How to choose a city bike?

Did you know that in some cities in northern Europe there are more bicycles than cars? Going to work or doing small tasks at a pedaling pace is a whole different story. How about leaving your car in the garage and enjoying every meter of the route?

If I have convinced you to prefer the bike to the car even in the city center, there is only one question to answer. Now that you have decided that you need a city bike, which one to choose?

Don't worry, I'll guide you through the selection of the perfect riding bike and explain the aspects you need to consider. You'll find that cycling on the city streets will have a beneficial effect on your wallet, your health and even your mood, so you can start the day off to the best of your ability!

3 reasons for choosing a comfortable city bike

Probably there are many more, but I want to show you 3 good reasons to ride your bike on the streets of your city.

1. Make your wallet happy

Cyclists are a real disgrace to the country's economy. They don't need a car or fuel, but they only have their legs working to move (or a zero emission engine in the case of electric bikes). They do not pay the tax and they do not even need insurance! In short, cyclists save a lot of money!

2. Keep you healthy

Regular physical activity helps you stay healthy. One bike ride a day removes all back pain and helps to prevent many diseases (Glasgow researchers also say that). It's the best way to keep your weight under control and to stay young.

3. Zero emissions and the planet will thank you

If we love cycling so much, it is because it puts us in close contact with nature and makes us admire landscapes that leave us breathless. When you choose to take your bike instead of your car, you help to improve the air quality and reduce pollution.

How to choose your city bike

After this necessary premise, we can review the elements to be considered in order to choose light and comfortable city bikes, perfect for moving around in city traffic. Together we will take a look at the number of ideal speeds, the materials, the models and the design of the various city bicycles.

Number of speeds

If you're planning to ride a city bike, you're unlikely to want to cover too many miles and you will stay close to your home or holiday home. To understand the number of speeds you need to get, it's best to consider the type of route you'll face.

Whether it is a hilly or mountainous area, with many ups and downs, you'll need a bike with 7-8 speeds. If, on the other hand, the route is mainly flat, then a 3-speed bike or even a single speed is also a good idea. A bike with 6 speeds, like the Lombardo citybike for women in the photo, is certainly a good balance.

City bike materials: how to choose them

Racing bikes need lightness, while mtb and trekking models need strength and flexibility. What about city bikes? The most important feature is certainly its comfort, so there are many possibilities when it comes to materials selection.

Lightweight, high-performance materials such as titanium or carbon fiber are not needed here. It is better to opt for a steel or aluminum frame, which will certainly be heavier, but also less expensive. The saved money can be invested in the purchase of very useful accessories, such as baskets or practical bags for bicycles.

Vintage, sporty or minimalist design?

The design of the bike must always be in line with the personality of the cyclist. Lovers of retro taste can opt for an elegant vintage city bike, while minimalists will choose an essential and impressive design. Cyclists with a sporty soul will prefer models that take up the geometry of mtb and trekking bikes.

Whatever the chosen design is, make sure that the bike has all the elements required by law, essential to avoid the most frequent fines to cyclists. Every bicycle must have headlights, front and rear, and reflectors on pedals and wheels. If your bike does not have these accessories as standard, you can always add them immediately after purchase.

The frame of the city bike: which one to choose?

Frame geometry is also a matter of taste and personality. The most common shapes are only 3.

The Dutch frame is the same as the one we saw before in the Lombardo citybike for women. It is no coincidence that it's the most used for women city bikes, in fact, it allows you to get into the saddle with ease and even with the skirt. The Dutch frame is also highly appreciated by men for its maneuverability and elegance.

The mixed frame is used by both men and women. It allows you to get on and off the bike with ease and it's particularly sturdy. This feature allows you to use even the bags a bit larger, such as those used for cycling tourism.

The diamond frame is the most classic and is characterized by the shape of two triangles. It is rigid and durable and some cyclists also find it very convenient for carrying the bike on their shoulders, for example to go down the stairs.

Budget for the city bike

The budget is another decisive factor in choosing your city bike. It's not difficult to find cheap city bikes, but before you're tempted by saving too much, you have to consider what you're buying. A bike that costs little, will certainly require more maintenance.

It is therefore better to choose a bike that lasts over time, thanks to the quality of the components and the state-of-the-art assembly. If the price is lower than 200 or 250€, the product may be poor and not very durable.

City bike: which one to choose?

Now you have all the information you need to choose a city bike that is perfect for your needs. Let yourself be guided by your personal taste, by the use you want to make of it and by the type of route you will face on your way. If you need more technical details or specific advice, please do not hesitate to contact me!