A city bike, sometimes called a utility bike, is a type of bicycle used primarily for travel in urban areas.
City bikes are built with comfort and practicality in mind and are designed to allow the rider to sit upright rather than hunched forward like on road bikes.
Technically, many types of bikes are classified as city bikes. Hybrid bikes, comfort bikes, Dutch bikes, and some fixed-gear bikes are examples of bikes that could fall into the city bike category.
Most city bikes use fewer gears than road or mountain bikes and often use features such as frames, chain guards, baskets or panniers.
There are plenty of accessories you can use to make riding your city bike much more enjoyable. You can also find a large number ofaccessories on our shop.
I will cover them later in the article.
City bike
What is a city bike used for?
A city bike is designed to be used as a form of utilitarian transportation rather than for sporting activities.
City bikes are designed to require minimal maintenance, efficiently get the rider from point A to point B, and to be easy to control while riding!
Whereas city bikes are mainly designed for riding on paved roads and asphalt surfaces. They are more than suitable for riding on gentle bike paths and trails or for peaceful nature walks with friends!
Electric city bikes are a fantastic option for commuters, especially those who travel longer distances. Ultimately, if you're looking for a cleaner, greener way to get around town, city bikes are a great place to start.
History of city bikes
Although we can trace city bikes to late 1800s Paris, they didn't become very popular until after World War II when it became common to add a small engine to utility bikes, in particularly in Western Europe. You can read more about motorcycles here.
Most people couldn't afford motorcycles or cars, so creating a motorized city bike was a great alternative. Historically, city bikes have been used for commuting, for postal services, by couriers and paper deliverers, for shopping, and for recreation.
How have city bikes progressed over the years?
Over the years, as bikes saw improvements in their components, city bikes followed.
Electric city bikes, improved suspension systems, hub brakes and rear racks have become commonplace on modern city bikes.
These mechanical changes allow the city bike to maintain its focus on being a comfortable, hassle-free way to navigate the concrete jungles we live in.
The bike pictured above is similar to the traditional roadster bikes used by the postal services and the military during World War II.
Environmental impact of using a city bike
The environmental impact of using a city bike is incredibly positive since it reduces emissions not only from motor vehicles, but also from public transport.
Additionally, using city bikes to deliver packages and other items locally further reduces the total amount of emissions in a city.
Although city bikes have fallen in and out of fashion, they continue to have a steady cult following within the cycle mail community, dating back to their utilitarian roots.
Does a city bike require anything to keep running?
All bikes require maintenance, but city bikes are designed to minimize the labor required by eliminating the use of complex parts and components.
City bikes have minimal gearing and often use internal hub gears, which are low maintenance because the mechanical components are housed directly in the hub of your wheel.
Single-speed or fixed-speed city bikes are as minimalist as they come and are extremely easy to maintain.
Some of the things that may need maintenance on your city bike include checking your tire pressure frequently, testing your brakes to make sure they engage your braking surfaces properly, and keeping your drivetrain clean and lubricated.
You will find that compared to performance bikes, city bikes are simple to maintain.
One of the main selling points of city bikes is that they require much less maintenance than road or mountain bikes.
Who should use a city bike?
People who live in urban areas, who want to travel without stress or fatigue are ideal candidates for city bikes.
If traveling comfortably to your destination is a priority for you rather than speed, or off-road ability, a city bike will be a great choice.
If you don't take your bike too seriously and don't want to pursue it in a competitive environment, a city bike will serve you well.
Who shouldn't use a city bike?
If you have any significant medical conditions, it's probably best to speak with a doctor or other medical professional before riding.
You can also choose another type of bike if you live in an area with steep hills. If your area or your commute to work involves climbing long hills, a hybrid bike will definitely be more suitable for you!
What to wear on a city bike?
City bikes have been designed to keep your clothes clean and are meant to be ridden while wearing your daily or occasional work clothes.
It's a good idea to wear reflective clothing, especially in the dark. By doing so, you are more visible to other vehicles and people on the road.
People who wear long dresses or skirts can use city bikes by attaching a skirt guard to their bike. Likewise, if you're wearing baggy pants, tuck them into your socks while riding to avoid snags!
I'll cover some similar useful accessories you can add to your city bike below.
What accessories are recommended when using a city bike?
City bikes have a wide range of fashionable and practical accessories to work with. From locks and tools to lights, baskets and child bike seats.
As with any bike, it is recommended to wear a helmet and as much safety equipment as possible.
Many people like to have a loud bell or horn on a city bike. This will allow you to alert other road users of your presence, thus increasing the safety of your journeys.
Mudguards, chain guards and skirt guards are also fantastic additional accessories that will ensure that your clothes stay clean and fresh while you ride.
As always, be sure to wear a helmet!
Summary – What is a city bike
Fortunately, you now understand a little more about city bikes and who these sturdy and comfortable bikes are suitable for.
