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Not sure which bike is right for you?
With so many styles, frame shapes, tyre sizes, motors and price points, it can be hard to know where to start.
At Cyclexperience & Boost, we try to make choosing a bike simple. Whether you’re riding New Forest gravel tracks, commuting, keeping fit, exploring further afield or looking for a confidence-boosting e-bike, we’ll help you find something that suits your riding, your budget and your lifestyle.
Use the guide below to get started — or pop in for honest advice and a proper test ride.
I want one bike for road, gravel and exploring
A gravel bike is one of the most versatile choices, especially around the New Forest. It’s faster than a mountain bike on the road, but more capable than a road bike on forest tracks, gravel routes and rougher lanes. Check out Trek Checkpoint or Liv Devote for Women
Best for: New Forest gravel tracks, mixed surfaces, commuting, longer rides, touring and adventure riding.
Gravel bikes are especially popular with riders who come from a road cycling background, as the drop handlebars and efficient ride feel familiar while adding extra comfort and off-road ability.
That said, there is a valid argument that a lightweight carbon mountain bike can be just as useful as a rigid gravel bike — especially when prices are similar. A lightweight MTB gives you flat bars, wider tyres and the added benefit of suspension, which can make rougher tracks more comfortable and confidence-inspiring.
As a rough rule of thumb: if you come from a road background, you may prefer a drop-bar gravel bike. If you have always ridden mountain bikes, you may feel more at home on a lightweight carbon MTB.
The lines are becoming more blurred too, with flat-bar gravel bikes, drop-bar gravel bikes with suspension, and lightweight mountain bikes all competing for similar riders. That’s why we always recommend trying both if you’re unsure.
I want comfort, confidence and everyday practicality
For relaxed riding, forest tracks, village trips, commuting and general leisure cycling, a hybrid bike is often the best place to start.
In the New Forest, we often recommend bikes with wider 27.5” tyres, as they give extra comfort and grip on gravel tracks. Wider tyres help soak up bumps in a way that narrower 700c tyres need to be paired with suspension.
Check out the super light Kona Coco, Marin Larkspur or more conventional Liv Rove.
Best for: leisure rides, family cycling, commuting, New Forest tracks, everyday use and riders who want a comfortable upright position.
I want extra help from an e-bike
An e-bike gives you smooth assistance when you need it, making hills, headwinds and longer rides much easier.
And no — e-bikes are not cheating. You still pedal, you still get your heart rate up, and many riders gain real cardio, mobility and confidence benefits from riding. In fact, most people who buy an e-bike end up riding more often and going further than they did before.
They’re ideal if you want to keep up with others, ride for longer, commute with less effort, return to cycling after time away, or simply enjoy the ride more.
Best for: leisure riding, commuting, longer routes, hilly areas, confidence building and riders who want a boost.
I want a lighter, easier-to-handle e-bike
Some riders want electric assistance but don’t want a heavy bike. Lightweight e-bikes usually use smaller batteries and lighter motor systems, giving a more natural ride feel while still offering useful support.
They can be a great option if you value easier handling, lower weight and a bike that feels closer to a normal bicycle. Check out the Raleigh Hockley at 20kg, Kalkhoff Advance at 21kg or the Diamant Zing at 23kg, which offers exceptional range and power with little weight advantage. How do they do it? Erm , we’re not quite sure!
Best for: riders who want assistance without too much extra weight, easier lifting, natural handling and moderate range.
I want to ride forest tracks and rougher paths
A mountain bike gives you wider tyres, more control and the benefit of suspension on rougher surfaces. For the New Forest and beyond, a lightweight hardtail mountain bike can be a very capable and comfortable choice.
If you’re comparing a mountain bike with a gravel bike, it often comes down to riding style. Road riders may prefer the efficiency and hand positions of a gravel bike, while mountain bike riders may prefer the control, comfort and familiarity of flat bars and suspension.
If your budget can stand it, Full Suspension mountain bikes are the ultimate in comfort and control (how many motorbikes do you see with no rear suspension?) But you need to make sure the design is such that all that hard work pedalling doesn’t disappear in a frame that dips and dives. The Giant Trance design helps minimise these unwanted riding dynamics as does the Trek Top Fuel. If you just care about getting to the bottom of a steep hill in one piece then check out the Giant Reign or Trek Slash.
Best for: forest tracks, rougher paths, trail centres, confident handling and riders who prefer flat bars.
I want speed, fitness and longer road rides
A road bike is designed for efficiency on tarmac. It’s lighter, faster and ideal if most of your riding is on the road.
Road bikes are a great choice for fitness riding, club rides, commuting, sportives and covering longer distances with less effort. We are lucky to have Trek and Giant in our armoury, who both offer exceptional road bikes for all styles and budgets. Check out the new entry-level aero Giant Propel.
Best for: road riding, fitness, speed, commuting and longer distances.
I’m buying for a child
A good kids’ bike should be light enough to handle, properly sized and built to last. The right bike can make a huge difference to confidence, control and enjoyment. Many brands offer lightweight kids hybrid style bikes or more serious mountain bikes. We use the more off-road style in our hire fleet and you can often pick up an ex-rental model at a great price. The Marin Bear Valley model offers a great combination of off-road capability and weight.
Best for: family rides, school runs, holidays and young riders building confidence.
Still unsure?
The best bike is the one that feels right when you ride it. We can talk you through the options, explain the differences and help you avoid buying the wrong style of bike.
With gravel bikes, lightweight mountain bikes, hybrids and e-bikes all crossing over in different ways, a proper test ride is often the best way to decide.