Mountain
Stable on rough road
Wide tyres and suspension make it slower on tarmac, but it shrugs off gravel, snow and bad surfaces.
Cruise
Launch
Top speed
Rough road
Leg saving
Braking
Bike guide
The nine bikes of Cycling 318
The nine bikes in the garage are not just skins — each changes cruise speed, launch, top speed, rough-road resistance, effort, braking and freehub feel. Here is how each one rides, with relative stats. Your bike, wheelset, livery and rider gear carry into the ride, friend ghosts and postcards. Fair play — the core kit is all earnable by riding.
Road
Fast and efficient
Low drag, narrow tyres and a lively freehub make it the quickest choice when the road stays clean.
Cruise
Launch
Top speed
Rough road
Leg saving
Braking
Folding
Quick off the line
Small wheels launch quickly and feel playful, with lower top speed and less stability on long descents.
Cruise
Launch
Top speed
Rough road
Leg saving
Braking
Touring
Long-haul steady
A loaded long-distance setup: less punchy at launch, calm and predictable once the ride settles in.
Cruise
Launch
Top speed
Rough road
Leg saving
Braking
Retro
Old-school rhythm
Steel-frame charm with older braking feel: relaxed, handsome, and intentionally not the sharpest tool.
Cruise
Launch
Top speed
Rough road
Leg saving
Braking
E-bike
Easy climbing
Motor assist helps launch and cruising effort, while weight keeps the top speed from running away.
Cruise
Launch
Top speed
Rough road
Leg saving
Braking
Gravel
Fast all-road
The middle ground between road speed and mountain-bike forgiveness, tuned for mixed surfaces.
Cruise
Launch
Top speed
Rough road
Leg saving
Braking
Fatbike
Snow and bad surfaces
The slowest and heaviest bike, but huge tyres make it almost unfazed by snow and broken road.
Cruise
Launch
Top speed
Rough road
Leg saving
Braking
Cargo
Heavy and calm
Long-tail weight makes it slow and brake-hungry, but the ride feels planted and full of character.
Cruise
Launch
Top speed
Rough road
Leg saving
Braking