Helping You Get A Grip: Which Bicycle Is Best For You
Are you too tired of seeing the earth rapidly dying around you? Maybe something two-tyred can fix that.
A fitting subject in light of a day that celebrates the humble bicycle. Since 2018, the United Nations has declared 3 June as International World Bicycle Day to celebrate this simple and common choice of transport.
Not only does it help you commute more conveniently, it also saves the earth. Cycling is also said to have health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, diabetes, and even death.
Here, we’ve curated a wheelie amazing list of beginner bikes for you. Here's hoping that just like the thousands of other Singaporeans who've picked up cycling amid the COVID-19 pandemic, you'll find a two-wheeler that will jump-start your own healthy and eco-friendly journey.
Rider request: “Get me from point A to point B”
Calling all the basic AF and no-hassle riders, the city bike is for you; it comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. While the city bike comes with fewer gearing options and wider tyres (aka heavier and slower), they are designed for relaxed and casual riding between neighbourhoods.
The most popular type would be the cruiser bike: they are made with comfortable seats, and upright handlebars. Also super chio because an aesthetic basket normally adorns the front of the bike for practical needs.
And huat ah won’t break the bank - they range from $100 to $300. Even Giant sells them, or you can take a gander at Decathalon and Rodalink.
Combine the road bike and the mountain bike and ta-da, you have the hybrid bike. Hybrid bikes are great for entry-level cyclists due to their versatility. While they may be heavier and slower than road bikes, they are built with slimmer tyres and higher gearing if you need more speed. They also include the flat handlebars that mountain bikes have, putting less strain on your shoulders.
Usually, hybrid bikes are the popular pick for commuting, easy off-road trails and riding with family or friends.
Find these at: Decathalon (which offers some starting from about $350), Hup Leong, and Cheap John Enterprise SG.
Rider request: “I need to get fit, stat”
If you want to go the distance, and take up cycling as a way to get fit, then road bikes will whip you into shape. They are meant for competing, exercising and long-distance riding. These bikes come with smooth and skinny tyres, a light frame, and drop handlebars to give you speed with minimal effort.
But be warned: the seats might get uncomfortable since the bikes are more for speed than comfort, and the tyres wear out easily. They are pricier as well, ranging from $500 to more than $1,000.
Find these at: Crank N’ Chain, Treknology 3, Decathalon, Rodalink, and Hup Leong.
Rider request: “I want to look cool AF”
Are you gunning for an opportunity to flex a bicycle instead of a briefcase the next time you step back into the office? Read on.
Foldable bikes are best for people who take public transport often while riding or have little storage space at home. This bike is probably the priciest on this list because of its versatility – plus sibei cool leh – and can be brought anywhere.
These bikes come with smaller wheels and can accelerate quickly, and come with options for bigger wheels. Remember gahmen say your bike must not exceed 120cm by 70cm by 40cm when folded and must be folded in MRT stations, bus interchanges and in trains and buses.
Find these at: My Bike Shop, Brompton Bicycle Singapore and Giant.
Rider request: “I want to go off the beaten track”
Feeling adventurous and ready to take on the bigger bikes? Built for off-road trails and dirt tracks, the mountain bike is designed for users to go through all types of rough terrain.
These bikes will allow you to explore bike trails at Chestnut Nature Park or Coney Island as they come with features like suspension and shock absorbers, and sturdy wheels. As expected, the price tag will be at the higher end.
Find these at: Decathalon, Treknology 3, Rodalink, Cheap John Enterprise SG.
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