Choosing a bike is an individual matter. It all depends on your goals and riding style, fitness and, of course, budget. Let’s take a look at the key aspects to consider when choosing a bike in 2024.
Determine your riding style
The first thing to understand is what you’ll be using your bike for. Do you like mountain trails, do you prefer speed or do you just want a comfortable city bike for walking?
- Mountain bikes (MTB). These are ideal for riding on dirt trails and mountain routes. They have wide tyres with deep tread and are usually equipped with shock absorbers.
- Road bikes. Designed to maximise speed and efficiency on tarmac roads. They have narrow tyres and a streamlined design.
- Hybrid bikes. A combination of mountain and road bikes, these models are suitable for city rides and light off-roading.
- BMX bikes. Small but sturdy bikes, ideal for stunts and jumps.
- Electric bikes. Have an inbuilt electric motor to help you pedal, especially on uphills.
Bike size
The right bike size ensures a comfortable and safe ride. The size depends on the height and leg length of the cyclist. Most manufacturers offer size charts for each model that can help determine the right size.
Bicycle components
Parts such as brakes, shifting, saddle, and pedals affect the performance and comfort of a bicycle.
- Brakes. Disc brakes offer better braking power and work better in wet weather, while rim brakes are lighter and cheaper to maintain.
- Shifting speeds. More speeds give you more range, but may require more maintenance.
- Saddle. The saddle should be comfortable and fit your anatomy and riding style.
Budget
Budget can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the type of bike, brand, materials and components. Determine your budget ahead of time and try to stick to it.
Best bike brands of 2024
Specialized: One of the leading brands in the industry, Specialized offers a wide range of bikes, from mountain bikes to city bikes. The brand is known for its innovation and high quality.
- Trek: It is an American bike manufacturer that produces bikes for all conditions, including mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrid bikes and even electric bikes.
- Giant: As one of the largest bicycle manufacturers in the world, Giant offers a huge range of models and is considered a leader in introducing new technologies in bicycles.
- Cannondale: Cannondale is known for its innovations, including aluminium and carbon frames and unique suspension systems.
- BMC: The Swiss brand produces high-end bikes that are often seen in professional races.
- Raleigh: A brand with a long history, Raleigh continues to produce reliable and affordable bikes that suit a variety of riding styles.
- Mongoose: Mongoose is known for its BMX bikes, but it also produces mountain bikes. It offers bikes with good value for money.
- Haro: Haro Bikes started as a BMX brand but has since expanded its range to offer mountain, city and kids bikes.
- Scott: A Swiss bike manufacturer known for its high-end mountain and road bikes
- Cube: A German brand that produces a wide range of bikes, from mountain bikes to road bikes, as well as electric bikes.
Top 10 bikes of 2024
- Specialised Stumpjumper: A leading mountain bike that offers superior handling and comfort. Features advanced suspension technology and robust construction.
- Trek Domane: This road bike offers high speed and efficiency. It features a comfortable frame geometry and IsoSpeed technology that reduces rider fatigue.
- Cannondale Quick: An outstanding hybrid bike that combines the advantages of a mountain bike and a road bike. Suitable for city rides and light off-roading.
- Mongoose Legion: One of the best options for BMX. It has a sturdy steel frame and reliable components that can withstand hard use.
- Trek Allant+ 7: A top electric bike with a powerful motor and long-lasting battery. Great for long rides and climbs.
- Giant Reign: This is a high-end mountain bike designed for demanding mountain trails. Its frame geometry and suspension system provide excellent handling.
- BMC Teammachine: One of the best road bikes on the market. It features advanced aerodynamic technology and a lightweight carbon frame
- Raleigh Redux: The hybrid bike combines comfort and performance. It has wide tyres and a stable frame, making it ideal for urban riding.
- Haro Downtown: A great option for BMX, with a sturdy steel frame and quality components. Perfect for tricks and jumps.
- Specialized Turbo Vado: Another outstanding electric bike that offers a powerful motor and long battery life. It has a comfortable frame geometry and quality components.
Choosing a bike is a process that requires you to consider many parameters, from your riding style to the size of the bike and your budget. Hopefully, this article will help you make an informed choice when buying a bike in 2024. Remember, the perfect bike is one that you will enjoy using!
