Buying a bike online is convenient: you can compare models, prices, sizes and specifications at your own pace. But it raises one important question: how do you know which bike will really suit you if you cannot try it in person?

The good news is that you can choose a bike online quite accurately, as long as you weigh up more than colour and price, namely three things:

your height, the surfaces you ride on, and how you will actually use the bike.

This guide explains how to choose the right bike online, which type suits you, how to make sense of frame size, and what to check before buying.

The short answer: how to choose a bike online

If you want to know quickly where to start, follow this logic:

If you will mostly ride…	What usually suits…
In town, to work, to the shops, on tarmac	A city or hybrid bike
Tarmac and the occasional gravel road	A hybrid or gravel bike
Forest trails, rough ground, off-road	Mountain bike, MTB
Longer distances with less effort	An electric bike
Sport, speed, road riding	A road bike
For a child or a teenager	A children’s or junior bike sized by height

The main rule: do not look for the best bike in general, look for the best bike for your routes.

1. First question: where will you ride?

The type of bike depends first of all not on fashion or price, but on the roads you will ride most.

One bike can be excellent in town but awkward on gravel. Another may look right on a forest trail but be too heavy for the daily commute. So before buying, answer this for yourself: which surface will make up most of my riding?

The city and everyday routes

If you will use the bike for work, the shops, school or short rides, what will most likely suit you is a a city or hybrid bike.

A city bike is usually comfortable, with an upright position, mudguards, a rack and lights, or easy mounting points for them. It is not built for records but for comfortable everyday travel.

A city bike suits you if:

• you will ride mostly on tarmac;
• you want a comfortable riding position;
• you ride to work, to the shops or on short city trips;
• practicality matters: a rack, mudguards, a bag, a lock.

May not suit you if:

• you will often ride forest trails or rougher gravel;
• you want a sporty, fast bike;
• you are planning longer rides at a higher pace.

Recommended category: city bikes, hybrid bikes.

Tarmac plus gravel plus general use

If you want one bike that does a bit of everything, it is usually worth looking at a hybrid bike.

The hybrid is one of the most versatile choices in Lithuania. It suits the city, cycle paths, lighter gravel, country lanes and weekend rides.

A hybrid bike suits you if:

• you will ride both tarmac and firmer gravel;
• you want one bike for weekdays and weekends;
• you plan to ride 5-30 km at a time;
• you do not want a very sporty position;
• comfort and versatility matter to you.

May not suit you if:

• you will ride very technical forest trails;
• you want maximum speed on the road;
• you are planning sports training.

Recommended category: hybrid bikes.

Forest trails, rough roads and off-road

If a large part of your riding is forest trails, sand, roots, rocks or rough ground, choose a mountain bike, also known as an MTB.

An MTB has wider tyres, more stable geometry and often a suspension fork. It is built to cope better with rough ground.

A mountain bike suits you if:

• you will ride forest trails;
• there will often be gravel, sand, roots and rougher roads;
• you want more stability;
• getting through matters more to you than speed.

May not suit you if:

• you will spend 90% of your time on tarmac;
• you want a light, quick bike for town;
• you will often carry the bike up stairs.

Recommended category: mountain bikes / MTB.

Longer distances with less effort

If you want to ride more often, further, or up hills more easily, consider an electric bike.

An e-bike is not a lazy person’s bike. You still pedal, but the motor helps when more force is needed: climbing, riding into the wind, carrying a backpack or children, or covering a longer route.

An electric bike suits you if:

• you will ride longer distances;
• you want to arrive less tired;
• there are hills on your route;
• you want to replace some car journeys with the bike;
• you want to ride more often without always treating it as exercise.

May not suit you if:

• you are looking for the lightest possible bike;
• your budget is very limited;
• you have nowhere convenient to charge the battery;
• you will often have to carry the bike up stairs.

Recommended category: electric bikes.

