When you buy a new bike, it all depends on how often and where exactly you're going to use it. Are you looking for a bicycle for adventurous routes in the forest or do you live in the city and use it to go shopping? We help you find the ideal bicycle.

City bike: for shopping and short trips

If you are looking for a new bicycle that is easy to maintain and relatively cheap, it is best to buy a classic city bike. The range of city bicycles is huge, from the retro 'granny bike' to sleek, modern frames.

Hybrid bike: comfortable and sporty

With a hybrid bicycle, you have a town bicycle that is a little more sporty than the classic variants. Thanks to the aluminium frame, the bicycle is lighter, which means you will suffer less from muscle ache after a long ride and you will be able to speed up more easily. A cross-hybrid bike is similar to a mountain bike with slightly thinner tyres, so you will have more grip than with a regular city bike. A fitness hybrid bike is the little brother of the racing bike and offers advantages when you want to make speed on the road. And finally, the trekking hybrid bike, as the name suggests, is equipped for long treks and comes with luggage racks and mudguards.

Folding bike: perfect for the commuter

Whereas the folding bicycle used to be a real puzzle that you saw some train passengers put together and take apart, modern folding bikes are more comfortable than ever. A folding bicycle is compact, light and characterised by its small wheels. Ideally, you should use it to cover short distances and to store or carry yourself in a compact way. Good news for those who still want to cover longer distances: there are also many electric versions on the market today.

Mountain bike: an adventure every day

Do you live in the middle of the countryside or do you like to let the adrenaline flow through your body? Then this type of bicycle is probably the best choice for you. The thick tyres with plenty of grip and suspension are designed for riding over unpaved roads. There are various types of mountain bike, from 'all mountain' bikes that can be used on almost any terrain to 'enduro mountain' bikes that are specifically designed to tackle steep descents.

Race or course bike: excellent for fast road rides

If you would like a light bicycle that allows you to reach high speeds quickly, the road or racing bike is worth considering. With its curved handlebars and thin tyres you choose speed over comfort, but it is the best bike to cope with hilly areas and steep roads. What should you pay attention to when buying a racing or racing bike? That you choose the right frame size. Use the diagram below to find out which frame size matches your body length:

Body length - Frame size

< 150 cm - 43-47 cm - XS
150-165 cm - 47-50 cm - S-M
165-170 cm - 50-52 cm - M
170-175 cm - 52-55 cm - M-ML
175-180 cm - 55-58 cm - ML
180-185 cm - 58-61 cm - ML-L
185-190 cm - 60-62 cm - L-XL
190-195 cm - 61-63 cm - XL
195-200 cm - 63 cm > - XL

Electric bicycle: commuting and recreational cycling

Do you live more than a few kilometres from work and would you like to swap the company car, train or bus for a healthier alternative? Consider the popular electric bike as a pretty good alternative. You choose how intensively the technology 'helps' you and can easily reach speeds of about 25 kilometres per hour. There are many different types of electric bicycles, so if you want to buy one, do your research thoroughly within this type of bicycle.

Speed bike or speed pedelec: long distances

If you live a long way from your workplace, the bicycle remains a possible alternative to a car or public transport. In recent years, the speed bike or speed pedelec has been gaining popularity. With speeds of up to 45 kilometres per hour, you can easily ride past the daily traffic jams and perhaps beat the time it takes to travel by car in the morning rush hour.

Have you found the bicycle of your life, but are you still looking for a challenging route? The most beautiful cycling routes in Belgium, you will discover here.