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In Austria and many other parts of the world, it's getting warmer again, and I can’t wait to hop on my bike and go for a few rides. If you don’t have the right bicycle yet and aren’t sure which one suits you best, we’ll take a quick look at the different types today and figure out whether a conventional bike or an e-bike is the better choice for your goals.

Before deciding between a conventional bike or an e-bike, you should first determine the basic type of bike that works for you. Since my wife and I bought new bikes this year, I did some research and compared different models. There are quite a few types, each with differences in handling, comfort, and intended use.

To help you get a better visual idea of how these bike types and their subcategories differ, I've also included some example pictures. I reached out to several bike dealers, and the very friendly staff at Achielle, BMC, Cortina, Diamant, Giant, and Ghost kindly granted me permission to use their product photos here.

City Bike - The Practical Companion for Everyday Use

The city bike is ideal for anyone who mainly covers short distances in the city, such as for errands or commuting to work. It’s perfect for those who don’t necessarily want to ride sportily but still want to stay active in their daily routine.

City bikes come in different subcategories and frame styles. Most models are available in both high-step and low-step versions, depending on personal preference. The classic city bike offers an upright riding position, fenders, a luggage rack, and often a hub gear system with a limited number of gears.

A Dutch bike offers an even more upright seating position than a classic city bike, a wide, curved handlebar, and typically a coaster brake. Dutch bikes also tend to have wider tires, providing better comfort and stability, especially on uneven surfaces. A distinctive feature of a Dutch bike is the fully enclosed chain guard. It is usually heavier than a classic city bike. Definitely a real stunner. 

Visually similar to a Dutch bike, there are also so-called retro bikes, which, however, are often made from different materials such as aluminum instead of steel or equipped with different braking systems.

Another category of city bikes is the urban bike, which offers a sportier alternative for city riding. These bikes have a slimmer frame, narrower tires, and often lack fenders. This makes them lighter, more agile, and faster.

Trekking Bike - The Versatile All-Rounder

A trekking bike, often referred to as a touring bike, is suitable for everyday use like a city bike but also built for longer rides. The seating position is slightly sportier than that of a city bike. With light suspension and a sturdy construction, it’s great for both city traffic and extended tours on gravel paths or country roads. Many models also come with a luggage rack. So, if you’re not just riding in the city but also want to cover longer distances or tackle light off-road terrain, a trekking bike is a better choice than a standard city bike.

A more robust subcategory of the trekking bike is the all-terrain bike, which leans toward the mountain bike category. Compared to a classic trekking bike, it typically has wider, more aggressively treaded tires for better grip on loose surfaces. Many models also feature a suspension fork to provide extra comfort on rougher trails.

Mountain Bike - For Rough Terrain

If you often ride off paved roads, a mountain bike is the way to go. MTBs have wide, treaded tires, a sturdy frame, and either front suspension (hardtail) or full suspension ("fully").

A hardtail mountain bike features a front suspension fork that absorbs shocks, while the rear remains rigid. This makes it lighter, more efficient, and reduces energy loss when pedaling. A full-suspension mountain bike, on the other hand, has an additional rear suspension, improving traction on challenging trails and during downhill rides. However, it’s heavier, more expensive, and requires more maintenance.

For riders who primarily cover fast, long distances on relatively mild terrain, cross-country mountain bikes (XC bikes) are a great option. These bikes combine the off-road capability of a mountain bike with the speed of a road bike. They are lighter, have narrower tires, and are designed for efficiency on longer rides.

In addition to these classic mountain bikes, there are also fat bikes, which are built for extreme conditions like snow, sand, or very loose terrain. Their extra-wide tires, with low air pressure, provide outstanding traction and cushioning, but they require more effort to ride.

In general, mountain bikes can feel a bit sluggish on paved roads since their wide tires and suspension create more rolling resistance.

Road Bike - For Long Distances on the Road

If you love speed and enjoy covering long distances on asphalt, a road bike might be the perfect choice. It is extremely lightweight, features narrow, smooth tires, and has an aerodynamic riding position that maximizes propulsion. This makes it ideal for high speeds on smooth roads.

Within the category of road bikes, there are various specialized models tailored to different needs. If you prefer long rides but don’t want to sacrifice comfort, an endurance road bike is a great option. These models have a more relaxed geometry that keeps the upper body in a less aggressive forward position, reducing strain on the back and shoulders. The ability to fit slightly wider tires also improves shock absorption on rough roads, making longer rides more enjoyable.

For maximum speed on flat terrain, aero road bikes are the top choice. Their frames are designed to minimize air resistance, providing a noticeable advantage at high speeds. Even more focused on pure aerodynamics are triathlon bikes, specifically developed for time trial competitions. These bikes feature an even more aggressive riding position, often with dedicated time trial handlebars that allow the rider to rest their arms on pads, further reducing wind resistance. They are perfect for long, fast rides on flat terrain but are less maneuverable and not designed for frequent direction changes or technical handling.

