A urban bike is, by definition, a bike designed for urban use, in city centers, on the outskirts and even in suburban areas. Unlike bicycles reserved for sporting activities (road bike, MOUNTAIN BIKES, gravel)the urban bike is all about comfort, utility and practicality, well ahead of performance.
WHAT'S AN URBAN BIKE FOR?
Visit urban bike can hardly be defined in any other way than in general terms, since there are many different types of urban bicycle: bicycles of different types that urban cyclists choose according to their profile, their needs, the nature of their journeys (frequency, distance, difficulty) and so on.
To help you find the model best suited to your urban commuting habits, we've divided them into categories, presenting the characteristics and differences of each one.
HOW TO CHOOSE
There are many different ways of cycling in the city. Among the city's cyclists are students, working people who like to "velotaf", weekend commuters, couriers and professionals of all kinds. You can use your bike for basic, everyday transportation: going to the market, running a quick errand, picking up your child from school, or simply to get to an appointment.
When you think about buying a new bike, you also have to think about how you're going to use it. To help you choose the bike that's best suited to your urban commuting habits, it's a good idea to explore a few avenues of thought, and to outline the most important selection criteria:
Type of trip (frequency, distance, terrain, difficulty)
The nature of the routes you'll be taking will largely determine your choice of bike.
If you'll be riding frequently over long distances, you'll want a dynamic, even sporty bike. On the other hand, short, occasional trips in the city center can be covered by bikes with a strong urban character, such as a Dutch bike or, in another style, a fixie. If your route is too long or difficult, or if you want to get to work without having to shower, an electric bike is the solution.
The transmission is an important element to consider, and should be chosen according to the difficulty of the terrain. Manufacturers equip their urban bikes with traditional derailleurs or hubs with integrated gears, which are well-suited to the flat to slightly hilly courses generally encountered in town. These require little maintenance compared with derailleur systems, which are still preferable for tackling difficult climbs.
The folding bike is the ideal urban bike for intermodality, a mode of travel in urban areas that alternates bike portions with public transit journeys. It can be folded for easy transportation on buses, streetcars and subways, just like a piece of luggage.
If your trip involves paved roads and a few off-road trails, versatile, hybrid bikes such as VTCs or travel bikes, which are at ease on all terrains, are well suited.
Last but not least, keep in mind that a multi-purpose bike of this type can be used outside your daily city life, for family outings, country rides, vacations or weekends. So, depending on your habits and budget, choose an all-purpose bike rather than one with an overly exclusive urban identity (fixie, Dutch bike...).
Comfort (size, posture, geometry)
The right bike is the one you feel comfortable on! With the exception of some folding and cargo bikes, most urban models come in a range of sizes. In the case of cargo bikes and folding bikes, the saddle and stem are usually adjustable.
Depending on the type of urban bike, the rider's posture may vary. This is an important differentiating criterion. For example, the position on a Dutch bike is very upright, with the rider riding with a straight back. In contrast, a VTC, fitness bike or fixie offers a sportier position, with the torso more inclined to the handlebars.
Among other comfort criteria, many classic city bikes come in three geometries - Wave (gooseneck), Trapeze, Diamond (horizontal top tube) - to suit all cyclists, men and women. A Wave frame is easier to straddle than a Diamond frame, with trapeze geometry models representing an intermediate solution.
Safety
In the city, cyclists ride in close proximity to vehicles and motorcycles, which is why it's essential to equip their bikes with safety accessories that will help them signal their presence to others.
Lighting, reflectors, bellYour urban bike must enable you to ride as safely as possible!
Useful accessories
With practicality and usefulness in mind, urban bikes are generally equipped with basic accessories, such as a luggage rack rear rack mudguardsand a kickstand. Their usefulness is obvious: they make it easy to carry panniers or a baby seat, and protect you from splashing water if you're riding in the rain.
If load capacity is an essential criterion for you, if you're planning to transport your children and run important errands by bike, the cargo bike is especially well-suited! Equipped with a body offering a greater or lesser load capacity, it can replace the car in many cases.
The style
Obviously a subjective criterion, the style of your urban bike can be important, especially if you choose a fixie bike!
WHICH URBAN BIKE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
VTC (mountain bike) bikes
The mountain bikes are all-purpose models, designed for riding on asphalt as well as rolling trails and paths. Borrowing their components from mountain bikes, they are most often equipped with disc brakes, telescopic forks and a traditional gearing system with derailleur gears, making it easy to climb any hill.
Travel bikes
The touring bikeor trekking bike, can be used by city cyclists who enjoy long bike rides to get around town on a daily basis. This is a very sturdy bicycle, with all the accessories needed for everyday use (mudguards, kickstand, luggage rack, etc.). Equipped with durable, reliable components, they have a high load-bearing capacity and a transmission system designed to easily negotiate difficult climbs.
Dutch bikes
The Dutch bicycle is the quintessential urban bicycle, not to be found outside the city! It features a gooseneck frame that's easy to straddle. Super-comfortable for fairly short, flat trips, the Dutch bike is perfect for those who want to ride serenely, with an upright chest and head held high to better anticipate the pitfalls of traffic. The drivetrain components (hubs with integrated gears) are hidden from view to prevent soiling and limit maintenance requirements.
City bikes
The city bike is a model that aims for comfort, practicality and usefulness, designed to accompany cyclists on their journeys. Superbly equipped with accessories (mudguards, luggage rack, quality lighting, kickstand...), it makes life easier for its user every day! Robust and durable, it's made of steel or aluminum, and comes in a variety of shapes (Wave or swan-neck geometry, intermediate trapezoid or classic diamond), so it's accessible to everyone. Vintage, beach cruiser, sporty, classic... the city bike can take many forms!
Fixie/singlespeed bikes
The fixies and singlespeed are sleek, minimalist bikes that often appeal to young cyclists who cultivate a certain fun, laid-back style. They have just one gear, and are available with a fixed sprocket (fixie) and/or a freewheel (singlespeed). Ideal for getting around town quickly, over short distances and on flat roads!
Folding bikes
The folding bike is the ultra-practical, nimble and adaptable bicycle made for intermodality! This mode of travel, which alternates commuting and cycling, is the preferred way for cyclists living on the outskirts of town to get to the city center. Thanks to their folding frame, these bikes can be easily transported on a bus or train, just like a piece of luggage.
Cargo bikes
The cargo bikeThe cargo bike, whether two-wheeled, three-wheeled or longtail, is a bicycle with a very high load capacity. Equipped with a more or less voluminous body, or an extended rear rack, the cargo bike can be used to transport several small children, groceries and/or bulky parcels, etc. Ideal for families and professionals working by bike, it can replace a car in many cases!
Electric bikes
Separate from our presentation, as they belong to a transversal category, the electric bike is available in most of the bicycle types mentioned so far. There are electric folding bikes, electric city bikes, electric VTCs, electric cargo bikes... suitable for all city cyclists, especially those with fairly long distances to cover each day. Pedal motor, front or rear wheel, autonomy... There's plenty to choose from!
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