Identify your needs
The choice of bike depends on the use you wish to make: occasional rides on greenways, sporty rides on rough terrain, etc. For rides in France on cycle routes, a VTC is perfectly suitable. Don't hesitate to seek advice from professionals before buying or renting: bike shops, rental companies, cycling networks, bike schools, self-repair workshops or associations. It is also important to always try out the bike in real conditions beforehand!
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A bike must be adapted to your body type and riding style. You'll need to adjust the saddle and handlebars to your size, and inflate the tires sufficiently to suit the weather and road surface. Professionals can also help you with this. A bike is good, a well-equipped bike is better. Here are a few points to consider to help you choose the right bike for your needs:
The saddle. The saddle is one of the most important parts of a bicycle. For any cyclist looking for comfort, the right compromise may be to choose a saddle that's a little lighter but more comfortable: well-padded and supple for leisure riding, or firmer and lighter for sport riding.
Wheels. They play an important role in the performance of your machine, have an impact on aerodynamics and have a major influence on the comfort of a ride. There are several types of wheels on the market, depending on criteria such as rim profile, material (aluminum or carbon), braking (pads or discs), weight, type of bearings, etc.). Without going into too much detail, wheels are considered an investment, but they can also significantly improve a bike's qualities.
Tires. Tires are decisive factors in terms of comfort, performance and reliability. There are different types of tire for different types of bike, for different people, conditions and terrain. The wider the tire and the greater the surface area in contact with the ground, the more comfortable the ride.
Handlebars. Handlebars have a real influence on comfort, endurance and performance. When your buttocks ache, you immediately think of the saddle, but you don't always realize that the handlebars may be responsible for some of the pain you feel. In fact, poor riding posture can be linked to the shape, width or height of the handlebars, causing pain of varying degrees.
Speeds. Speeds, or development, correspond to the distance covered by a bicycle with each pedal revolution. Most bicycles have between 21 and 24 gears, and 3 to 5 gears are generally sufficient for city riding over small hills and uneven surfaces. On the other hand, if you're a sportier rider, 21 speeds are preferable, as this will enable you to ride for longer distances and adapt your pedaling to changes in the terrain. It's also through daily use that you'll realize whether the developments are appropriate for your own use.
The braking system. One of the most important components of a bicycle is the braking system. Most bikes have two independent brake levers, each controlling a brake shoe equipped with rubber pads that exert force on the rim via brake cables. Some braking systems are based on the disc brake or drum brake principle, but are more expensive and require more maintenance than their V-brake counterparts.
Frame. The frame accounts for less than a third of the bike's weight, and for sport, a comfortable, solid, well-equipped bike is better than a lightweight one. There are several types of material on the market, mainly carbon, steel and aluminum. Carbon is best suited to cyclists looking for efficiency and performance. Steel is better at absorbing minor shocks and vibrations, and ages well. A good steel frame can be comfortable and is much appreciated by hikers and long-distance travelers. Aluminum frames, on the other hand, are generally lighter, but stiffer. A damaged aluminum frame is harder to repair. It is less resistant to shock and vibration, but more resistant to saltwater corrosion. When it comes to choosing the right frame geometry, try out several bikes, and several brands if necessary. It's important to get advice from a specialized retailer who can help you adapt the bike to your morphology and riding style.
Equipment
Other important accessories include a high-visibility vest (compulsory outside built-up areas at night or in poor lighting conditions), side panniers or a backpack to attach to your luggage rack, possibly a front pannier or basket, and a helmet (compulsory for children under 12 and strongly recommended for all others). A kickstand and sump (to avoid damaging your trouser bottoms) may also be useful. As a reminder, the compulsory items on a bicycle are two braking devices, a lighting system and a bell.
Different types of bikes
City bikes. There are different types of city bike. They're ideal for urban travel, and comfortable for short distances. In this category we find the famous Dutch bike.
Road bikes. Road or racing bikes are suitable for on-road riding (thin tires), as part of a sporting activity.
Mountain bike. This is a versatile bike, suitable for both city riding and touring on gentle trails. It's the ideal bike for touring. It is suitable for carrying loads (luggage rack) and is available with electric assistance.
Mountain bikes. The mountain bike is a sturdy bike with wide tires for use on rough trails. It also makes an interesting travel bike, equipped with luggage racks and suspension forks. An electric-assist version is also available.
Gravel. Derived from an English word meaning "gravel", this is a hybrid bike between mountain bike and road bike, suitable for both rough trails and road use.
Other bikes. While folding bikes are handy for transport, they are generally less comfortable for cycling. Over 20 km, a recumbent bike can be very pleasant, even if less maneuverable in city traffic. As for the tandem, that's a very personal question, and you'll have to try it out to see if it's right for you!
With children, there are a number of different options. Children can have their own bike, or systems that link the adult's bike to the child's (tandem hitch, towboat or follow-me). Finally, depending on the age and level of experience of the children, there are baby seats, trailers or cargo bikes.
