roads. This model is ideal for sporty cyclists looking for a combination of speed and comfort.
Characteristics
- Frame: Lightweight aluminium frame for a sporty riding style, often with narrow tyres for fast progress.
- Suspension: Generally without suspension or with a light suspension fork to increase speed on paved roads.
- Transmission: Wide range of gears, often with , for more flexibility and adaptability to different routes.
Field of application
- Ideal use: Perfect for sporty rides, commuting, fitness rides and quick trips in everyday life.
- Terrain: Well suited to paved roads, cycle paths and light dirt roads. Less comfortable on unpaved roads.
- Level of comfort: Upright or slightly inclined sitting position for a good mix of comfort and performance.
Price range
- Starting price: from 700 euros [from 1,000 euros for a VAE]
- Top-of-the-range models: from 1,200 euros [from 1,500 euros for a VAE]
Conclusion
Cross bikes offer a sporting performance with fast and efficient handling, versatility for fitness and daily commuting, and lightness for better manoeuvrability. However, they are often less comfortable for long journeys, have limited off-road capabilities and fewer comfort and safety features.
Gravel
The gravel bike is the ideal choice for anyone who wants to be fast and sporty on paved roads and dirt tracks. It combines the versatility of a road bike with the robustness of a mountain bike, making it ideal for adventures on asphalt and challenging dirt tracks.
Characteristics
- Frame: aluminium or carbon frame, usually lightweight.
- Suspension: Generally without suspension.
- Derailleur: Generally a wide range of derailleurs from 12 to 22 speeds for great flexibility and adaptability to different types of terrain.
Scope
- Ideal use: sporty and fast rides on unpaved paths, but also on paved roads. Long rides or weekend excursions.
- Terrain: Suitable for mixed terrain, including easy trails, paved roads and unpaved paths.
- Level of comfort: More comfortable than a road bike, but not as comfortable as a mountain bike. The position is generally more upright than that of a road bike, but more sporty than that of a classic touring bike.
Price range
- Starting price: from 800 euros [1,500 euros for an e-bike].
- Premium models: from 2,000 euros [from 3,000 euros for an e-bike]
Conclusion
Gravel bikes are versatile, suitable for all types of terrain, offering comfort and control, with the durability and robustness for everyday use. However, they have limited shock absorption, are less suitable for technical trails or soft surfaces, and can be expensive, especially for high-quality models.
Hardtail mountain bike
The hardtail mountain bike is the ideal choice for demanding trails, fast descents and technical terrain. Thanks to its stable front suspension and lightweight frame, it is suitable for a wide range of uses, especially for cyclists looking for efficient power transfer and good control during their off-road adventures.
Characteristics
- Frame: Lightweight aluminium, carbon or titanium frame for optimum rigidity and agility in all terrain.
- Suspension: Suspended front fork, generally with a travel of 100 to 120 mm, ideal for trails and technical sections.
- Gear shift: generally equipped with a 12-speed gear shift, for a wide range of speeds and precise gear changes.
Field of application
- Ideal use: For mountain bikers who regularly ride on easy trails, forest tracks or mountain roads.
- Terrain: Suitable for unpaved paths, hilly landscapes and easy to medium trails.
- Level of comfort: The robust suspension and rigid geometry guarantee optimal control and stability, even on the most technical sections.
Price range
- Starting price: from 600 euros [1,500 euros for a VAE]
- Premium models: from 2,000 euros [from 3,000 euros for a VAE]
Conclusion
Hardtail mountain bikes are lighter, cheaper and easier to maintain, and are durable and robust enough for a range of conditions. However, they have limited suspension, which can reduce comfort and control on demanding trails, and are more suited to experienced and athletic cyclists.
Mountain biking
Full suspension mountain bikes are impressive because of their dual suspension on both the front and rear wheels. It is the first choice for demanding trails, steep descents and difficult terrain, as it optimally combines comfort, traction and control. Thanks to the increased safety offered by the improved grip and the high level of riding comfort, it is also increasingly appreciated as a versatile bike for sporty excursions off the beaten track.
Characteristics
- Frame: Robust frame with integrated rear shock absorber for maximum stability and suspension. Mainly made of aluminium or carbon.
- Suspension: Full suspension (front fork and rear shock absorber) individually adjustable and often offering a travel of 120 to 180 mm.
- Derailleur: High-quality derailleur with 12 or more speeds, ideal for steep climbs and fast descents.
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes for precise braking in all situations.
- Tyres: Wide, high-profile tyres for optimal traction and cushioning on rough terrain.
Scope of application
- Ideal use: Perfect for difficult trails, downhill routes, mountain tours and technically demanding descents.
- Terrain: Excellent for unpaved roads, stony paths and steep descents.
- Level of comfort: Full suspension ensures a high level of riding comfort and control, even on very uneven surfaces.
Price range
- Starting price: from 1,800 euros [from 2,500 euros for a VAE]
- Premium models: from 2,500 euros [from 5,000 euros for a VAE]
Conclusion
Mountain bikes offer maximum control and traction thanks to their full suspension, ensuring comfort and safety on difficult terrain, especially downhill. However, they are heavier, require complex maintenance and are more expensive to purchase, while being less efficient on easy routes.
Racing bike
The road bike is the epitome of sports bikes and is optimised for speed and efficiency on paved roads. With a lightweight frame, narrow tyres and an aerodynamic riding position, it is the first choice of ambitious cyclists looking for performance and dynamism.
Special features
- Frame: Lightweight construction in aluminium, carbon or titanium, optimised for rigidity and power transmission.
- Tyres: narrow, smooth tyres with low rolling resistance, often 25 to 28 mm wide.
