With less than three weeks until the big fella comes down our chimney, I bet the bike is still on top of most peoples Christmas lists this year. I can remember the feeling as a child getting a new bike, which is why Amy and I have asked Santa for bikes for our kids this year.

Cycling is one of the most popular and simple ways to keep fit and it is continuing to grow with more and more people cycling to work every day. There are a range of bicycles suited for different purposes and people, from commuting to work to having fun on a weekend. If you’re contemplating purchasing a bicycle, go for it! But you might want to think about what bike is right for you first.

Road Bike

Road bikes are ideal for the serious cyclist whose main aim is to improve their cardio and/or with the ambition to join a cycling club. They allow you to reach high speeds easier than other bikes due to their lightweight and streamlined design but are obviously only appropriate if you live in urban areas or one with good, smooth roads.

Fat Birds have a great range of road bicycles, especially titanium models which are incredibly lightweight. Achieving such speeds means you’ll need to be well protected with a helmet and cycling gear as well.

Mountain Bike

For someone who doesn’t want to stay confined to the roads, mountain bikes are a great option. Perfect for those living in rural areas who will encounter uneven surfaces on regular journeys, they also allow a more adventurous side for tearing down rocky paths.

Usually coming with more gears, this can be an asset for the urban dweller if you live in a hilly area. Or a mountain bike is suitable if you want to get out in the countryside on a weekend and don’t mind cleaning off your bike for work on a Monday morning.

BMX

BMX riders have been known to suffer more injuries than regular cyclists but they also have more fun. They can be useful to travel to work if your journey is fairly flat and short, but they’re mainly for experimenting and pulling off tricks with. The smaller size doesn’t suit everyone so it’s best to try one out first.

Folding Bike

Folding bikes are perfect if your commute involves using public transport at some point. They are only good on well kept roads and paths really, so if you want to be using your bike off-road at the weekends a mountain bike is better. Likewise a road bike is superior for faster and longer rides. The folding aspect makes it a lot easier to muster, which is useful for going to work or travelling further afield.