City bike from A to Z

Cycling and the city are a perfect match. You can ride at your own pace, avoid traffic jams, and enjoy independence. On the other hand, you get (at least theoretically) urban infrastructure, a wide selection of bike shops, and plenty of interesting places to ride. More and more people choose this mode of transportation as their primary mode of commuting. Even more use it recreationally or occasionally. It's no wonder, then, that city biking is currently experiencing an explosion in popularity. But what does that even mean? After all, cities vary greatly, as do user preferences. In this article, we'll discuss the different types of city bikes, what to consider when buying, and how to define your needs. If you notice something missing, be sure to let us know!

Cities are different, and the city bike has to adapt

How can you compare Amsterdam to Radom (with all due respect to Radom)? The differences in infrastructure are overwhelming. On the other hand, a smaller city means shorter distances. However, the fact remains that a bike must be adapted to the environment it will be riding in. If you're going to encounter a lot of curbs or dirt roads, forget about narrow road tires. If bike thefts are a plague in your city (and unfortunately, they are common), it's not worth investing in top-of-the-line equipment. The most important thing, however, is the urban terrain. City bikes are most often associated with chunky Dutch bikes and an upright riding position. They work great in the aforementioned Amsterdam, but it's... flat there. What's more, bikes are always left outside, so there's no need to carry them up stairs or into elevators. Now imagine riding such a bike in Krakow (or even near Warsaw's Agrykola) and hauling it to the office. And conversely, if your commute is a leisurely stroll along a hillless bike path, you don't need a clever bike to weave between cars. Urban riding is an extremely broad term.

Comfortable and dignified

A classic city bike – a low frame (usually women's), a very high head tube, and a completely upright riding position. This translates into very high comfort, although only on short distances. After a dozen or so kilometers in this position, chafing and back pain are guaranteed. However, it's hard to expect everything from them. Standard features include full fenders, a chain guard, a basket, a kickstand, and integrated lighting. Such a city bike should be easy to use (the cheapest models lack gears), require minimal maintenance, and allow you to ride in any outfit – even a dress or suit. If you're not sporty and want to avoid any associations with Lycra, this will probably be the most affordable option. It's a bit of a bike for people who aren't interested in cycling – and there's nothing wrong with that! You get on and enjoy the ride without thinking about technique. After all, a bike is supposed to be fun. However, remember that such city bikes are heavy, and lugging them up stairs won't be pleasant. We also advise avoiding the cheapest models (not to mention those from the supermarket) – manufacturers often disregard the quality of their accessories, opting for wicker baskets and pretty colors. As a result, riding them can often be tiring, and failures can occur quickly.

Fast and agile

The alternative is to focus on simplicity. The fixed-gear bike craze of a few years ago has faded, but the idea of ​​a minimalist, lightweight city bike remains. Instead of defending yourself against the city with fat tires, guards, and heavy fenders, you can launch a bold counterattack. The silhouette, derived from road and track bikes, encourages dynamic riding and allows for efficient urban maneuvering. Such a bike is nimble and agile. It's easy to carry up stairs, hang in your apartment, and riding it is pure fun. A lightweight bike also means less force is needed to accelerate and brake. Most people, upon their first ride on a lightweight city bike, are shocked that pedaling can be so light and enjoyable. Of course, nothing comes for free – comfort comes at a price. Most bikes of this type also lack gears (although we, for example, install a three-speed hub upon request). In areas without hills, this isn't a problem, but in areas with many climbs, it can be a problem. The lack of a kickstand or mudguards can also be disappointing. It's also worth noting that less equipment also translates into higher price, so you can opt for more durable, higher-quality components. We recommend avoiding models with high-rim wheels – they may look attractive, but such wheels (at least the cheap ones) are quite heavy and spinning them can require some effort. But that's not the point!

A compromise city bike?

There are also city bikes that attempt to bridge these two categories. After all, balanced solutions are often the best. A close example is our ladies' bike – the riding position is slightly reclined, and the entire bike is compact, making it agile without risking back pain. We've limited the equipment, but not excessively. This type of city bike is more versatile – it provides plenty of fun but doesn't require sacrifices.

Cross bike for the city

The most versatile type of bike – the cross – is also a good choice for a city bike. It's derived from trekking bikes, but is lighter and more dynamic, lacking any long-distance features. If you're looking for a bike that's as "ordinary" as possible, this will be a perfect choice. Importantly, the best of these bikes will be suitable for daily city commutes and occasional trips of several dozen kilometers, even off-road. It's also the best candidate if you want to install a child seat. Weight-wise, it falls somewhere between a minimalist and a traditional city bike (slightly closer to the latter) – the suspension fork is the main contributor to weight. When buying, pay attention to the drivetrain and wheels. It's better to have components from a lower, but comparable, range. Many manufacturers install a rear derailleur from a higher group, but skimp on the front derailleur, crankset, and hubs – which are much more important components!

Flatboat

A smart option for those who are constantly short on space – whether at home, on public transport, or in the car. Folding bikes have come a long way from the rudimentary designs of the 1970s, and modern models can be very comfortable and efficient. The riding position is upright and reminiscent of a typical city bike. The biggest difference is the small wheels. They don't absorb bumps very well, so any potholes are very noticeable. Therefore, 20 inches is the absolute minimum. On the other hand, most folding bikes are extremely maneuverable and perform well in tight spaces. It's also important to remember that many folding bike manufacturers (Dahon, for example) like to use unconventional solutions, and spare parts can be hard to find.

A city bike doesn't have to be city-specific

Just a dozen or so years ago, the most popular city bikes were the so-called "mountain bikes." Of course, they had little in common with true MTBs, but their wide tires made them suitable for bumpy sidewalks (anyone who tried riding on the street in 2000 knows it was an urban extreme sport). Efficiency and comfort weren't their strong suit, so as soon as cross-country bikes and affordable city bikes appeared, they slowly began to disappear from the streets. Today, many people buy gravel bikes for the city, which are, after all, designed for long rides. Owners praise the comfort of wide tires and the typical dynamics of a road bike, combined with their versatility for out-of-town trips. The author of this article rides around town on a fixed gear or road bike and wouldn't consider switching to anything else, and I know some who still bravely ride 26-inch MTBs. A city bike is the one that best suits your city riding. Consider how and where you ride to make your choice. And if you make a mistake? Too bad. Sell your bike and keep trying. That's the best way to find the perfect city bike!