What Type of Bike Should I Get? A Quick Quiz to Narrow Your Choice

For those of us who don't already own a fleet of bikes, the question of "what type of bike should I get?" is a common challenge. The fact of the matter is, there's an overwhelming display of options on the market today. Road bikes, mountain bikes, gravel bikes, e-bikes—each category is dense with technical jargon and vast price ranges. This decision becomes even more critical when you have limited space and budget for just one bike that needs to fit your lifestyle perfectly.

Most riders need a bike that aligns with their actual riding intentions rather than their aspirational ones. Your perfect bike depends on your local terrain, physical condition, commuting needs, and weekend adventure plans. The wrong choice might lead to a beautiful machine that collects dust in your garage because it doesn't suit the riding you actually do. Many cycling enthusiasts own multiple bikes for different purposes, but most of us need to make a strategic first choice that maximizes enjoyment and utility.

That's why we've created this straightforward quiz to help you cut through the noise. Answer a few quick questions about where and how you want to ride, and we'll point you toward your ideal bike style. Skip the confusing specs and unnecessary bells and whistles - we'll help you cut straight to your perfect two-wheeled match. Ready to roll?

Question 1: What terrain will you ride most often?

The nature of the terrain you plan to ride is a pivotal factor in shaping what type of bike you should buy. Most road and hybrid bikes are designed with narrow slick tires for rolling efficiency on paved roads. These bikes are well-suited for city dwellers or aspiring road cyclists. But if your rides involve dirt trails, rocks, or roots, mountain bikes with suspension and knobby tires are your best bet. Gravel bikes provide a popular in-between, as they can handle mixed surfaces like packed dirt, less technical trails, and pavement. 

If you’re navigating city streets and commuter paths, you may not need robust tires and should instead prioritize efficiency and comfort. A robust commuter bike, hybrid bike, or e-bike might be a better fit for urban terrain. But if you anticipate potholes, cobblestones, and unpredictable weather, ensure your tires are big enough to roll over adverse conditions. In short, your terrain dictates tire width, frame geometry, and suspension needs, so it's one of the most critical questions that determines which type of bike you should invest in.

Question 2: What’s your primary riding purpose?

Fitness-focused or competitive cyclists riders chasing speed or long distances lean toward road or gravel bikes. Commuters need practical features like fenders, racks, and durable tires (hybrids or e-bikes excel here). Weekend adventurers exploring trails should prioritize mountain bikes or rugged gravel bikes for sale. Casual riders hitting parks or errands might prefer comfort-focused cruisers or step-through frames. If hills intimidate you or you want to extend your range, an e-bike’s motorized assist could be transformative.

Question 3: How far do you plan to ride?

Short rides (under 10 miles) allow for heavier, more comfortable bikes like cruisers or hybrids. For 10–30 miles, prioritize efficiency: lightweight road or gravel bikes reduce fatigue. Marathon riders (50+ miles) need endurance road bikes with relaxed geometry or touring bikes built for hauling gear. E-bikes erase distance limits for many riders, with mid-drive motors offering 40–80 miles per charge. Your stamina and charging access will shape this choice.

Question 4: What’s your budget?

Under $1,000? Focus on entry-level hybrids, basic hardtail mountain bikes, or fixed-gear road bikes. The $1,500–$3,000 range unlocks better components (Shimano 105 drivetrains and hydraulic disc brakes) and lighter frames. Above $3,000, you’re into carbon fiber, premium suspension (Fox/RockShox), or high-torque e-bike systems. Be honest: paying more for unused features wastes money, but underspending might leave you with a bike that can’t handle your goals.

Question 5: Any physical considerations?

Knee or back issues? Prioritize ergonomic designs: step-through frames, upright handlebars, or e-bikes with pedal assist. Tall or petite riders should seek brands offering extended size ranges (like the expansive XXS to XXL options with Canyon bikes). Suspension seatposts and wider tires (2.5"+ ) add comfort on rough roads. For riders needing stability, low-step frames or trikes provide confidence. Don’t force yourself into a race-ready position if comfort matters more than speed.

Question 6: How much maintenance are you willing to handle?

Mechanical simplicity wins for riders who hate tune-ups: single-speed bikes or belt-drive models (like Marin’s Presidio) require minimal upkeep. Traditional chain-driven bikes demand regular cleaning and lubrication, while full-suspension mountain bikes need shock servicing every 50–100 hours. E-bikes add battery care (avoid full discharges) and motor checks. If you’d rather ride than wrench, prioritize brands with robust service networks or consider subscription-based maintenance plans offered by some urban bike shops.

Question 7: Do you need to store or transport the bike frequently?

Apartment dwellers might prioritize compact designs: folding bikes (Momentum) or space-saving vertical racks. Lightweight carbon road bikes (under 18 lbs) simplify car roof-rack loading. For mixed commuting (train + bike), consider models with quick-release wheels and flattened handlebars. If security is a concern, steel-framed bikes resist theft attempts better than lightweight alloys. Some e-bikes like the Tern Vektron even fold while retaining motorized assist—ideal for multimodal commuters.

Question 8: What tech features matter most?

Traditionalists might prefer analog bikes with mechanical disc brakes and manual gear shifting. Tech enthusiasts could opt for electronic groupsets (Shimano Di2), integrated theft alarms, or e-bikes with app-controlled assist modes. Adventure riders often prioritize navigation: mounts for cycling computers (Wahoo ELEMNT) or integrated lighting systems. For commuters, smart locks (SkunkLock) or anti-theft GPS trackers (Sherlock) might be non-negotiable. Remember: more tech often means higher repair costs and steeper learning curves.

Question 9: How important is resale value or upgrade potential?

Brands like Trek and Specialized hold value better than generic models, with depreciation slowing after the first two years. Modular bikes (Canyon’s adjustable geometry) allow easier upgrades. Road bike riders planning future component swaps should ensure frame compatibility with electronic groupsets. Budget bikes often use proprietary parts that limit upgrades—a $500 big-box bike might cost more to modify than replace. E-bike buyers should verify battery availability; proprietary packs becoming obsolete is a common resale killer.

Question 10: Do you care about brand community or riding culture?

Peloton-oriented road cyclists might gravitate toward Rapha-clad Cervélo riders, while gravel enthusiasts often embrace indie brands like All-City. Mountain bikers frequently split between Santa Cruz’s trail-riding ethos and Yeti’s race-focused clans. Some buyers prioritize local shops (like Detroit Bikes) over direct-to-consumer options, like Canyon. E-cargo bike owners often join urban parenting groups focused on school-run practicality. Your choice might unlock social rides, brand-sponsored events, or exclusive forums—but ensure the bike itself matches your needs first.

Find Your Ride (and Save) with BikeExchange

Determining your bike choice is half the battle but scoring the perfect model at the right price seals the deal. BikeExchange bridges the gap by offering a vast collection of road, mountain, hybrid, gravel, e-bikes, and more from trusted retailers. The inventory is largely based on previous-year models at reduced prices. In turn, you can land a $5k high-end road bike for a steep discount or yesterday's e-bike at on-sale prices. The only compromise is choosing from last year's colorways.