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Six types of bicycles you can buy in Singapore

From road bikes to hybrid bikes, there are a few things to consider when buying your first bike.

Ruth Chan

Enjoys solitude. Finds comfort in watching the sunset and drinking milo.

Published: 16 November 2020, 5:56 PM

Are you thinking of investing in a bicycle but unsure of where to start? Fret not, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you are using it for competitive cycling, leisurely rides with friends, or for your daily commute, different types of bikes are suited for different activities.

Here is an overview of six types of bicycles you can find in Singapore, and the kinds of terrain they do best in.

1. Road bikes

Get a road bike if you want fast, efficient cycling on smooth roads and pavements. They are suitable for competing, exercise and long-distance riding.

Fitted with smooth and thin tyres, lighter frames and drop handlebars, these bikes are designed for quick progress on the roads with minimal effort.

However, the speed-focused riding position may be uncomfortable and the tyres are more susceptible to wear and tear.

Road bikes can range from $500 to more than $1,000 for entry-level bikes.

Places to buy: Crank n’ Chain, Treknology 3, Decathlon, Rodalink, Hup Leong

2. Mountain bikes

Mountain bikes are for off-road and rough terrain. They have features such as suspension and shock absorbers as well as more rugged tyres, which make them sturdier than other bicycle types.

However, this makes them heavier, which in turn leads to it being slower than road bikes.

People looking to go bike trailing at Chestnut Nature Park or Coney Island can consider a bike like this.

Mountain bikes, like road bikes, fall on the pricer end of this list and can range from $500 to more than $1,000 for entry-level bikes.

Places to buy: Specialized, Treknology 3, Decathlon, Rodalink, Cheap John Enterprise SG

3. Hybrid bikes

Hybrid bikes, as suggested by its name, are a combination of the road bike and the mountain bike.

They include narrower, slick tyres and higher gearing from road bikes for faster speeds, but also adopt flat handlebars from mountain bikes which put less pressure on the rider’s shoulders.

However, hybrid bikes are heavier and slower than road bikes.

As these are the most versatile bikes in the market, these bikes are recommended for entry-level cyclists.

These bikes are primarily used for commuting, occasional off-road trails and riding with family or friends.

hybrid_bike — If you are considering a bike that is jack-of-all-trade, remember that hybrid bikes are not 100 per cent suited to any one type of terrain. PHOTO CREDITS: CYCLINGNEWS

Places to buy: Decathlon, Hup Leong, Cheap John Enterprise SG

4. Fixed-gear bikes (Fixies)

Fixed-gear bikes are ideal for short term commuting due to their single-gear system, which means that the bicycle moves only if you pedal it.

The main appeal of such bikes is a reduction of time and money associated with maintenance as many components of other types of bikes are missing from fixies, which makes the bikes light and quick.

However, fixies aren’t the most beginner-friendly as they require a particular level of control.

fixed_gear_bikes — Some fixies do not have brakes as the fixed-gear mechanism acts as one. PHOTO CREDITS: JIMMY PANTZY VIA UNSPLASH

Places to buy: Mr Bicycles, FixieSG

5. City bikes

City bikes are designed for comfort, aesthetics and casual riding, making it perfect for short-distance commuting. You can even wear a dress while riding these.

They have very few gears and are often fitted with baskets for practical purposes. Riders sit in a comfortable and upright position with rounded handlebars.

The drawback of such bikes, however, is that it is heavy and slow.

City bikes are often the most affordable types of bikes, costing around $100 to $300.

Places to buy: Decathlon, Rodalink, FootLoops

6. Foldable bikes

If you have limited storage space at home or want to bring your bike on the MRT, this is perfect for you.

Foldable bikes are portable, and their small size makes them convenient to carry around and store.

With their small wheels, the bikes can accelerate quickly, but they are heavier and slower than big-wheeled bikes and not as durable.

Due to their versatility, their prices are on the more expensive end.

foldable_bikes — Most folding bikes have smaller wheels which makes them trickier to handle than other types of bikes. PHOTO CREDITS: BICYCLING

Places to buy: My Bike Shop, Brompton Bicycle Singapore, Aleoca

Now that you are familiar with the different types of bikes, another important thing to consider is how often you’ll be using it.

If you will be using it every day, it may be wise to invest in a more expensive bike. If you’re thinking of once every week or month, a cheaper one will suffice.

As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for”.