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This or that?

The bike questions everyone asks, answered with a straight verdict.

Pick a road bike if you ride almost only on tarmac and want every last bit of speed.

A hardtail is lighter, cheaper and needs less maintenance, and it's the smarter buy under about €/$2,000 or for forest tracks and flowing trails.

A trail bike (120–150 mm travel) is the better all-rounder: lighter, livelier and easier to pedal uphill.

Both are upright and comfortable.

Choose a hybrid for comfort, an upright position and simple flat bars.

A touring bike is built to carry heavy racks and panniers for weeks, with a stable steel frame and very low gears.

Buy a folding bike if you combine cycling with trains or buses or have no room to store a bike.

A road bike is faster and more efficient for long rides and training, but the low position takes getting used to.

A gravel bike is faster on roads and smooth dirt and great for long distances.