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The list of arguments in favour of cycling has grown longer and longer in recent years. Spurred on by corona or climate concerns, many have discovered that cycling can simply be fun. The right equipment increases it considerably. But what fits? Let's find out step by step. If we've done everything right, you'll be rolling into a perfect season with the best of all possible bikes or e-bikes.
Which type of bike would you like? Folding bike, pedelec, city or gravel bike
At MYBIKE magazine, we are spoilt for choice: The specialist area ranges from folding bikes to SUV pedelecs and from city bikes to gravel bikes, plus the whole variety of cargo bikes, fitness bikes and touring bikes. The cycling cosmos has become more colourful thanks to the e-bike and increasing specialisation - and it has expanded: even before coronavirus, Germany was statistically one of the world's leading countries with around one bicycle per capita. In recent years, the popularity of bikes has increased enormously once again. The Two-Wheeler Industry Association recorded growth of 62 per cent for cargo bikes within one year. Almost five million bikes went on sale in 2021. The often and long-disrupted supply chains to parts and bicycle manufacturers, especially in Asia, made supply scarce.
Price increases on the bicycle market
And as is the case when supply becomes scarcer, the bicycle and e-bike prices for the 2022 model year - and they are still rising: from Between 2019 and 2022, comparable bikes became at least 20 per cent more expensive. And where the model name and price have not changed, the manufacturer has definitely had to cut back on the quality of the equipment. One more interesting figure before we get into the details to help with the purchase decision: The average price of a bike in Germany has risen from around €500 in 2011 to around €1,400 in 2021. However, this does not reflect inflation, but electrification - over 40 per cent of bikes sold last year were e-bikes. And these are quickly 1,000 euros more expensive than bikes without a battery with a similar level of equipment. For mountain bikes, the ratio is particularly stark: almost six times as many bikes with a motor were sold as without - a boom that is reminiscent of the triumph of the "SUV" in cars.
Delivery problems with components
For bike buyers in the 2022 season, the price increase and supply problems are changing the perspective somewhat. Certain components, especially disc brakes and suspension forks, are still hard to come by. Those who are very rigidly committed to a specific brand and its correspondingly equipped model may also have to wait this year. Those who are more flexible and can assess the technical alternatives will get their bike faster. The increased prices also speak in favour of getting to grips with the technology a little - but above all of realistically assessing your own needs.
Self-assessment - What do I really need?
Given my mileage, do I really need a bike with the most sophisticated gearing that primarily improves durability and weight? Am I prepared to look after my bike or should it be low-maintenance? Will I really drain the expensive, large battery or will the inexpensive standard size do? Which of the many pedelec motors provides what I need? And, fundamentally: Does it have to be a brand new bike from a dealer or can I trust a second-hand bike? Is a mail order bike suitable for my needs - or is a leasing bike actually the smartest solution for me?
Don't forget accessories and upgrades for the bike
Even beyond the big "complete bike" item, there are purchasing decisions to be made that have a significant impact on the enjoyment of cycling. Anyone who invests their entire bike budget in the bike without spending a few hundred euros on Functional clothing, perhaps a better one Saddle or carefree usable Panniers has not thought the issue through to the end.
Assistance for buying a bike
Was that too many topics in one go? No problem: we take a systematic approach. And in the end, we will be delighted with you when the large or small investments turn into many happy cycling kilometres.
- A matter of type: What kind of bike is exactly my thing?
- Location: New, used, leased? From the dispatch box or the bike shop?
- Entry-level price: This is how much a good bike or e-bike costs
- Moulding: What speaks in favour of which frame shape?
- Drive unit: A comparison of e-bike motors. How much power is needed?
- Gear ratio programme: What gears on a bike do what
- Close-up: Overview of the most important bike parts and components
- Basic equipment: affordable cycling gear from helmet to shoes