- Transmission: Most derailleurs are 2×11 or 2×12 for precise and fast gear changes.
- Handlebar: Curved racing handlebar for an aerodynamic riding position and different grip options.
Scope of application
- Ideal use: Road racing, training, long rides or sporty group outings.
- Terrain: smooth, paved roads – not suitable for gravel, trails or unpaved paths.
- Comfort level: the emphasis is on efficiency; comfort is limited by the essentially sporty riding position and the rigidity of the frame.
Price range
- Starting price: from 1,000 euros [from €2,500 for an e-bike]
- Premium models: from 2,000 euros [from €4,000 for an e-bike]
Conclusion
Racing bikes offer exceptional speed, efficient power transmission, lightweight construction and optimised aerodynamics, with a wide choice of models. However, they have limited comfort, are not very versatile, have limited contact with the road and require high maintenance costs.
Folding bike
The folding bike is the master of mobility. Thanks to its compact design and the fact that it can be easily folded, it is ideal for commuters who also use public transport, travellers or people with limited storage space. It combines flexibility and the pleasure of cycling without sacrificing the basic functions of a fully-fledged bike.
Characteristics
- Frames: Folding or collapsible systems with strong hinges, often made of aluminium or steel.
- Tyres: Small wheels (e.g. 16-20 inches) for compact dimensions when folded.
- Gears: Mainly single derailleurs or hub gears.
- Folding system: various mechanisms, e.g. central or telescopic folding, for quick and easy folding.
- Easy to transport: Often compatible with an integrated carrying handle or carrying bags.
Scope of application
- Ideal use: Commuter journeys, multimodal mobility (e.g. in combination with bus or train) and travelling.
- Terrain: Smooth roads, paved paths; not suitable for unpaved terrain or long distances.
- Level of comfort: Limited comfort due to small wheels and compact design, but sufficient for short distances.
Price range
- Starting price: from 400 euros [from 700 euros for an e-bike]
- Premium models: from 1,000 euros [from 2,000 euros for a VAE]
Conclusion
Folding bikes are compact, easy to transport and store, ideal for multimodal use, and suitable for everyday use. However, they can be unstable at high speeds, less efficient for long distances or climbs, relatively heavy, and require increased maintenance of the folding mechanisms.
Cargo bike: The versatile bike for transport
The cargo bike is specially designed to carry loads of all kinds. Whether it’s shopping, children or bulkier goods, with a cargo bike, getting around town becomes child’s play. It combines the advantages of a bicycle with the functionality of a small delivery van and is surprisingly manoeuvrable and versatile.
Characteristics
- Frame: Robust construction, often with an extended wheelbase or front/rear loading areas; materials such as aluminium or steel for stability.
- Different models: single or multi-track, also with swivel mechanism for better turning characteristics.
- Tyres: generally larger wheels (e.g. 24-26 inches) for a comfortable ride, some with reinforced spokes.
- Load capacity: between 50 and 200 kg depending on the model; special superstructures possible (e.g. boxes, child seats, pallets).
- Motorisation: Many models are also available in a pedal version for effortlessly moving heavier loads.
- Safety: Often equipped with powerful (hydraulic or disc) brakes, a stable stand and lighting.
Field of application
- Ideal use: transporting shopping, children, pets or as a mobile commercial vehicle (e.g. sales stand, delivery service).
- Terrain: Optimal on paved paths and roads, some models are also suitable for easy terrain.
- Level of comfort: Great riding comfort thanks to the large wheels and frame structure, seat and handlebar positions can often be customised.
Price range
- Entry level: from 1,500 euros [from 2,500 euros for a VAE]
- Premium models: from 3,000 euros [from 4,500 euros for a VAE]
Conclusion
Cargo bikes offer a large transport capacity, ecological sustainability and flexibility of use, but they can be bulky and heavy, more expensive to buy, less agile in tight corners, and require practice to become familiar with.
Choose an electrically-assisted bicycle (EAB) or a ‘green’ bicycle (classic bicycle)?
The choice between an electrically-assisted bicycle (EAB) or a ‘green’ bicycle (classic bicycle) depends on various factors. The decisive factors are above all personal physical condition, intended use, the nature of the route and the desired riding experience. An electrically-assisted bicycle is recommended for travelling long distances, tackling steep climbs or carrying a heavy load, or for making riding easier due to physical limitations. It allows you to go further with less effort. On the other hand, a conventional bike is the best choice if cycling is used as a sport or fitness activity, if maximum battery life is desired or if low purchase and maintenance costs are important. So, if you are looking for more assistance and comfort, an electric bike is a good choice, while a biological bike is the most suitable option for ambitious, budget-conscious or minimalist cyclists.
When an electric bike is useful:
- Long distances – Less effort, greater autonomy.
- Mountainous or windy routes – Assistance on steep or windy sections.
- High payload – Ideal for races or transporting children.
- Physical disabilities – Relieves joints and muscles.
- Alternative to the car – Comfortable and fast travel.
- More fun – because you travel faster with less effort
The disadvantages of an electric bike:
- Heavier weight – significantly heavier than a normal bike.
- Higher purchase cost – more expensive than an eco-friendly bike.
- Limited battery life – depends on charging stations and battery capacity.
- More maintenance – more wear and tear and more components.
- Repair costs – more expensive than a conventional bike.
- Battery dependency – generally more difficult to pedal without electricity.
- Risk of theft – Popular target for thieves, expensive insurance.
- The motor is not silent and can be perceived as disturbing
If you are looking for comfort and assistance, an electrically assisted bike is a good choice. For sporty or minimalist cyclists, an organic electric bike is the best option.