Sport, speed and longer routes

If the bike is not just transport but a hobby or training, look at road, gravel or sportier hybrid bikes.

A road bike is made for speed on tarmac. A gravel bike is more versatile, taking both tarmac and gravel, which in Lithuania often makes it the practical choice for longer routes.

A road bike suits you if:

• you will ride mostly on tarmac;
• you want speed;
• you are planning to train;
• a sportier position suits you.

A gravel bike suits you if:

• you will ride tarmac and gravel;
• you want something sportier but still versatile;
• longer weekend routes appeal to you;
• you want more speed than an MTB but more versatility than a road bike.

Recommended category: gravel bikes, road bikes.

2. Second question: what size bike suits you?

One of the most common questions when buying online is what frame size should I choose?

Even the best bike will be uncomfortable if the size is wrong. Too small and it strains your knees, back and hands. Too large and it is harder to handle, particularly in town or on rough ground.

Bike size is usually given:

• with letters: XS, S, M, L, XL;
• in inches: 15″, 17″, 19″, 21″;
• in centimetres: 48 cm, 52 cm, 56 cm;
• for children’s bikes, by wheel size: 12″, 16″, 20″, 24″, 26″.

Indicative frame size chart by height

This chart will orient you, but bear in mind that geometry differs between manufacturers. Check the chart for the specific model before buying.

Height	Common frame size	Marking
150–160 cm	14–15″ / XS–S	Small frame
160–170 cm	15–17″ / S–M	Small to medium
170–180 cm	17–19″ / M–L	Medium
180–190 cm	19–21″ / L–XL	High
190+ cm	21″+ / XL	Very high

If you are between two sizes, the choice depends on the type of bike and the feel you want.

A smaller frame is usually more manoeuvrable.
A larger frame can be more stable, but less comfortable if you like to ride actively.

What to consider besides height

Height is only the start. Also relevant:

• leg length;
• arm length;
• flexibility;
• riding style;
• the position you want;
• the bike’s geometry.

Two people of the same height may suit different sizes, one an M and the other an L. So when buying online it helps enormously to tell the seller your height, your inside leg and how you plan to use the bike.

3. Third question: how often and what for will you use the bike?

The choice changes depending on whether you will ride once a month or every day.

If you will ride every day

For daily use it is not only the bike that matters but how practical it is.

Pay attention to:

• a comfortable riding position;
• mudguards;
• lights;
• a rack, or the ability to fit one;
• a solid lock;
• tyres suited to your surfaces;
• straightforward maintenance.

For the daily commute the most comfortable, practical option usually beats the sportiest one.

If you will ride at weekends

For a weekend bike you can choose something more versatile: a hybrid, a gravel bike or an MTB, depending on your routes.

If you will sometimes ride to the park, sometimes on gravel and sometimes with the family, a hybrid is usually the safest choice.

If you want more adventure on forest trails, choose an MTB.

If you want faster, longer routes on tarmac and gravel, look at a gravel bike.

If this is your first bike after a long break

In that case do not go straight for a very sporty or extreme model. The best choice is usually a comfortable hybrid or city bike.

For a first bike what matters most is:

• a comfortable position;
• stability;
• simple handling;
• a size you are sure of;
• a frame that is not too heavy;
• being able to adjust the saddle and bars easily.

A good first bike should make you want to ride more often, not tire you out in the first few kilometres.

4. Choosing by budget

When buying online it is worth setting not just a maximum price but a realistic budget for the whole set-up.

If the bike costs €500, for example, you may still need:

• a helmet;
• locks;
• lights;
• pumps;
• mudguards;
• a bottle cage;
• a bag or a rack;
• a service after the first few hundred kilometres.

So with a €600 budget it is not necessarily wise to spend all of it on the bike. Often a €500 bike plus €100 of essential accessories works out better.