For those who don’t want to be limited to perfect asphalt, all-road bikes offer an exciting alternative. They maintain the sporty characteristics of a road bike while allowing for wider tires, providing better comfort on rougher roads. Similarly, cyclocross bikes, originally designed for off-road racing, feature a sturdy frame, wider tires, and a sporty geometry. They handle gravel and dirt tracks with ease and are also a great option for commuters who want a fast yet durable bike.

Gravel bikes take it a step further, optimized for extended tours on unpaved paths. Technically, they still fall under the road bike category, but they are often considered a separate class since they differ significantly from classic road bikes. That’s why I’m listing them separately here.

Gravel Bike - The Mix of Road and Off-Road

The gravel bike is a mix between a road bike and a mountain bike. It is often categorized as a road bike, but it is now also considered a separate category, as it increasingly differentiates itself from the classic road bike. Visually, it looks similar to a road bike, but it features wider, treaded tires and a slightly more relaxed geometry for added comfort. This makes it fast on asphalt while also handling gravel roads, forest trails, and light off-road terrain with ease. If you’re looking for a fast yet versatile bike that isn’t limited to just one type of surface, this is an ideal choice.

Of course, this is far from a complete list of all bike types. There are many more, such as BMX bikes, triathlon bikes, folding bikes, recumbent bikes, cargo bikes, and various other specialized models. However, these are more niche options and less commonly used.

Even within the above-mentioned categories, there can be even more specialized subgroups that offer specific functions and adjustments tailored to particular needs.

This short guide is mainly intended to give you an overview of the different types of bikes and help you figure out which category suits you best. That way, when you’re ready to buy, you can go to a specialist retailer with clear preferences and get the best possible advice.

Difference Between an E-Bike and a Conventional Bike

Nowadays, almost every common bicycle type is available as an e-bike variant. Whether an e-bike makes sense for you depends primarily on your physical fitness, intended use, and budget.

The classic bicycle, as we all know it, is lightweight, low-maintenance, and relies entirely on muscle power. Most models are relatively affordable, typically ranging from under €1,000 to around €3,000 unless you’re looking at a high-end model.

In comparison, an e-bike is heavier than a regular bicycle, though this extra weight is only really noticeable when parking or if the motor fails. Thanks to the electric motor, steep climbs become easier, and riding with luggage or against strong winds is much more comfortable. You can also adjust the level of assistance to match your fitness level. However, e-bikes are significantly more expensive than traditional bicycles, often costing several thousand euros more depending on the model. Additionally, maintenance costs are higher, as the battery and motor require regular check-ups.

Who Benefits Most from an E-Bike?

Let’s assume money is no issue. In that case, an e-bike could, in theory, be useful for almost anyone, even advanced athletes. Imagine tackling a steep climb and reaching your physical limit. With a regular bike, there’s a point where you simply can’t go any further. But with an e-bike, you can adjust the motor’s assistance, fine-tuning the resistance to control the intensity. This allows you to conquer even the toughest routes without completely exhausting yourself. It’s similar to lowering the resistance on an exercise bike or reducing the working weight in strength training. You simply adjust the e-bike to match your current performance level, allowing for steady progress.

That being said, the primary target group for e-bikes is likely people with lower physical fitness, older individuals, or those with health limitations. When you’re not in good shape, the thought of getting on a bike can be daunting. Many avoid cycling altogether because they fear they won’t be able to handle steep sections or won’t have enough energy for the return trip. An e-bike eliminates this concern. Whenever you hit your limit, you can simply rely on the motor’s assistance to keep going without overexerting yourself.

E-bikes can also be an interesting option for commuters. If you use a bicycle for your daily commute or errands, the electric motor ensures that you don’t arrive at your destination drenched in sweat. This is especially beneficial for longer distances or when riding against strong winds, making the journey much more pleasant.

The only group for whom e-bikes are generally not suitable is children and teenagers. The motorized assistance could lead young riders to misjudge their own abilities, increasing the risk of accidents.

How Does an E-Bike Work?

The majority of e-bikes on the market are actually what’s called Pedelecs (Pedal Electric Cycles). While the term "e-bike" is commonly used, people usually mean pedelecs when talking about e-bikes. A "true" e-bike, however, can be ridden at the push of a button without pedaling at all.

Pedelecs are bicycles where the electric motor only engages when the rider pedals. The motor provides varying levels of assistance, depending on the selected setting, up to a maximum speed of 25 km/h (15.5 mph).

Then there are so-called S-Pedelecs (Speed Pedelecs), which provide motor support up to 45 km/h (28 mph). Depending on the country, S-Pedelecs may be subject to stricter regulations, such as requiring a driver’s license, insurance, and mandatory helmet use.

