Which bike is right for me? A guide to bicycle types

There's a perfect bike for every occasion. It's no wonder that many enthusiastic cyclists own multiple bicycles to fully enjoy different routes. Of course, you can be just as happy with only one bike. The important thing is to choose a model whose features meet your needs optimally. That's why every bike purchase starts with yourself. You'll be able to answer the question "Which bike is right for me?" after reading this guide!

Before purchasing a bike, you should first consider the intended use of your bike. In the next step, you can think about at what level and budget the components and materials should be. The last question - which frame size is right for you? - is easily answered thanks to our Perfect Positioning System. Here are our tips to help you find the perfect bike for you step by step.

Where do you want to ride?

No matter what type of adventure you're seeking, there's a bike designed to meet your every need. From cruising on smooth asphalt roads to tackling bumpy off-road trails, each bike is crafted with specific features like frame geometry, gears, brakes, and suspension that are tailored to tackle the unique demands of different terrains.

• Ultralight, aerodynamic road bikes excel during fast training sessions and tough races.
• An MTB equipped with a suspension fork and precise disc brakes is perfect for muddy and bumpy trails.
• With a lightweight city or fitness bike, you can effortlessly bypass traffic during rush hour.
• The comfortable riding position of a touring bike makes it the perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy long, leisurely rides and take in the beauty of their surroundings.
• E-bikes are the ultimate companion for anyone seeking a sweat-free and comfortable commute, or for those looking to conquer steep hills and challenging terrain with ease.

These examples demonstrate that there is a perfect bicycle out there for everyone, provided you know what features matter most to you. Below we will dive deeper into the different types of bicycles.

It is possible to customise your clothing, lighting, and other bicycle accessories according to your specific needs. If necessary, many bicycle parts can be added or upgraded to improve their performance. For instance, you could make a city bike suitable for commuting by adding lights, a rack, and mudguards.

Components, frame materials and budget

Canyon has bicycles to fit any budget, from high-performing bikes for daily use to top-of-the-line race bikes that that world-class athletes rely on for their most important races. Your individual needs will determine the most suitable option for you. The components and materials used will significantly influence how much you need to budget for your bike purchase.

Frame size

Regardless of the type of bike and its features, it's always important to choose a bike that fits your body size. Both the frame size and the optimal position of the saddle and handlebars depend on your height. The right size ensures better comfort on your bike and helps to prevent pain or even injuries. To assist you, Canyon has developed the Perfect Positioning System: data from thousands of cyclists serves as the basis for calculating your ideal frame size in an easy and straightforward way.

We have taken a significant step towards answering the question "Which bike is right for me?". The next step is to choose a suitable type of bike. Bikes can be roughly divided into six categories, each of which has different types of bikes:

• Road Bikes
• Mountain Bikes
• Gravel Bikes
• City Bikes
• Hybrid Bikes
• E-Bikes

E-bikes are available in all variations - as E-road bikes, E-mountain bikes, E-gravel bikes, or E-city and touring bikes. While the electric motor and battery increase the weight and price of the bike, the drive system supports you when you really need it. For example, if you plan to tackle long or hilly rides. In daily life, an e-bike can make your life significantly easier. Enjoy your commute without breaking a sweat. You can switch on the motor when needed, allowing you to ride with your own muscle power whenever you want.

Now, let us take a look at a detailed overview of the most important features and differences between the various types of bikes and E-bikes.

Road bikes - from endurance to racing bikes

Do you enjoy long rides along country roads and well-maintained cycle paths and want to ride at a high speed? Then a road bike is just right for you. The design of road bikes focuses on aerodynamics and high-quality materials with low weight. The aerodynamic riding position may take some getting used to at first. However, during fast sprints and endurance rides that require a lot of energy, you will appreciate the reduced air resistance.

Depending on the adventures or challenges you want to face, you can choose between different types of road bikes:

• An aero bike is designed with an innovative frame geometry and aerodynamic construction that allows you to reach new top speeds.
• Race bikes can be found at the top positions of professional cycling races providing the perfect balance between extremely lightweight components and sophisticated aerodynamics.
• Endurance bikes have been specially designed for long-distance rides. The riding position is more relaxed, and they can be equipped with wider tyres if necessary. This makes rough roads and dirt tracks no longer a problem. During challenging multi-day rides, you will particularly appreciate the increased comfort.
• Cyclocross bikes offer the highest performance on unpaved tracks. The geometry, weight, and equipment features are specifically designed to meet the challenges of cyclocross racing.
• E-road bikes combine lightweight construction and aerodynamic geometry with an electric drive. Using different ride modes, you can adjust exactly how much motor assistance you need.

Dive deeper in our road bike buyer’s guide.

Mountain bikes are designed for off-road riding, fun on flowy trails and downhill rides. With their wide, knobbly tyres, they are perfectly suited for gravel tracks and forest paths. However, as an everyday bike, they may not be the best choice. While they excel on trails, their design can be a hindrance on asphalt. City bikes or road bikes may be a better choice for commuting or long-distance rides on paved roads. Nonetheless, when it comes to rough terrain, mountain bikes are unbeatable in terms of performance and speed.

