Urban commuter: Choosing your ideal city bike

Posted

15 August 2024

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With urban cycling becoming increasingly popular all across Europe, choosing the right bike for the job is of vital importance, whether you’re a commuter or a casual riders.

Many cities these days have good cycling infrastructure, but also cultural ‘norms’ which you should factor in when choosing a bike tailored for urban environments.

So what should you look for?

1. Comfortable geometry and an upright riding position

Geometry is critical in a city bike – one designed to promote an upright, relatively comfortable riding position. A good one should provide riders with good view of the traffic area and therefore an ability to easily notice any kind of obstacles ahead. Contrary to racing or mountain bikes, which place riders in a more aggressive, bent-over posture, city bikes instead ought to emphasise riders’ comfort and facility in daily use.

Look for bicycles that have relaxed frame geometry, with a taller head tube and shorter top tube. This puts the rider in an upright position, where their back, neck and wrists won’t hurt from being bent in an unnatural position during long rides. Most city bicycles also include step-through or ‘mixte’ frames, which make getting on and off easier when carrying bags or wearing more formal (perhaps ‘work’) clothing.

2. Integrated accessories for practicality

Most European city bikes come with a raft of integrated accessories, purposely designed for riding in urban areas. Not only will they improve the ride, but also save you time and money buying and fitting aftermarket components.

Some accessories to look for include:

Mudguards: These prevent the rider from getting damp or dirty in the wet conditions we all know too well!
Lights: Integrated front and rear lights keep you visible and often in compliance with local traffic regulations
Racks and baskets: These help with carting all that may be required, whether that’s groceries, work bags, or any other stuff, without affecting balance and comfort
Chain guards: These will keep your clothes away from the oil and grease
Kickstands: These help make bikes easier to lock, especially in places without specific bike racks.

3. Low-maintenance drivetrain

For riding in the city, what any rider needs is a basic, low-maintenance drivetrain. Most will never need the wide range of gears that sport bikes give. Fewer gears mean fewer headaches… that’s where simplicity counts.

Look at bikes with between three and seven gears for enough variety on the urban landscape. Internal hub gears have become very popular, with several benefits for the rider:

The ability to shift gears while stationary comes into play when caught in stop-and-go traffic
Gear changes are smooth and quiet
It keeps the elements out – lessening wear and thus creating minimal maintenance requirements
A large range of gear ratios in a very small unit.

Yet another low-maintenance bike is the single-speed. Better for flat cities, it does mean simplicity and reliability, but might not fit the bill too well if your commute includes big hills.

4. Durable tyres and wheels

City bikes need to balance the three features: Durability, comfort and efficiency. Features to look out for include:

Tyres:

Width about 38 – 44mm (1.5 – 1.75 in); this occupies the middle ground for reasonable speed, durability and cushioning
Construction that resists punctures, so that you won’t have to be constantly worrying about carrying repair tools around while riding
Reflective sidewalls, for better visibility in low-light conditions.

Wheels:

70cm (28in): More common on city bikes, larger wheels ride more smoothly over rough surfaces
Strong spokes: Specifically in traditional Dutch-style bikes, thicker spokes bring added strength with increased carrying capacity .

5. Effective braking systems

Without good brakes, a bike is not fit for duty on the city streets. One of three primary braking systems is featured on most European city bikes:

Rim brakes: These are inexpensive, easy to maintain and work quite well for most people in good weather; they just get a bit less effective in wet conditions
Drum brakes: These are protected from the weather inside the wheel hub and have very minimal maintenance required. They are also extremely popular in countries where the rain never seems to stop!
Disk Brakes: These provide the best braking in any condition and are therefore increasingly found on higher-end city bikes. They do, however, require more maintenance than the other options.

When choosing your bike, think about the local weather and how you feel about maintenance to choose the right brake system for you.

6. Electric assistance options

Pedelecs: These give electric support only when pedalling, and only up to 25 kph (approx. 15.5mph).
Speed Pedelecs: These may provide support up to 45kph (28mph); however, they may be subject to other legal provisions depending on the country.

E-bikes work by providing ease of cycling and have greater appeal to some riders, especially in cities with steep geography or for people with long commutes to work.

7. Style and aesthetics

While functionality should be your number one concern, you shouldn’t sacrifice the aesthetic appeal of your city bike.

Classic design on most city bikes will give the bicycle both beautiful looks and functionality. Think of colour, frame style and overall design… not to mention how great it’s going to look corked up in front of your favourite café.

Find the best one

The right city bike, such as DYU cycles, mean balancing comfort with practicality and local cycling norms. So features such as upright geometry, integrated accessories, easy maintenance and reliable braking systems are paramount.

Remember, the best city bike for you will depend on your needs, the lay of the land and personal preferences. Ride a few different models, and don’t hesitate to take advice from your local bike shop. With the right bike, you’ll be ready to join millions of others in the fun, ease, and sustainability of cycling in the city.

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