Now that the restrictions are lifting and the sun is beckoning, calling you outside into the summer air, there is no better excuse to get on your bike and rediscover your neighbourhood. But which bike is right for you?

Whether you’re looking to shoot through rugged terrain, commuting to work or just out for a smooth ride, you’ll know what you’re looking for with these short guides.

Cruisers/city 
These old, vintage-style bikes are great for leisure. Commonly used for shopping, going about town and for other generally civilised activities, they have wide tires and seats and usually just one gear, which means they are best used on flat terrain. They also have upright, ‘sit-up-and-beg’ handlebars that enable a good view. 
They are easy to ride and suit beginners or those not interested in using their bike for sporting activities.

Road
Designed to be ridden fast on smooth surfaces, they have skinny tires, ‘drop’ handlebars and can be used for on-road racing. They are usually lighter than other types of bicycles, with most road bikes incapable of carrying heavy loads due to their fine frames and thin tires. Ideal for races, charity rides or for commuting to work over tarmac if you don’t have to carry a lot with you.

Mountain 
Designed for riding rough off-road trails, mountain bikes are cheaper than road bikes and appeal to those interested in extreme sports. They have flat or upright handlebars, and a very low gear range for pedalling up steep trails, with most mountain bikes having some type of shock absorbers or suspension so that it can handle rugged terrain without falling apart.

Touring 
Designed for long trips, they often have rack/pannier support in front, rear and on the handlebars. The frame also supports wider tires for riding on various surfaces. Touring bikes are good for long distances and for carrying cargo. They are structurally stronger than road bikes and have more gears though they still have the drop handlebars. The lower gears are particularly useful when you’re going up hills.

Cross/hybrids 
These were designed to combine the advantages of road and mountain bikes. They have large, padded seats and upright handlebars for a comfortable riding position, and are best for leisure – casual riding around the neighbourhood or bike paths, short-distance commuting, and running errands. They are ideal for paved or unpaved bike trails, but perform better on road and are not as lightweight or efficient as road bikes. They are not appropriate for rough off-road mountain bike trails, but are generally a little more comfortable and stable than road bikes but not as fast and don’t have as high a gear range as a mountain bike.