An indicative guide by budget

Budget	What to expect
Up to €300	Simpler models, more for children or occasional use
300–600 €	Good entry-level city, hybrid or MTB bikes
600–1000 €	Better specification, lower weight, more reliable components
1000–2000 €	Quality hybrid, gravel and MTB bikes, or entry-level e-bikes
2000 €+	Higher-end electric, sports or specialist bikes

Important: a dearer bike is not automatically a better fit for you. If you only ride short distances in town, you do not need a sports model costing several thousand euros.

5. What to check when buying a bike online

Buying online is convenient, but before you click buy there are a few things worth checking.

1. Is the frame size clearly stated?

If the product page has no size chart or clear frame size, ask the seller. Frame size is one of the most important things when buying online.

2. Does the bike suit your roads?

It is not enough that the bike looks good. Look at what it is made for: town, gravel, the woods, sport, children or longer trips.

3. Does the description list the key components?

Worth looking at:

• the drivetrain;
• the brakes;
• tyres;
• the frame material;
• the suspension, if any;
• the battery capacity, if it is an e-bike;
• the weight.

4. Will the bike arrive ready to ride?

Some bikes are delivered partly assembled. That is normal, but it helps to know what you will have to do on arrival.

Usually that means:

• fitting the handlebar;
• fitting the front wheel;
• fit the pedals;
• setting the saddle;
• checking the brakes and gears.

If you have no experience, ask whether the bike is checked before dispatch and how much assembly is left to you.

5. Can you get advice before buying?

A good online bike shop should be more than a catalogue. Before buying you should be able to write in and ask:

• will this size suit my height?
• is this model suitable for gravel?
• is this bike suitable for daily riding?
• what is the difference between these two models?
• which accessories will I need straight away?

If the seller can answer clearly, your chances of choosing the right bike are much better.

6. Bike types compared

Type of bike	Best suited to	Advantages	Drawbacks
City bike	Everyday use, town, short distances	Comfortable, practical, often comes with accessories	Not as fast, limited on rougher surfaces
Hybrid bike	Town, gravel, weekends	Versatile, comfortable, practical	Not as sporty as a gravel or road bike
Mountain bike, MTB	Woods, off-road, rough ground	Stable, capable, tough	Heavier, slower on tarmac
Gravel bike	Tarmac plus gravel, longer routes	Fast and versatile	A sportier position that does not suit everyone
A road bike	Speed, tarmac, sport	Light, fast	Not for poor surfaces
An electric bike	Longer distances, hills, everyday use	Less fatigue, more range	Dearer, heavier, needs charging
Children’s bike	For children, by height and age	Made for a child	Take care not to buy one too big

7. The most common mistakes when buying a bike online

Mistake 1: choosing on price alone

The cheapest bike is not always the best choice. If it is uncomfortable, too heavy or wrong for your roads, a good price will not save it.

Mistake 2: buying to grow into

This is especially common with children and teenagers. An oversized bike can be unsafe, harder to control and unpleasant to ride.

Choose the bike that fits now, not the one that theoretically fits in two years.

Mistake 3: ignoring the weight

Weight matters a great deal if you have to carry the bike into a flat, lift it into a car, take it up stairs, or if a child will ride it. A couple of kilos can be very noticeable.

Mistake 4: choosing an MTB because it looks more serious

Mountain bikes are popular, but if you ride almost entirely on tarmac an MTB will be slower and heavier than you need. For town and mixed roads a hybrid usually suits better.

Mistake 5: not allowing for accessories

A bike without a helmet, lock, lights or pump is not yet ready for daily use. Plan for the accessories in advance.

8. What to tell the seller before buying

If you are unsure, do not guess. Write in for advice and give this information:

• your height;
• your inside leg, if you know it;
• your budget;
• where you will ride most;
• how many kilometres you plan to ride;
• whether there will be gravel, forest trails or hills;
• whether you will have to carry the bike up stairs;
• whether you need a rack, mudguards or a child seat;
• whether you want a simple, an electric or a sportier bike.

