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Your Guide to Buying the Right Bike

Whether you're brand new to riding or upgrading your current setup, we're here to help you find the perfect bike. This guide will walk you through the different types of bikes we offer, key things to think about before you buy, and how we make getting your new bike easy - wherever you are.

What to Consider Before You Buy

Before diving into bike types, take a moment to think about how, where, and why you'll ride:

  • Where will you ride most often? Pavement, trails, gravel roads, bike lanes?

  • How often do you plan to ride? Every day? Weekend adventures? School runs?

  • What’s your goal? Commuting, fitness, adventure, hauling kids, or just fun?

  • What’s your budget? We offer great bikes at a range of price points, plus financing options.

  • Have you ridden in a while? Your comfort and confidence matter as much as performance.

Still not sure? That’s where our Demo On Demand  or Rental program comes in.


Types of Bikes

Road Bikes

Lightweight, fast, and built for speed on smooth pavement. Drop bars and aerodynamic design make these ideal for long rides, fitness, and group rides.

Mountain Bikes

Perfect for exploring trails and tackling rough terrain. Front suspension (hardtail) or full suspension options are available for every kind of trail.

Gravel Bikes

All-surface adventurers. With wider tires, relaxed geometry, and mounts for bags, these bikes can handle pavement, gravel, and light trails.

City/Hybrid Bikes

Comfortable and practical for everyday riding. An upright position, efficient design, and easy gearing make them great for errands, commuting, or cruising.

Electric Bikes

Add a boost to your ride! E-bikes come in road, mountain, commuter, and cargo styles, giving you power when you need it - great for hills, longer distances, or staying fresh on the way to work.

Cargo Bikes

Need to carry groceries, kids, or gear? Cargo bikes are a fantastic car alternative. We stock options for all kinds of loads.

Kids Bikes

From first rides to trail-ready youth mountain bikes, we’ve got sizes from 12" to 24" wheels, plus smart features like hand brakes and lightweight frames.

Bike Sizing Made Simple

Every bike brand has slightly different sizing, but the key is getting the right frame size for your height and inseam. A well-fitted bike gives you:

  • Proper leg extension for comfortable pedaling

  • Safe stand-over clearance

  • A riding position that suits your comfort and performance goals

You’ll find size guides on every product page, but if you’re unsure, we’re always happy to help—just reach out via live chat, email, or phone.

Getting Your Bike to You

We make it easy to get your new bike, no matter where you are:


1. In-Store Pickup

Pick up your bike fully assembled and ready to ride. We’ll even help you adjust the fit before you roll out.


2. Local Delivery

Live in Greater Victoria? We’ll bring the bike to your door and make sure you’re set up properly. (We currently deliver to the peninsula and West Shore)

3. Canada-Wide Shipping

We carefully pack and partially disassemble the bike (as little as possible!) for safe shipping. When it arrives, just attach the wheels and handlebars. Need help? We can walk you through it over Zoom, FaceTime, or live chat.


Still Not Sure? Let’s Chat

We’re here to make bike buying easier. Reach out any time - we love talking bikes.

250-598-4111
bikes@oakbaybikes.com
Live chat on our website (10am–5pm PST)