Bikes Buying Guide

Park the family car, pack a picnic and head out on two wheels. The warm weather is finally here, so why not take advantage of it at a park or on a bike trail? Bike riding provides a great way to enjoy time with your family while getting some exercise, and it's also an environmentally-friendly way to get around.

Canadian Tire is Canada's #1 bicycle retailer. We are committed to quality and reliability and offer a wide assortment of brands and models to suit every rider. But with so many bicycle options available, how do you find the one that is right for you?

Bike Talk | Find a Frame That Fits | Cycling Safety and Security | Accessorize your Ride

What's your Style?

Size isn't the only important consideration when choosing a bike. Finding one that fits your riding style is just as significant. Here are a few styles to consider:

Mountain Bikes MOUNTAIN
Ideal for: Trail and path enthusiasts.
Features: Front suspension forces front wheels to maintain contact with path and absorb vibrations.
Ideal terrain: Trails and paths.

BMX Bikes BMX
Ideal for: Trick and racing enthusiasts of all ages.
Features: Smaller, single-speed bikes with lightweight frames.
Ideal terrain: Dirt or smooth surfaces.

FULL SUSPENSION
Ideal for: Off-road enthusiasts and aggressive riders.
Features: Front and rear suspension provides comfort and forces the front and rear wheels to maintain contact with the trail.
Ideal terrain: Off-road trails and paths.

HYBRID
Ideal for: Commuters and city riders.
Features: Combines the upright seating position of a mountain bike with the large-diameter rims of a road bike.
Ideal terrain: Roads and paved paths.

URBAN
Ideal for: Skate parks and trail riding.
Features: Cross between a BMX bike and a mountain bike, with a beefed-up hardtail frame and fat street tires.
Ideal terrain: Dirt or smooth surfaces.

ROAD
Ideal for: Road racing and fitness enthusiasts.
Features: Skinny tires, wide-range gearing, and lightweight frame.
Ideal terrain: Roads and paved paths.

COMFORT
Ideal for: Casual recreational riders.
Features: Ergonomically superior, upright riding position, wide tires, larger saddle, and adjustable stem.
Ideal terrain: Roads and paved paths.

Bike Talk

Brakes - Brakes are an important safety feature on any bike, but there are differences. Calliper brakes have a pair of pads (shoes) that move inwards towards the rim. Cantilever brakes are calliper brakes in which the pivot point is below the rim and attached to the frame or fork. Disc brakes consist of a metal disc attached to the wheel hub that rotates with the wheel. Callipers are attached to the frame or fork, along with pads that squeeze together on the disc. Disc brakes offer good performance in all conditions, including water, mud and snow. Coaster brakes are found on children's bikes and some comfort bikes. They are built into the rear hub and are engaged by pedalling backwards.

Derailleur - This is a mechanism found on bikes with more than one speed that moves the chain from one sprocket to another to change gears. Many bikes sold at Canadian Tire have Shimano derailleurs. Shimano is a leading manufacturer of bicycle parts.

Frame - The frame is the skeleton of the bike on which all other parts rest. Most bikes sold at Canadian Tire have diamond frames. These frames have two triangles. The front has a top tube, seat tube, down tube and head tube. The rear has a seat tube, seat stays and chain stays. Frames sold at Canadian Tire are constructed of either aluminum for lightness and speed or high-tensile steel.

Bicycle speeds - Bikes sold at Canadian Tire range from single-speed children's bikes to 24-speed men's and women's bikes. The more speeds the bike has, the wider the options over different terrain. By shifting the gears, you can change the distance covered with each pedal. If you're travelling up a hill, or over difficult terrain, shifting down to a lower gear or speed can help make it easier, but if your legs begin spinning too fast, shift up to a higher gear.

Handlebars - Handlebars can impact the bike's aerodynamics, comfort and aesthetics. Drop or racing-style handlebars are designed to put the rider in a low, aerodynamic riding position to minimize drag on the bike. They have swept-down ends. Upright handlebars are designed for a more comfortable ride. They put the rider in an erect position that is more comfortable for low-intensity cruising. They are also found on mountain bikes.

Saddle - Saddle construction can make or break a comfortable ride. Look for gel cushioning for comfort and saddles designed to minimize pressure in the seating area.

Shifters - These are the levers that allow the rider to shift gears. They are often found mounted on the handlebars.

Suspension - Suspension systems are designed to make riding over rough terrain more comfortable. The suspension allows the wheels to respond to small bumps by moving up and down. This helps cushion the rider from shocks and keeps the tires in contact with the ground for better control and performance. Front- or dual-suspensions can be found in motocross or mountain bikes and hybrids.

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Find a Frame That Fits

Finding the right fit is important for your comfort, ease-of-use and safety. It's always helpful if you can try one on for size, but if that's not possible, there are a few guidelines you can follow to find the right size frame for your frame.

Adult Bike Sizing
(Our adult bikes are designed ideally for ages 14 and up)

Leg Inseam	Frame Size	Wheel Size
28–30" (71-76 cm)	18" (45 cm)	26" (66 cm)
30-32" (76-81 cm)	20" (50 cm)	26" (66 cm)
32" and up (81 cm and up)	21-22" (53-55 cm)	26" (66 cm)

Youths' & Children's Bike Sizing

Leg Inseam	Rim Size
Less than 16" (40 cm)	12" (30 cm)
16-20" (40-50 cm)	14" (35 cm)
20-22½" (50-57 cm)	16" (40 cm)
22½-26" (57-66 cm)	20" (50 cm)
26-28" (66-71 cm)	24" (60 cm)

Cycling Safety and Security

Before you head out, it's important to ensure you're properly prepared for the roads and trails.

Helmet - Helmets are your best defence against head injury. Wear a helmet each time you ride and be sure to check that it’s free from cracks and damage. They’re required by law throughout many regions in Canada.

Accessorize your Ride

There are many different ways to equip you bike.

Add a bell or horn and lights or reflectors for safety on the road
Add a kickstand for convenience
Change the saddle to make riding comfortable
A pump and repair kit are always handy in case of a flat
Use a bike lock to prevent theft
Water bottles are essential gear for long rides or hot days
Add a bike carrier to your car to take your bike anywhere

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