Hi there,

What kind of bike you should get all depends upon what you want your bike for. Obviously you want it to cycle about but where you want to cycle is all important.

For example, if you are going to be cycling around on roads or Tarmac paths all the time and not spend any time off-road whatsoever, then a road bike (aka a racer) is probably your best choice as it is lightweight and easy to 'push'. However, the thinner tyres on a road bike mean they are a little tougher to achieve balance on so they might not be suitable for someone who has never ridden a bike before.

If the thought of a road bike doesn't sound appealing or suitable, then a mountain bike (aka MTB) might be what you're looking for. Generally, mountain bikes will have thicker, softer tyres with a much more defined tread than other bikes. This will allow you to get grip over off-road surfaces and will also be easier to balance on. However, the main downside to a mountain bike (compared to a road bike) is that they tend to be harder to 'push' (ie. it takes more effort to cycle an average mountain bike along a stretch of road than it would with an equally average road bike). Additionally, mountain bikes tend to be noticably heavier framed than road bikes. Whilst this will give your bike more strength it, as you would expect, means it requires even more effort to move.

Also worth considering is the hybrid type of bicycle. It's a kind of midway point between a road bike and a mountain bike. A hybrid will be capable of some light off-road cycling (but not as much as a mountain bike) and will perform pretty well on the road (but not as well as a road bike).

Basically, in my estimations, if you're going to be on roads or real high quality surfaces all the time then a road bike might be best.

If you're going to be on roads or high quality surfaces most of the time but might have to go on some muddy paths or through a field or two every so often then a hybrid should suit best.

If you're going to be cycling around in muck and want to have the freedom to take your bike up and down muddy hills then it would have to be a mountain bike.

Obviously it is all important you get your bike at the right size to suit you. With this in mind, please click here and read all the information which has been written. It should make sizing your bike an easy experience for you.

I hope I've been of some small help to you here. Have some happy cycling and, above all, take care of yourself.