Mountain bikes have effective suspension and perfect gears for rough climbs. This allows you to maintain full control over your bike even on the most demanding terrain. When it comes to suspension, you can choose between two types:

• Hardtail mountain bikes are only equipped with a suspension fork.
• Full suspension bikes have, in addition to the suspension fork, a rear shock absorber as well.

Depending on your preferred type of terrain, you can choose a mountain bike that is specifically designed for your favourite ride style.

• Enduro MTBs are for high speeds on demanding trails.
• Trail Bikes are versatile all-rounders – from gravel to mountain paths.
• Cross-Country MTBs are for tough XC and marathon races.
• Downhill MTBs are for challenging downhill trails and bike parks.
• Dirt Jump MTBs are for tricks on pump tracks and skate parks.

The rapid developments in the E-bike market have opened up entirely new possibilities. The latest E-mountain bikes provide boundless fun on the trails with powerful suspension, strong motors, long battery life, and powerful pedal assistance.

In some models, the wheel size is adapted to the frame height. Smaller frames are equipped with 27.5-inch wheels, while larger frames from size M and above come with 29-inch wheels. An exception are some downhill variants, which have 27.5-inch wheels or a mullet setup (29 in the front, 27.5 in the back) for agile handling and quick response times.

Our MTB buying guide can help you make a decision.

Can't decide between a mountain bike, road bike, and touring bike? Then a gravel bike or E-gravel bike might be the right solution for you: an all-rounder that combines the advantages of these three types of bicycles. Here's what sets a gravel bike apart from other bikes:

• Medium-width, profiled tyres for fun on gravel and speed on asphalt.
• Geometry that allows for confident handling of the bike on unpaved roads.
• Lightweight components that ensure maximum efficiency and high resilience.

These features make our gravel bikes not only the optimal all-road bike for gravel roads, cycle paths, or forest trails. It is the perfect companion for bikepacking trips. Models specifically designed for gravel racing are optimised for long-distance races on unpaved roads. You can read about the key components in our gravel bike buyer’s guide.

As the name suggests, city bikes are at home on paved roads in the city. They are ideal for regular use on shorter routes - such as the commute to work - but also provide enjoyment on long weekend rides. The seating position is only slightly inclined, providing a comfortable body position while cycling and a good overview of the traffic.

At Canyon, you will find different types of city bikes for different needs:

Commuter bikes are ideal if you want to ride to work or university by bicycle. These comfortable, reliable city bikes are designed specifically for longer commutes and are also suitable for weekend rides. With mudguards, dynamo-powered lighting, and luggage racks, they meet the needs of modern commuters perfectly. Thanks to their clean design, you'll also look stylish in your office attire on such a bike. Optional hub gears and belt drives are low-maintenance and ideal for everyday life in city traffic.

Inspired by road bikes, fast and lightweight city bikes are perfect for those who want to use their bike for everyday trips and workouts. The straight handlebars and clear frame design with internal cable routing underline the minimalist urban style of the bike. Disc brakes are fitted as standard, offering excellent braking performance in all weather conditions.

Do you regularly encounter uphill climbs on your routes that make you sweat? Do you often carry heavy bags on your luggage rack? A powerful motor assistance and a long-lasting battery will solve these problems. With a lightweight aluminium or carbon frame, in which the compact built-in electric motor is integrated, the E-city bike is as agile as it is powerful.

In our blog, you can find a detailed guide on buying city and hybrid bikes.

If you dream of extended multi-day bike trips, a touring bike is the right choice. It has a sturdy frame, front suspension, and robust components. The tyres of touring bikes are wider and have more profile than those of city bikes, allowing you to easily handle dirt roads and gravel paths. The relaxed geometry ensures that you can sit comfortably in the saddle during long rides. With luggage racks, you'll be ready to go on adventures in no time.

Tip: City bikes can be easily converted into touring bikes with the appropriate attachments.

Hybrid Bikes

A hybrid bike combines the best of both worlds. Choose a city bike that blends road bike genes with everyday usability, or go for a more off-road-friendly hybrid bike like our Canyon Pathlite:ON. In addition to cycle paths, roads, and forest paths, you can use it to ride on gravel tracks and uneven terrain. This bike offers you the perfect balance of propulsion and grip. Agile, with effective power transmission and comfortable suspension, it guarantees a high fun factor both in the city and off-road.

If you're someone who wants to keep riding even when you're feeling tired, an E-bike could be the perfect solution for you. All the bike types featured in this guide are available as E-bikes, making them suitable for different types of riders, from commuters to enthusiasts. Despite the presence of an electric motor and battery, E-bikes are relatively lightweight these days, with some models weighing as little as 16 kg. However, there are some additional factors to consider when buying an E-bike. If you're wondering which E-bike is right for you, be sure to check out our E-bike buying guide.

The better you know your preferences, the easier it is to decide on a bike type. If you're still not sure or don't know what to look for when choosing certain components, a visit to the Canyon Showroom or your nearest Canyon event can help. There, you can get detailed advice on the question "Which bike is right for me?" and test different bikes. Even a short test ride can give you a good idea of how a bike rides.