City bikes: safe, comfortable, convenient & eco-friendly
City bikes are the ideal way to travel around the urban jungle. Many people use these safe and comfortable bikes to cover short and medium distances that aren’t worth getting the car out for, or more easily negotiating busy traffic. City bikes are the perfect mode of transport for short shopping trips, the daily commute to work or for taking small children to school. It's often much faster to use the bike for travelling around town than it is to drive.
what is a city bike?
People are increasingly looking for alternatives to using a car to get out and about in the city. The city bike is an excellent solution to consider. But what is a city bike? City bikes have always been an excellent alternative to mobility in big cities. They offer countless advantages, not only in terms of ecology and mobility, but also in terms of personal health. Today we can find some with a more modern look and others with a vintage style, but they all have one common characteristic: comfort. The main characteristic of city bikes is the comfortable, upright and relaxed position that the cyclist can assume. Wrists, shoulders and back will be grateful, especially if the ride is long. In addition, the fact that your head is in a higher position than on other types of bicycles gives you a better view, so you can see over most of the vehicles you are close to, allowing you to anticipate events or unforeseen occurrences more quickly. In general, city bikes are used for travelling at moderate speeds, so that you can enjoy the landscape and the routes you are taking.
A classy turquoise example of a city bikeCity bicycles are specifically designed for the road and are sturdy load-carriers – regardless of whether it’s a childs seat or a shopping basket. Riding a city bike is also an environmentally-friendly and health-conscious way of getting some exercise and fresh air.
What is special about the city bike?
- With a more upright position, the distance between the handlebars and the saddle is often less than on other bicycles. This enables better visibility and safer riding in dense urban traffic
- In contrast to sportier bikes (such as sporty hybrids and mountain bikes), a city bike usually comes with a high-quality lighting system that complies with road traffic regulations. So even in bad weather and dim light conditions you stay safe and prepared
- City bikes are comparatively cheap, despite their long service life and the extensive equipment they come with. Because city bikes aren't designed for the highest levels of sporting performance, they usually don't require expensive high-end components
- E-city bikes come with the addition of an electric motor which makes tackling slopes a piece of cake
What do you need to consider when buying a city bike?
- Your city bike must fit you perfectly. Choose the geometry carefully – in particular, the frame height must match your own inseam length. Also look for the option to adjust the handlebars, stem and saddle, as this will ensure you're comfortable. You must be able to set your saddle high enough to prevent knee problems.
- When buying your city bike, you can choose between a steel or aluminium frame. Aluminium frames are lighter and stiffer, but also less compliant. Conversely, steel frames are heavier and more susceptible to corrosion in the long term, but provide a more comfortable ride.
- The wider the tyre, the greater the riding comfort
- Choosing reliable, low-maintenance hub dynamos and LED headlights ensures excellent visibility and pays for itself in the long term
- A suspension fork isn’t absolutely necessary for urban transport, but it does protect your bike when tackling curbs
- The rear rack should be able to handle at least 25 kgs. A high-quality stand is recommended for sturdy parking even when fully loaded
- Think about the accessories you need. For example, city traffic often presents unpredictable situations, so a bicycle helmet is absolutely indispensable when you’re travelling by bike in the city. Also, please don’t try to save money by buying a poor quality lock. The city is full of would-be bike thieves! Some city bicycles come with a frame lock of their own on the rear wheel
- If you’re looking for a particularly robust and tough city bike, how about opting for a classic Dutch bike? The Dutch bike offers a full chain guard, a particularly upright seating position and is suitable for flatter terrain