Bike to work: Which bike to choose?

Is cycling the future of commuting ? Considering the rollout of cycling policies nationwide and the growing popularity of cycling among the working population, you might think so! Thinking about getting to work on two wheels , but wondering where to start?

• What are the essential questions to ask yourself?
• Which bike is best suited for commuting ?
• What to choose between a muscle bike or an electric bike?

In this article, we help you make your choice!

Commuting by bike: what questions should you ask?

Saving time and money, staying fit, reducing stress, reducing your carbon footprint, etc.: the benefits of cycling to work are countless.

But you still need to choose the right bike for you! Because we can assure you, having a bike that's not suited to your riding style can be a real handicap! To the point that some new cyclists give up after a few weeks. So, before choosing a bike model, let's start by asking ourselves the right questions:

• Your commute: Is there a lot of elevation change? Do you have to travel on country roads, paths, or only cycle paths? How far is it from your workplace?

• Parking your bike: Do you have a private garage or bike room to park your two-wheeler overnight? Is it easy to park your bike on your company premises? Are the spaces secure?

• Your lifestyle: Do you drop your children off at daycare or school in the morning? How many children do you want to transport by bike? Do you use lunchtime to do your shopping? Is it bulky or not?

• Your physical condition: Are you an athlete or a beginner? Do you already practice cycling?

• Your budget: What is your budget for purchasing a bicycle? Can your company help you with financing?

Now that you've answered all these questions, you can look into the different types of bikes suitable for commuting.

Bike to work: what type of bike to choose?

There are dozens of bike models that can be used for commuting! But there is a very good reason for this: there are as many commuting routes as there are cyclists . You just have to find shoe pedal to his foot!

The city bike for urban travel

The city bike is the star of urban cycle paths. To see for yourself, just head to the city centre of Rennes, Paris or Strasbourg on a Monday morning (non-exhaustive list!).

Also called a Dutch bike , this type of cycle is designed for the city:

• Its frame is high and sloping. You stand upright and can easily straddle your bike, even with tight-fitting clothing.
• Its wide 26- or 28-inch wheels absorb road vibrations. You pedal more easily.
• Practical accessories are available. Consider skirt guards, mudguards, a kickstand, and a luggage rack. You can also add a basket at the front, panniers at the back, or a baby seat.

This bike is for you if:

• Your journeys are mainly urban and on the road.
• You plan to travel alone or with a child.
• You're not looking to drive fast.
• You are new to cycling.

The road bike for long journeys

The road bike is primarily intended for sporting use . But although it is more often seen on rural roads at weekends, it can also be perfectly suitable for commuting :

• Its tires are thin and its frame is lighter than a city bike. With it, you'll gobble up the asphalt at breakneck speed. On hills, you'll naturally find yourself dancing.
• Depending on the road bike model, some prioritize comfort while others are designed for speed.
• It's versatile. You can use it for both your commute and your workouts.

This bike is for you if:

• Your commute is long and paved.
• You practice competitive cycling and are already used to covering long distances.

Gravel for varied and light journeys

In France, gravel cycling is becoming increasingly popular. It must be said that it has many advantages:

• It is a hybrid. With its wide, knobby tires, you can use it on all types of terrain (roads, cobblestones, paths, stony tracks, etc.).
• It's faster than a city bike. Whether on smooth or uneven terrain, flat or steep, you can easily overcome obstacles.
• It's versatile. Like a road bike, your gravel bike can be used for both commuting and athletic rides.

This bike is for you if:

• You enjoy cycling in your free time.
• You are used to two wheels.
• You live far from your workplace and have to cross several types of terrain.

VTC for varied journeys with accessories

The VTC, or all-terrain bike, is a good compromise between the city bike and the gravel bike :

• Its frame is high and your position is slightly inclined, which remains comfortable for your back.
• Its tires are thinner than gravel tires, but are still designed for riding on trails, as well as on paved or gravel roads.
• Practical accessories, such as a child's chair, bicycle bags or a front basket can be added.

This bike is for you if:

• Your bike commute is punctuated by roads and paths.
• You want to maintain an intermediate position on your bike.
• You want to transport a child or your belongings in the back.
• You are a beginner and want a stable, smooth-running bike.

The folding bike for multimodal journeys

In our towns and cities, the folding bike is becoming more and more popular:

• It's space-saving. Its small 20-inch wheels and low-step-through frame are designed to take up little space when folded.
• It is lightweight. Weighing between 10 and 20 kilos depending on the model, it is ultra-maneuverable.
• It remains efficient. Contrary to what you might think, folding bikes remain efficient. If your route is hilly, choose a folding bike with 8 or 9 speeds.

This bike is for you if:

• Your bike commute is multimodal , in other words, you must take your bike on board a train or a bus.
• You don't have a bike storage room and would like to store it in the entrance to your apartment.

The cargo bike: designed primarily for urban families

Galian's cargotail - Photo credit: Charlie Limou

Cargo bikes have a thousand faces , whether they're two-wheelers, three-wheelers, longtails, front-mounted cargo bikes, or cargotails . However, all these models have some things in common:

• They can carry multiple children. While other models like city bikes or hybrid bikes can only accommodate one child, cargo bikes are specifically designed for families.
• They're multifunctional. Cargo bikes and longtails aren't just for transporting your kids. You can also carry heavy loads like boxes, groceries, panniers, or even a surfboard!
• They are designed for urban travel. Depending on the model you choose, you can travel on roads, cobblestones, and paths. Some cargo bikes even navigate sidewalks as if they were nothing!

This bike is for you if:

• Your journeys are mainly urban and the cycle paths and tracks are well developed.
• You have 2, 3 or even 4 children and want to drop them off at school or daycare before going to work.
• You want to part with your car in favor of a multifunctional bicycle.
• You want to go on family outings on the weekend.
• You want to travel by bike all the time, even for shopping (cargo bikes with a box at the front are recommended).
• As a professional, you have bulky equipment and have to attend many meetings.

💡 Discover: the testimony of Pierre , physiotherapist in Rennes, happy owner of a cargotail .

Muscle or electric bike for going to work?

For all the models of bicycles adapted to cycling that we have presented to you, there are always two solutions: the muscular (or mechanical) bicycle and the electrically assisted bicycle . The electric version is becoming more and more popular and is even widespread on certain types of bicycle (the cargo bike in particular for obvious reasons!).

The muscle or mechanical bike remains the most popular choice today. A city bike or a classic hybrid bike is an economical solution due to its purchase price and minimal maintenance. Another advantage is that you don't need to recharge any batteries. Only your legs do the work!

Despite this, the electric bike is becoming essential for those who cycle to work. It is certainly a more expensive solution, but there are many aids available for the purchase of an electric bike . For long distance or hilly journeys , this cycle assists you in your driving and reduces your fatigue, especially if you are carrying heavy loads. However, you do not stop pedaling and stay active!

As you can see, the bike you choose for commuting is primarily determined by your lifestyle and physical fitness. Be careful, though: embarking on the adventure of commuting means taking the risk of never getting off it again ! This practice is literally addictive! We warned you. 😉