Electrically assisted bicycles (EAB)
An electric-assist bike is first and foremost a pedal-powered bike. The electric assistance accompanies the pedaling, to give more power to the effort already made by the cyclist, and stops at 25 km/h and above, when pedaling is absent. Speed bikes, which allow you to go faster than 25 km/h with electric assistance, are no longer considered bicycles and are subject to the same regulations as motorized vehicles: compulsory insurance, registration and helmet use.
The choice of an electrically-assisted bicycle is primarily determined by its intended use. For leisure rides or hikes, you'll need to opt for mountain bikes. The electric mountain bike is a possible solution for more rugged trails. Electrically-assisted bikes are recommended for those who, for health reasons, are unable to pedal over long distances, or who are returning to physical activity.
Assistance modes: "all-or-nothing" assistance is linked to a pedal sensor and coupled to a motor in the wheel. It's triggered as soon as you pedal, and can give a jerky sensation. Progressive assistance, on the other hand, is linked to a crankset motor and an effort sensor. It is delivered according to the cyclist's effort, more progressively, and provides greater pedaling comfort.
Battery autonomy. To ensure good autonomy, a minimum 400 Wh battery is highly recommended. Budget-wise, there are electric bikes available for under €1,000, but they won't be suitable for touring use. You're better off investing a minimum of €1,500 for a bike that will be a long-term investment. Beware: once the battery is discharged, riding the bike is far less comfortable. It's also often a heavy bike, which can be a problem when you have to carry it (on public transport or up and down stairs). In all cases, it's advisable to contact a bike shop specializing in VAEs, before making any purchase. Ask to try out the bike beforehand and to remove and replace the battery, to make sure it's practical. As well as giving you advice, the professional will be able to repair and overhaul your bike. Last but not least, you should be aware of the financial aid available from the French government and local authorities for the purchase of a VAE (or a bike fitted with a luggage rack).
Some brands offering different ranges of VAE: Lapierre®, Gitane®, Orbea®, Scott®, Moustache®, Cannondale®, Eveo®, O2Feel®, Giant®, Peugeot®, Winora®, Kalkhoff®, Gazelle®, B'Twin(Décathlon®), Nakamura (Intersport®), Granville®, Haibike®, Cube®, Sunn®, Starway®, Moma®
For reconditioned VAEs: upway.fr
Purchase of bicycles
In any case, you should always try a bike. There are many ways to buy a bike. We recommend buying from bike shops, which sell both new and second-hand bikes, generally VTCs in very good condition, which have been used for a season by rental companies. You can also contact the rental companies directly. As far as classified ads are concerned, we recommend forums or specialized bike sites (e.g. CCI). As for sites like Le Bon Coin, a little caution is called for, to avoid finding yourself in possession of a stolen bike. However, it's possible to get a good deal (just take the time to talk things over with the seller). Second-hand bikes are available from associations (e.g. MDB) and from bike fairs organized by third parties or local authorities. Bikes can be bought for as little as twenty euros, but you'll need to be a handyman or handywoman. Don't hesitate to hunt around, you might just find the bike you need. For the new-bike market, we recommend specialist stores, where it's easier to find quality bikes, with competent salespeople and after-sales service.
Bicycle shops and budgets
With so many technological developments and market segmentation, it's not always easy to make a choice. Nothing beats a brand-name bike purchased from a specialist dealer. Avoid supermarket bargains: the quality is mediocre, as is after-sales service, and some essential equipment can be problematic. It will then be complicated to find a competent person to sort them out, as a department store generally doesn't have a service department for this. A bike shop, on the other hand, offers free maintenance after the first month, a size adjustment, good advice and follow-up if you wish. At the end of the day, the few euros you thought you'd save on a supermarket purchase will soon be swallowed up in repair or replacement costs. A new bike can cost between €180 and €5,000. At less than €200, you're looking at low-end equipment that's not necessarily comfortable. If you decide to go out for longer rides, it may not hold up well, or even deteriorate rapidly. If necessary, invest a little more in better equipment. There are also bike shops that can build you a custom bike from a frame and components, and craftsmen who make their own frames. Prices for a custom-built artisanal bike range from around €3,000 to €8,000, which is the result of high quality and optimum comfort.
Some brands and manufacturers
Manufacturers of custom-made touring bikes in France: visit www.francevelotourisme.com, in the "advice" section, under "bikes and touring equipment" and "custom-made bike manufacturers".
Some bike touring brands : Lapierre® (www.cycles-lapierre.fr), Gitane® (www.cycles-gitane.fr/), Histoire Bike® (www.histoire.bike), Cannondale® (www.cannondale.com), Giant Bicycles® (www.giant-bicycles.com), and Cyclable® (www.cyclable.com), which selects high-quality, low-maintenance bikes and accessories from renowned French and European brands: Peugeot®, Gitane®, Gazelle®, VSF Fahrradmanufaktur®, Genesis®, Kalkhoff®, Brompton®. Accessories: Abus®, Thule®, Vaude®, Ortlieb®, Brooks®. And for eco-stitched equipment Made in France: Le rouquin qui roule®, (lerouquinquiroule.com), la sacoche filante® (sacochevelo.fr/), Suzon et Suzette® (suzon-suzette.fr/).