Which bike for Commuting?

Fueled by the development of mature networks of bike paths, the explosion of the electric bike or the growing ecological aspirations of a large part of the population, commuting, i.e. the daily use of bicycles in the city as a means of transport, has developed strongly in recent years.
Logically, bike manufacturers have seized on this trend to offer models more or less dedicated to this practice.
But which bike should you choose for your commute? Probikeshop gives you the keys to help you make your choice!

What is commuting?

Behind the name commuting hides a practice shared by an increasing number of city dwellers: commuting to work or school by bicycle on a very regular, even daily, basis.

This practice is encouraged by public authorities through the development of infrastructure (cycle lanes, 30 km/h zones, one-way streets authorized for bicycles, bicycle parking), as well as financial incentives (premiums for the purchase of an electrically-assisted bicycle, kilometre allowances for bicycles, sustainable mobility package).

Also known as velotaf (contraction of "bike" and "go to work"), commuting is part of a broader trend towards the development of soft mobility in urban and suburban environments.

What is a commuting bike?

Whether it's called commuting or velotaf, this practice covers a wide range of uses, including depending on the distance you have to cover, the type of route you take and how often you use it.. That's why there isn't just one type of bike, but a wide range to suit every need.
So, depending on the situation, it may be wise to choose a sporty city bike (sometimes called a fitness bike), a Vélo Tous Chemins (VTC) or a bike Gravel.

All these bikes can be selected in muscular or with a electrical assistance according to your wishes, your physical condition and your requirements (strict dress code, absence of showers at your place of work or study).

But the aim is always the same: to cover the distance between home and work as quickly as possible, safely, reliably and comfortably.

What criteria should you choose?

The diversity of commuting bikes is such that a few key selection criteria need to be outlined.

A sturdy, easy-to-handle, lightweight frame

Doing the same commute every day with a heavy frame could end up tiring you out, or even discouraging you. The lightweight should not be neglected. In addition, weight can be a important factor if you're going to be carrying your bike every day.in the stairwell of your building or at work. This will also be a key consideration if you're not sure whether to opt for an electric-assist model, as even the lightest models rarely weigh less than 15 kg.

At the same time, daily city riding, on more or less good road surfaces and/or paths, puts a lot of strain on the equipment. The robustness is a must. So opt for an aluminum frame, or possibly a high-end steel frame. Carbon will be reserved for the most athletic riders who cover long distances every day and are looking for the most responsive frame possible...

The handling and responsiveness are also important criteria for getting through the urban jungle with ease. Choose a bike with a slightly sloping or horizontal top tube, a limited wheelbase and relatively short chainstays. Ideally, your torso should be inclined forward and the saddle above the bottom bracket for the most efficient pedaling possible.

From a practical point of view, it's a good idea to opt for a frame that accepts a wide range of tires (see below). Finally, it's best to opt for a frame with eyelets for mudguards, and possibly for luggage racks, although many alternative solutions now exist for the latter.

A rigid fork

You may be tempted to opt for a bike with a rigid fork. telescopic fork to make your rides more comfortable. But you're likely to regret it, as a suspension fork will make your bike heavier and less efficient, without necessarily providing greater comfort, especially on entry-level bikes. What's more, it will require regular maintenance. If your route involves trails, you can gain in comfort by choosing suitable tires (see below).

650B or 700c wheels and robust tires

If your route is exclusively on asphalt, opt for 700c (or 28'') wheels to guarantee the best possible performance.
If your route combines asphalt and trails, opt for a frame in 650B wheels wheels (corresponding to 27.5" MTB wheels), which offer the best compromise between performance and comfort. Some frames even allow you to fit both sizes (650B and 700c) for total versatility.

From tires narrow and smooth give you optimum performance on asphalt in dry weather, while narrow, smooth wide, studded tires provide comfort and grip on rough roads and trails, whatever the weather conditions. And the choice between the two is almost infinite!
The durability and puncture protection should guide your choice, with reinforced models or tubelesstubeless models.

Flat or road handlebars?

Here, the choice is a matter of taste.
Aesthetic considerations aside, the flat hanger offers cyclists a more comfortable hand position, less demanding than that offered by road-style handlebars. It also ensures better control, and quicker access to brake levers in case of emergency. The position is slightly more upright, offering a better field of vision.

The road handlebarsroad handlebars are narrower, making it easier to weave in and out of traffic. It also allows you to vary your riding position, which is appreciated by cyclists who cover long distances every day. Finally, the position is more inclined, offering greater dynamism, greater aerodynamics and more efficient pedaling.

Transmission and braking

The drivetrain is an essential element in commuting. Apart from your route, which will partly determine your choice of gear, you'll need to choose reliable, robust componentsespecially if you plan to use your bike during the winter months, when humidity, rain and splashes are particularly hard on the equipment.

All scenarios are possible. Visit single-plate offers the advantage of simplicity, but will inevitably offer less gear progressiveness and versatility than the double chainring.
The integrated gear hub (from 2 to 11 speeds depending on the model) is the ideal solution for reasonably hilly routes, as it's simple and very comfortable to use. Allowing gear changes from a standstill, it is also virtually maintenance-free. And combined with a belt drive rather than chain drive, it ensures absolute silence and pleasure of use, eliminating any risk of catching your pants in the chain and/or staining yourself with sludge.
It should be noted that belts can only be installed on frames specifically designed for them.

Finally, for braking, opt for disc brakes - whether mechanical or hydraulic - simply because they offer the most effective braking in all conditions. Mechanical disc brakes offer slightly less power, but are easier to adjust and, above all, maintain.