Modern pedelecs come equipped with sensors that continuously measure torque, cadence, and speed to optimize motor assistance and ensure a smooth riding experience. The battery supplies the motor with power and allows for different levels of support, which the rider can adjust via an onboard computer. Some models even offer navigation and fitness tracking features.

E-bike batteries are typically made of lithium-ion cells and have a lifespan of about 500 to 1,000 charge cycles. With proper use and care, they can last around 5 to 7 years. A full charge takes between 4 and 8 hours, depending on the battery’s capacity. Some models also offer fast-charging options that can significantly reduce charging time.

The range of an e-bike battery varies depending on the model and riding conditions. Most batteries have a capacity between 400 and 750 Wh, providing a range of about 80 to 130 kilometers (50 to 80 miles) per charge. However, factors like terrain, rider weight, and the selected assistance level significantly affect the actual range. If you ever miscalculate and run out of battery, there’s no need to panic - you won’t have to push your bike. Pedelecs, just like regular bicycles, can still be ridden without a battery.

Traffic Safety - What Does a Bike Need to Be Roadworthy?

Whether it's an e-bike or a conventional bike, the basic equipment often isn't enough when buying a bike in-store or online to be fully prepared for road traffic. Usually, only the essential components like tires, brakes, and gears are included. Essential features, which are even required by law in some countries, often need to be purchased separately. This can increase the total cost by several hundred euros. Therefore, it's important to factor this into your budget planning when buying a bike.

A functioning lighting system with a white front light and a red rear light is essential, along with wheel reflectors and pedal reflectors not just to comply with regulations but, more importantly, to ensure that drivers can see you in time. Even if you only ride in the woods, you won’t want to be caught without lights when it gets dark. A bell is also mandatory and helps you signal your presence when passing pedestrians or other cyclists.

Mudguards, fenders, a smartphone mount, a bottle holder, and a kickstand are not strictly necessary but can be incredibly useful in daily life. Additionally, the standard saddle on many bikes is not always the most comfortable choice, so upgrading here can be worthwhile. And last but not least: Don’t forget a helmet and suitable clothing. You’ll be grateful for them in the event of a crash. Even if you’re an experienced rider, accidents often happen because of inattentive road users.

What to Look for When Buying a Bike Helmet

There are a few key things to keep in mind when purchasing a bike helmet. The most important factor is that the helmet meets the required safety standards, such as the CE certification in Europe. A certified helmet provides significantly better protection in case of an accident compared to a cheap, uncertified one from a bargain store.

Make sure to choose a certified helmet that you like aesthetically, ideally matches your bike, and most importantly fits your head properly. This is easier to test in-store than when buying online. If you do order online, measure the widest part of your head with a tape measure and select a model recommended for that size. However, if the helmet still doesn’t fit, you’ll have to return it. A poorly fitting helmet significantly reduces protection, so getting the right fit is crucial. Unfortunately, head circumference measurements aren’t always reliable, as everyone has a different head shape, and helmet fits can vary. I’ve experienced this myself when trying on different models in a store.

A good rule of thumb for a well-fitting helmet: When the rear adjustment dial is fully loosened, the helmet should sit lightly but securely on your head when placed on top. It should feel like a cap. When tilting your head forward or backward, the helmet should remain stable and not slide around. Then, tighten the rear adjustment for a snug fit, without causing pressure points. Also, make sure to adjust the chin strap so that the helmet stays firmly in place. These aspects are crucial to ensure the helmet provides optimal protection in a crash.

Besides protection, ventilation also plays a major role. A well-ventilated helmet allows for sufficient airflow and prevents excessive sweating while riding. If you don’t want to wear cycling sunglasses or need to wear corrective glasses, a helmet with an integrated visor can be a practical option.

Get Your Cardio Done!

As you know from my articles, maintaining both strength and cardio training in your weekly routine is crucial for overall health. The type of cardio you choose doesn’t really matter. What’s important is that you train regularly and stay within fitness zones 2 to 3. 

In my opinion, cycling is one of the coolest ways to get your cardio in. You can explore a variety of places in a short time, and honestly, I just find it way more enjoyable than jogging or pedaling on a stationary bike.

Cycling strengthens the cardiovascular system, improves endurance, and increases lung capacity. It helps reduce the risk of heart disease, strokes, and high blood pressure. While not as intense as strength training, cycling also engages muscles in the legs, glutes, and lower back. 

And numerous studies show that pedelecs offer the same health benefits as conventional bikes. This makes them a great option for people with lower fitness levels or health conditions.

Closing Words

I hope this guide has given you a good overview of the different types of bikes and helped you choose the right model for your needs.

My wife and I decided on hardtail mountain bikes since we live in a rather hilly region with plenty of forest trails, gravel paths, and some challenging terrain.

The bikes, brands, apps, and all the other stuff mentioned in this article are not part of any collaboration with me - they're simply examples to illustrate the topic.