Pedal Power’s Guide to Buying a Bike
Pedal Power is committed to helping more people ride bikes in Canberra.
Ride to work. Ride to school. Ride to the shops and ride back to get that spice you forgot.
Ride to see friends. Ride to explore a new part of the city. Ride to see your own neighbourhood from a different perspective.
Ride to replace a car trip. Ride to replace a bus or light rail journey. Ride to save money on petrol and parking.
But if you’re thinking about getting a bike, the first question is often the hardest:
Which bike should I buy?
Choosing the right bike
There are so many different bikes available that it can be hard to know where to start.
The best bike for you depends largely on why you want to ride and how you plan to use it.
Some questions to think about include:
Do I want to ride to get fit, commute, run errands, or simply have fun?
How far do I want to ride and how often?
Do I want to ride in everyday clothes or cycling gear?
Will I be riding on bike paths, gravel trails, or roads?
Do I live somewhere with steep hills?
How much space do I have to store a bike?
Do I want to carry things like groceries, work bags or children?
Would an e-bike help me ride further or more often?
Thinking about these questions can help narrow down the type of bike that will suit you best.
Common Types of Bikes
Hybrid Bikes
Hybrid bikes are one of the most popular options for everyday riding.
They usually have flat handlebars, a comfortable upright position and medium-width tyres. Many are designed so you can add racks, baskets and mudguards.
Why people choose them
Great all-rounder for commuting, shopping and leisure rides
Comfortable upright riding position
Practical for everyday transport
Things to consider
Not as fast as road bikes
Usually less comfortable on rough gravel than mountain bikes
Road bikes
Road bikes are built for speed and efficiency on sealed roads. They have lightweight frames, narrow tyres and drop handlebars.
Why people choose them
Fast and efficient for longer distances
Great for fitness and road riding
Things to consider
Less practical for carrying bags or groceries
Some riders find the bent-over riding position less comfortable
Folding and compact bikes
Folding bikes have smaller frames and wheels and can fold down for storage or transport.
Why people choose them
Easy to store in small homes or apartments
Convenient for travel or public transport
Agile and manoeuvrable around town
Things to consider
Smaller wheels can feel bumps more than larger bikes
Before you buy
Once you know what type of bike you want, it’s worth researching different models and the cost of accessories such as racks, baskets and lights.
You should always test ride a bike before purchasing to make sure it feels comfortable.
It’s also helpful to find a local bike shop you trust that can service your bike and provide advice.
Mountain bikes
Mountain bikes are designed for off-road riding on dirt tracks, gravel trails and rough terrain. They typically have wide tyres, suspension and strong frames.
Why people choose them
Perfect for trail riding and off-road adventures
Good control on rough surfaces
Also usable around town, particularly on steep hills
Things to consider
Heavier and slower on paved roads
Riding technical trails can involve greater risk if beyond your skill level
Electric bikes (e-bikes)
Electric bikes have a motor that assists when you pedal, helping you ride further, tackle hills and carry heavier loads.
Most e-bikes are based on hybrid-style bikes with a battery mounted on the frame or rack and a motor in the crank or wheel. Electric mountain bikes and cargo bikes are also increasingly popular.
Why people choose them
Ride further with less effort
Tackle Canberra’s hills more comfortably
Arrive at work without working up a big sweat
Carry heavier loads like groceries or kids
Replace more car trips
Things to consider
E-bikes are more expensive than standard bikes
They are heavier because of the motor and battery
It’s also important to make sure the e-bike you buy is legal and compliant. A legal pedal-assist e-bike should:
have a maximum motor power of 250 watts
cut motor assistance at 25 km/h
only provide assistance while you are pedalling
Some bikes sold online or on marketplaces are actually illegal electric motorbikes disguised as e-bikes, which cannot be ridden on bike paths or shared paths.
Cargo bikes
Cargo bikes are designed to carry large loads such as groceries, children, or equipment. They often have extended frames or large front cargo boxes.
Why people choose them
Can replace many car trips
Ideal for families and heavy loads
Many electric models available
Things to consider
Higher cost than standard bikes
Take some practice to ride, especially with a load
What else do you need besides a bike?
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Safety
Helmet*
In the ACT it is mandatory to wear an approved bicycle helmet when riding on roads, bike paths and shared paths.
A comfortable, properly fitted helmet is essential.
Bell
A bell helps you communicate with other path users, especially on shared paths around Canberra.
Front and rear lights*
Lights are required when riding at night or in low-light conditions.
Lights around 200–400 lumens help make you visible in urban areas, while 800–1000 lumens are useful on darker paths.
High-visibility clothing
Bright or reflective clothing improves visibility, particularly in busy traffic or low-light conditions.
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Security
Lock
A good lock helps protect your bike from theft.
Cable locks are suitable for quick stops, while D-locks or multiple locks offer more security for longer parking.
Serial number
Record your bike’s serial number (usually found on the underside of the frame). This helps police identify your bike if it is stolen.
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Self-sufficiency
Tyres
Consider tyres suited to the surfaces you ride most often. Puncture-resistant tyres are popular for everyday riding.
Spare tube, tyre levers and pump
Carrying these items allows you to fix a puncture and keep riding.
Track pump
A floor pump with a pressure gauge helps keep tyres inflated correctly and prevents unnecessary punctures.
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Practicality
Racks, baskets or panniers
These allow you to carry groceries, work gear or everyday items without wearing a backpack.
Mudguards
Mudguards keep road spray off your clothes when riding on wet roads.
Bike stand
A kickstand makes quick stops easier when there’s nowhere to lean your bike.
Water bottle holder
Staying hydrated is important, especially during Canberra’s warmer months.
Charger for e-bikes
If you ride an e-bike, think about how you’ll carry your charger so you can top up the battery during longer trips.
