Being a bike shop in Oxford, the commuter market is one that we are well versed in, and we stock alot of bikes suitable for all types of riding - be it commuting, city, leisure, fitness - and budget. Hopefully this guide will explain the model and brand differences, features and benefits, and help you in your choice as to the right bike for you.

Types of bike and use

The city and hybrid bikes cover a multitude of bikes and uses. For commuting and city use, just about all of these bikes are suitable, although some will be more suitable on the road than others, while some will be better for use down canal paths and bridleways, such as the Marin's or the Trek FX range. If you are looking for faster performance the Specialized Vita range, the Trek 7.5 or the Marin Corte Madeira will be more suitable, if you are planning some off road ride riding then models with suspension forks are advisable, some of the Marins are suitable, as are the Specialized Ariel models.

Suspension Fork or Rigid Fork?

Suspension forks offer a smoother ride, absorbing the bumps from the road or path, and give the bike more versatility, being able to cope better with any off road riding. Some forks come with a lockout feature, this is a lever on the top of the forks that allows you to lock the fork out so it behaves more like a rigid fork rather than compressing under pressure.

There are negative sides to suspension forks, such as the expense: the cost of a suspension fork on a bike is greater than a rigid fork, there is added weight over a rigid fork. If something goes wrong then there is extra maintenance costs, but the forks fitted on the hybrids are normally very reliable.

One of the key issues is whether you actually need a suspension fork. If you are riding solely on the road then suspension forks are not really necessary, if you are planning on some off road riding then they become a useful option.

A Guide to the brands and model ranges:

Ridgeback Rapide Range: Great for commuiting and getting around the city

Prices start at £269.99 with the Ridgeback Motion Ladies, then the best selling Speed Ladies at £349.99 which is equipped with mudguards and a rack. At the same price is the Comet Ladies, which doesn't have the mudgurads and rack, but has a higher level of components (gears hifters, mechs etc). At £399.99 is the Meteor Ladies, which uses the same components as the Comet, the same frame as the Speed, but with mudguards and a rack.

Trek FX Series: Ideal for town and path

Prices start at £300.00 for the 7.0 FX, which has 7 speed shifters and a triple chainset for a total of 21 gears. We do not stock the next model in the Trek FX range, the 7.1 as there are few upgrades over the 7.0, instead we move onto the 7.2 which uses 8 speed shifting and retails for £400.00. The 7.3 uses 8 speed shifters for 24 gears and a higher level of components, as you would expect for £500.00, with the being a very nice bike, selling for £700.00 with a carbon fork and is great for someone looking for a fast bike to commute or get about on.

Other Trek Models

The Trek T10 uses swept back bars for an upright and comfortable ride. It comes with mudguards fitted and uses 7 speed shifters for 21 gears and retails for £275.00. The T30 uses an aluminium frame, rather than the Cro-Moly frame on the T10, and has a lower step through height making it easier to get on and off. This retails for £375.00 and is equipped with a rack and guards. The Allant is a retro styled ladies bike, with a wide saddle and swept back bars for comfort and is equipped with mudguards a mount for a front basket. Due to these extra features, the Allant costs £450.00

Specialized Ariel Range: Hybrids designed for ladies

Equipped with a suspension fork, the Ariel models make for very versatile hybrids, capable off and on road. The entry level Ariel retails for £399.99, the Ariel Sport Disc retails for £499.99, has a lockout on the fork and hydraulic disc brakes. These are a great option for someone on planning some off road riding or looking for a highly versatile bike.

Specialized Vita Range: Fast and comfortable city / commuter bikes

Following the success of the Mens Sirrus range, Specialized launched the Vita range, designed along the same lines of combining speed with comfort but for the female rider. Prices begin at £349.99 for the Vita, with the Vita Elite featuring a carbon fork and nice finishing touches such as bar ends. Ideal for someone looking for a fast and comfortable commuter bike, or for leisure and general use.

Marin City Bike & Hybrid Range

Marin's tend to cost more than some of the other brands for the equivalent level of components, but invest more technology into the frame, which are very well made. The entry level model is the Kentfield at £374.99. The Kentfield is also available with a suspension fork for an additional £50 at £424.99, the San Rafael has a lockout feature and higher level of components and costs £499.99. Also available at that price is the fast commuter / city bike, the Corte Madeira.