Find the bike that’s right for you!

Of course, you don’t want to lose any time and get going on your new bike as quickly as possible. Nevertheless, you should select your company bike at your leisure and, if necessary, ask your local bicycle dealer for expert advice on your dream bike and the optimal riding position.

No matter what type of bike you are interested in: From unicycles to premium-class e-bikes, your new bike has to match your individual riding style and the intended purpose. You should also make sure that you find the right frame size for yourself.

Things you should consider when choosing your bike:
 

1. You have found the right frame size if you can stand comfortably with the bike between your legs without touching the top tube. You wonder which frame size you need? You can easily compute it. For folding bikes or other bike models without a top tube, you can use the same computation for guidance.

1. Handlebar and seat should be far enough apart to ensure that your legs don’t hit the handlebar.

1. The seat position must be back far enough so that your kneecap is positioned right above the front pedal when the pedal is in the horizontal position.

1. The riding position: Whether you prefer to sit upright or lean forward depends on your habits, preferences and riding style. An inclined position is particularly suitable for longer trips on a racing bike, fitness bike or mountain bike, because it is easy on the back and saves a lot of energy due to the lower air drag. Sitting comfortably upright is ideal for shorter distances on a city or Dutch bike – for example, for shopping at the weekly farmers’ market or on the short commute to work. For such rides, however, you need a somewhat higher handlebar position, and a comfortable seat might be a good idea.

Bicycle types: form follows function

Which bike is right for you depends, of course, on what you want to do with it. Bike packing across the Urals? Rapid descents in rough terrain? Leisurely cruising in your neighborhood or the daily commute? A wide variety of bike types are available to meet your personal needs: 

• Trekking bike: in good shape for anything
  The trekking bike, formerly also called touring bike, is a good choice for roads or mild terrain. With some 1.3 million bikes sold in 2020, the trekking bike is the most popular type of bicycle in Germany, often provided with electric motor support. Its design, trims and fittings make it the bike of your choice, especially for longer rides.

• City bike: fit for urban use
  Thick tires, mudguards and luggage racks or shopping baskets make city bikes the ideal companion for everyday life, but they are also suitable for short leisure excursions. The retail trade recorded around 655,000 city bikes sold in 2020. A special feature of the city bike is the upright riding position, which allows comfortable rides in the city plus a good view. Does this meet your needs? Then you have found your bike.

• All-terrain and mountain bikes: tough enough for rough trails
  With their rather small wheels, coarse-tread tires, robust suspension and a compact design, mountain bikes let you brave rough terrain for sport. Thanks to their dynamic handling characteristics, these bikes are also popular in city traffic. Do you like to take an athletic approach to cycling on unpaved roads and forest trails? In that case, what you need is a mountain bike!

• Racing bike: for high-speed addicts
  The classic racing bike is suitable for recreational athletes who are keen speed. With a flat riding position, you are a bit closer to the road surface and minimize your air drag. If you want to use the racing bike not only for sport but also in road traffic – including, for instance, your daily commute to work – you still need to retrofit a bell, lights and reflectors before you can get started.

• Gravel bikes: no limits
  A cross between a racing bike and an all-terrain bike (ATB), the gravel bike combines a slightly modified road bike geometry with wider tires. This means that rides through light terrain are no issue. The powerful disc brakes of the gravel bike always pack well even in wet and dirty conditions. If you want to keep all options open, this is your bike!

• Fitness bike: sporty ride
  The compromise for all those who are into sports but prefer a more comfortable riding position. Racing bike technology and a straight handlebar allow you ride at high speeds even with an upright posture. Sounds good? Then this is the right bike for your sporty everyday mobility.

• Folding bike: flexible mobility
  With the modern successor to the classic folding bike, you get a transportable bike for your commute, even if you travel partly by car, bus and train or airplane. You can fold it up, take it with you as a compact piece of luggage and simply hop on it for the last leg of your journey. However, it is less suitable for trips off paved roads and bike trails.

• Cargo bike: the packhorse
  Whether you’re hauling your weekly groceries, your offspring or larger items: A cargo bike enables you to simply take everything with you. You need your car for long distance travel only. For all of your everyday trips, this practical and robust bike will do. Cargo bikes are becoming increasingly popular, particularly as e-bikes. If you regularly have a lot to haul, this bike is probably your best bet!

• E-bikes: electric support for all kinds of bikes
  You can get just about any of the bikes mentioned with an electric motor. The energy supplied by the battery dramatically increases your range and conserves your energy. This is most convenient – particularly for commuters who travel longer distances by bike every day. At the same time, it allows everyone else to arrive comfortably and relaxed.

By the way: Bikeleasing supports you in choosing the bike of your dreams. Within the permissible price range from € 649 up to € 15,000, the choice is huge, and you are not tied to any particularly brand, model or dealership.