Choosing a new bike should feel exciting. However, when you’re faced with road bikes, hybrids, e-bikes, folding bikes, and many other options, it can quickly become a headache trying to decide which one is right for you.

The main bike types are built around different kinds of riding. Some are made for speed or are better on rough terrain, while others are designed to fold under a desk, carry you further with less effort, or give you extra stability on the road.

So before you think about brands, colours, components, and so on, first take a moment to think about your commute. That can include how far you travel, what roads and cycle paths your journey includes, whether you need to take your bike on public transport, and if you plan on using your bike at weekends too.

Here’s your guide to the main bike types to consider, all of which are available through Cyclescheme’s Cycle to Work Scheme for up to 47% less than their standard retail price!

Which bike type is best for your commute?

There isn’t one “best” bike for everyone. The right choice is the bike that makes your everyday journey feel easier. After all, a short ride across town requires a completely different bike than a long commute on country roads. Storage, comfort, hills, rough paths, and train connections can all help you narrow it down and make the right choice.

So, here are the seven main bike types to know, along with what kind of riding each one is best suited for...

1. Road bikes: built for speed on tarmac

Road bikes are designed to move efficiently over paved roads. They’re usually light, have narrow tyres, and use drop handlebars, which let you change hand position and adopt a more aerodynamic riding position. That makes them a strong choice if your commute is mainly on smooth roads and you want to cover distance quickly. 

The trade-off is that a road bike can feel a bit less forgiving on potholes, as well as gravel or rougher cycle paths. The lower riding position may also feel unfamiliar if you’re new to cycling. All in all, you should choose a road bike if your commute is mostly tarmac, you value speed and efficiency, and you’re happy with a sportier riding position.

Learn more about road bikes

2. Hybrid bikes: the option that “does the most”

If you want one bike that can handle the commute, a canal path, and a trip to the shops without making a fuss, a hybrid is often a good place to start. Hybrid bikes combine elements of road and mountain bikes. This means you’ll usually get flat handlebars, a more upright position than a road bike, and tyres that are wider than pure road tyres without becoming overly bulky.

That mix makes hybrids one of the most practical bike types for everyday commuting. They’re comfortable around town, capable on many traffic-free routes, and easy to fit with useful extras such as mudguards, racks, and panniers.

All that said, a hybrid may not be as quick as a road bike or as tough as a mountain bike. However, that’s not really the point. Its strength lies in its versatility. That’s why a hybrid is the right choice for you if your journey mixes roads and cycle paths and you want a comfortable upright ride.

Learn more about hybrid bikes

3. E-bikes: more help when you need it

An e-bike is a bicycle with an electric motor that assists you while you pedal. You’re still riding and putting in the effort, but the motor just gives you extra support whenever you need it. With that support, a long commute can feel more manageable and a steep hill stops being a major obstacle on your route to work. With an e-bike, you may also find it easier to carry things, from work equipment to shopping or a child seat, without turning every journey into a full-blown workout.

For new and less experienced riders, or for riders who are returning to cycling after a long time away, that can make cycle commuting feel far more achievable. Even so, e-bikes are generally heavier than non-electric bikes so think carefully about storage, as well as whether you’ll need to lift yours up stairs or onto public transport.

In short, an e-bike is a great choice if hills, distance, carrying weight, or a bit less experience are holding you back from cycling more often.

Learn more about e-bikes

4. Folding bikes: made for mixed commutes

Not every commute starts and ends on two wheels. If part of your journey involves a train, bus, office lift, or a walk through a station, a folding bike can make the whole trip easier to manage. As the name suggests, these bikes fold down into a much smaller package, making them easier to carry and store. They’re also useful if you live in a flat or lack secure outdoor storage for a less convenient bike.

Folding bikes typically use smaller wheels, so it’s worth noting that the ride can feel different from a full-size bike... but for shorter urban journeys and commutes where cycling is only part of the journey, convenience often matters more than outright speed.

Ultimately, you should choose a folding bike if space is tight, your commute includes public transport, or you want a bike that can stay close to you rather than being locked outside.

Learn more about folding bikes

5. Mountain bikes: ready for rougher ground

Mountain bikes are built to cope with uneven terrain. As such, they usually have wide tyres with plenty of grip, strong frames, powerful brakes, and flat handlebars. Many also use suspension to absorb bumps. That makes them ideal for trails, woodland routes, and rougher off-road riding, and they can also suit commuters whose route includes poor road surfaces, gravel tracks, or less polished cycle paths.

What you gain in grip and durability, you usually give up in speed on smooth roads. Wider tyres and suspension can make a mountain bike feel slower on a long road commute than a hybrid or road bike, so you should choose a mountain bike if rough surfaces make up a meaningful part of your ride, or if your commute is only one part of how you plan to use the bike.

Learn more about mountain bikes

6. Touring bikes: designed to keep going

Touring bikes are made for long-distance riding and carrying luggage. They tend to favour comfort, reliability, and stability over outright speed, with frames and components designed for long days in the saddle. For commuting, that can be useful if you travel a good distance, carry a lot with you, or want to use panniers rather than wearing a backpack.

However, a touring bike may feel like more “bike” than you need for a short city commute... but for riders who value comfort and carrying capacity, it can be a very capable everyday option. That’s why you should consider a touring bike if you regularly carry equipment or ride longer distances to work.

Learn more about touring bikes

7. Adult trikes: extra stability and confidence

Adult tricycles use three wheels instead of two, giving riders extra stability at low speeds and when stationary. That can suit people who don’t feel confident balancing on a conventional bicycle, some riders with mobility needs, or anyone who simply prefers more stability. Many trikes also provide useful carrying space, which can work well for shopping, equipment, or everyday errands.

Just make sure you note that trikes are wider than standard bikes, so you’ll need to think about storage, access points, and the width of any barriers on your usual route. Overall, trikes are the right bike type for you if stability is your priority and conventional two-wheeled bikes don’t feel like the right fit.

Learn more about trikes

How to choose between different bike types

Still torn between the options? Don’t start with the bike. Start with the journey.

Think about the part of your commute that could become a problem if you chose badly. Is it a steep hill? A rough towpath? Nowhere to store a full-size bike? Ten miles of open road? A train connection? That usually tells you more than a long specification list ever will.

And of course, don’t underestimate fit. Two bikes in the same category can feel completely different once you’re in the saddle. Your local bike shop can help you compare frame sizes, riding positions, and different styles before you decide.

Find the right bike with Cyclescheme

Once you know which bike type suits you, Cyclescheme can help make it more affordable. If your employer offers Cyclescheme, you can save up to 47% on a bike and eligible cycling accessories through salary sacrifice payments, with the cost spread through interest-free repayments from your salary.

Better still, Cyclescheme works with more than 2,600 bike shops across the UK, giving you access to independent retailers, major stores, online specialists, and brand-direct options. That means you’re not limited to one make, one shop, or one style of bike. You can find the setup that actually works for your commute.

If that sounds like something you could benefit from, use the Cycle to Work calculator to get an idea of how much you could save. Then explore your options and ride your way!

Get started with Cyclescheme