With that we can pick out a few genuinely suitable options rather than simply showing you the whole catalogue.

9. Examples: which bike suits whom

Example 1: commuting in town

Situation: someone rides 5-8 km to work, mostly on tarmac and cycle paths.
Suits: a city or hybrid bike.
Important: mudguards, lights, a lock, a comfortable position.

Example 2: weekends in town and at the cottage

Situation: one day on city paths, the next on gravel near the house.
Suits: a hybrid or an MTB, depending on how rough the gravel is.
Important: tyres, a comfortable saddle, versatility.

Example 3: longer distances and hills

Situation: someone wants to ride more often without arriving exhausted.
Suits: an electric hybrid or an electric city bike.
Important: battery capacity, motor type, weight, charging options.

Example 4: for a child, for the summer

Situation: a child has outgrown their old bike and needs one for the season.
Suits: a children’s bike sized by height, not just by age.
Important: weight, brakes, wheel size, and whether the child can reach the ground.

Example 5: sporty leisure riding

Situation: someone wants longer routes, more speed, a sportier ride.
Suits: a gravel or road bike.
Important: riding position, tyres, frame geometry, drivetrain.

10. How to know you have chosen the right bike

The right bike meets not one criterion but several:

• it fits your height;
• it suits your roads;
• it fits your budget;
• it matches how you will use it;
• it is not too heavy for your situation;
• it has, or takes, the accessories you need;
• it is clear how it will be delivered and prepared;
• you want to ride it regularly, not just once.

If a bike looks good but does not suit your routes, it is not a good choice. If it is technically excellent but too large or uncomfortable, it is not a good choice either.

The best bike is the one that fits your life.

11. Frequently asked questions

Which bike should a beginner choose?

For a beginner a hybrid or city bike is usually best, if the riding is mostly tarmac and easy paths. If you plan to ride forest trails, choose an MTB. If you want distances and hills to be easier, consider an e-bike.

How do you know what frame size you need?

Start from your height and the manufacturer’s chart. As a rough guide, someone 170-180 cm tall usually suits an M or an L, but it depends on the type of bike and its geometry. If in doubt, tell the seller your height and how you plan to ride.

Can you buy a bike online without trying it?

Yes, if you know your height, what you will use it for, and you get advice on size. What matters is choosing a seller who will help you pick the right model rather than just show you a catalogue.

What is the difference between a hybrid and a mountain bike?

A hybrid is more versatile for tarmac, town and lighter gravel. A mountain bike is better on forest trails, rough ground and off-road, but on tarmac it is usually heavier and slower.

Is a city bike suitable for gravel?

For light, short, smoother gravel, sometimes yes. But if you ride gravel often, choose a hybrid, a gravel bike or an MTB.

Is an e-bike worth choosing?

An e-bike is worth it if you want longer distances, easier hills, less fatigue, or to use the bike instead of the car more often. If you only ride short distances and want something light and simple, a regular bike may be enough.

Which bike is best for a child?

The best bike for a child is the one that fits their height and is light enough. Do not buy one to grow into, because it will be harder to control and less safe.

How much should you spend on a first bike?

For a first decent adult bike it is worth budgeting at least €300-600, and more for a better specification or an electric model. Leave part of the budget for a helmet, a lock, lights and other accessories.

In short: choose a bike online around yourself, not around the catalogue

Choosing a bike online becomes much simpler when you start not from the model but from yourself:

How tall are you?
Where will you ride?
How often will you use the bike?
What is your budget?
Do you need a simple, a versatile, an electric or a sporty bike?

Once those answers are clear, choosing the right bike online can be done accurately and safely.

Need help choosing?

Write to us with

your height, your budget and where you will ride most : in town, on gravel, on forest trails, to work, with the family or on longer routes.

We will pick out a few options that genuinely suit how you ride, not just ones that look good in a catalogue.

Send us your height, budget and where you will ride, and we will help you find the right bike.