Beginner’s Guide to Bicycle Types: What’s the Difference?

Thinking of buying your first bicycle but not sure where to start? You’re not alone.

With so many types of bikes — foldies, mountain bikes, road bikes, and more — it can get confusing. Each bike is designed for a different kind of rider and purpose. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll briefly walk through the most common types — not an exhaustive deep-dive, but just enough to help you decide what suits you best.

1. 🚲 Foldable Bikes (Foldies)

Foldable bikes are built for convenience — but today, they’re also more versatile than ever. They’re designed to fold down into a compact size, making them perfect for:

• Riders living in HDB flats or small condos
• Commuters bringing bikes on MRT or in car boots
• City riding, last-mile delivery, and even distance rides (with the right spec)

Not all foldies are the same. There are:

• 🔻 Entry-level foldables — basic builds, heavier frames, simple gears
• 🔺 Performance foldables — lightweight, high-end Shimano groupsets, fast slick tyres, and carbon upgrades

Pros: Compact, space-saving, highly portable, and comes in many price/performance levels.
Cons: Entry-level versions may be less comfortable for long-distance rides. Some models have smaller wheels, which affect rolling speed and stability.

2. 🚵 Mountain Bikes (MTB)

Mountain bikes are built for off-road use, but in Singapore they’re also popular for park connectors and general-purpose riding. Key features include wider tyres, front suspension, and a stronger frame.

• Great for riders who want comfort and control
• Ideal for uneven paths and longer PCN rides
• Often used by weekend riders and fitness cyclists

Pros: Stable, tough, versatile.
Cons: Bulkier and heavier. Not foldable. Needs more storage space.

3. 🛣️ Road Bikes

Road bikes are built for speed and efficiency on smooth roads. They have thin tyres, drop-down handlebars, and a lightweight frame.

• Popular with fitness cyclists or long-distance riders
• Great for riding on open roads or in cycling groups
• Not ideal for curbs, park connectors, or daily stop-start traffic

Pros: Fast, lightweight, good for serious cardio.
Cons: Not comfortable for beginners. Less stable on rough paths.

4. 🚴 City/Commuter Bikes

City bikes are made for comfort and practicality. Upright seating, step-through frames, and built-in racks make them easy to ride in everyday clothes.

• Best for daily errands and relaxed riding
• Often comes with mudguards, lights, and basket options
• Good for riders who want an easy ride, not a workout

Pros: Comfortable, low effort, beginner-friendly.
Cons: Heavier than foldables. Slower than road or MTB bikes.

So… Which Bike Is Right for You?

• 🧑🎓 Student / Commuter: Foldable or City Bike — easy to store, great for short trips and public transport
• 🏡 Weekend Casual Rider: Mountain Bike or Mid-range Foldable — comfort and versatility for PCN or leisure
• 💪 Fitness or Long-Distance Rider: Road Bike or High-Performance Foldable — fast, efficient, and built for speed

cubeRpedia mainly carries foldable and mountain bikes — two of the most popular and versatile categories in Singapore. If you're still deciding, feel free to swing by our Tampines shop to explore your options or get friendly advice before you ride.