There are many different types of bikes, catering to almost everyone. Road bikes and commuter bikes are best for daily rides in the city, while mountain bikes are suitable for steep terrains and trails. In recent years, electric bikes have also become popular. These models are battery-powered to assist pedalling. You can see our full guide to electric bikes vs regular bikes here.
When choosing a bike, consider where you want to use the bike, your budget and the bike's size. Other factors to consider are the bike's suspension, gears, tyres, seat and pedals. Safety features are also a great factor when choosing a bike, especially if you want an electric model.
For this list, we examined hundreds of bikes available online from different brands and retailers. We picked models based on customer reviews and ratings. We also chose the models based on key product features for each category.
Our pick for the best overall bike is the Marin Nicasio, which has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Bicycles Online.
The Nicasio uses a butted 4130 chromoly frame with disc brakes, full fender and rack mounts. The disc brakes are smooth, allowing you to better control stops in all conditions. As for the tyre clearance, this bike has a frame and fork clearance for up to 700C x 35mm or 650B x 47mm tyres.
With durable steel construction and an affordable price tag, you can't go wrong with Marin's Nicasio bikes. It's for riders looking for something modern yet unique. They're tough and can survive a beating, perfect for daily rides or more adventurous outdoor trips. Users said the Nicasio is easy to assemble and features sturdy tyres for smooth braking. It's also springy and effortless to manoeuvre. A few customers found the bike too heavy for their liking, but this seems to be a minor issue.
For the best mountain bike, we recommend Polygon's Siskiu T8. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Bicycles Online.
Polygon's Siskiu T8 is one of our picks for the best mountain bikes you can buy in Australia right now. With Fox suspension and a Shimano drivetrain, this bike is a superb and durable option for adventurous riders. It's a dual-suspension MTB that is capable on the trails, thanks to its hydroformed aluminium frame with a tapered head tube. The Fox 34 Rhythm fork also provides 140-150mm of travel, depending on frame size.
Priced at $3,5999, this bike is a solid option for pros and beginners alike. A 1x12-speed Shimano SLX drivetrain ensures you can change gears with ease. The Tekro hydraulic brakes and Shimano Centerlock rotors also provide smooth stopping. However, this bike has Schwalbe Hans Dampf Evo tyres that are 2.6 inches wide, which may be too much for some users.
With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on the brand's website, we chose the Trek Marlin 4 as the best cheap mountain bike.
Trek is the best-rated bike brand at the Finder Retails Award 2020/21, garnering the highest marks when it comes to value for money and performance. The Marlin 4 exemplifies all the best qualities that made the brand a favourite among riders. Along with its affordable price tag, this model comes with useful features like 21 gears provided by the 3x7-speed Shimano drivetrain, SR Suntour coil spring suspension and Bontrager tyres. The Marlin 4 also has Tektro M280 mechanical disc brakes. It comes in 27.5" and 29" tyres options, depending on the size of the frame you choose.
Customers praised the bike's ease of use, durability and value for money. It's an uncomplicated, beginner-friendly mountain bike that is capable of striding through trails. It can also double as a commuter bike. While it's not the best option for harder and rockier paths, the Marlin 4 provides tons of power for exploring roads less taken. Additionally, it comes with mounts for a rack and mudguards for your gear and essentials.
For the best option for commuting, we picked the Polygon Heist X7. On Bicycles Online, it has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
With an AL6 Urban Cross frame and a Suntour NCX fork, the Heist X7 offers heaps of power and smoothness for your daily commute. It is threadless integrated and has an Entity Xpert handlebar, Shimano SLX RD-M7000 rear derailleur and shifter. Its Shimano BL-MT401 Hydraulic Disc brakes also allow you to stop smoothly, while the alloy double-wall 32H, 6-bolt rotor and WTB Riddler 700x45C tyres ensure you can power through rougher paths effortlessly.
Polygon's Heist X7 is an affordable, basic bike that is great for city life. It weighs less than 13kg, making it a relatively lightweight option that you can carry and lift from one place to another. Users said it is easy to assemble and comes with an ergonomic handlebar that makes navigating convenient. The 68mm bottom bracket is also BSA threaded, and it has a ProWheel Alloy 36T crankset. Its Shimano SLX M700 1x11 speed drivetrain provides superb shifting efficiency as well. However, it only comes in small, medium, large and extra-large sizes.
We recommend Apollo's Panther 24 as the best bike for kids. It's got a lightweight but durable frame, suspension fork, disc brakes and a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain.
Along with its budget-friendly price tag and durable design, Apollo's Panther 24 has plenty to offer young riders. The suspension offers 50mm of travel. Its 560mm-wide, low-riser handlebar is comfortable and easy to grip, while the Selle Royal saddle ensures young riders are comfy during long trips. Apart from an A-head 2-bolt MTB stem with a 10° rise, the Panther 24 features Kraton grips and JAK-8 mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors.
The Panther 24 is a bang-for-your-buck option for kids who'd like to start riding tougher trails. Its lightweight frame is sturdy and offers tons of stability for a smooth ride. The brakes are easy to control as well. The high-impact nylon pedals are comfortable while the 24 x 1.95" tyres are more than enough for kids 4 feet 4 inches in height or aged 8 to 10 years old.
Our pick for the best road bike is the Marin Four Corners, which has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on Bicycles Online.
The Marin Four Corners uses a Utilitour double-butted chromoly frame and a chromoly fender fork. It also features a Marin MTB saddle and Marin butted alloy handlebar for comfort. Its Tektro Spyre-C road mechanical disc brakes offer smooth and controlled braking in all conditions. This model is available in 5 frame sizes to fit any individual from 150 to 193cm.
With a lifetime frame warranty and a price that won't break the bank, the Four Corners is the perfect fit for road riders on a budget. It has a sturdy and capable frame, smooth brakes and a Shimano Sora 3x9-speed drivetrain. The full front and rear rack and fender eyelets are also useful for carrying gear and essentials during your adventures. Some customers added that you can add a child seat at the back with ease, allowing you to bring your little one on the road.
When it comes to the best cheap road bike, we recommend the Trinx 700C Road Bike TEMPO 1.0. This model has Hi-Ten steel road forks and a 700C, 530mm aluminium frame for heights of 165 to 180cm.
The TEMPO 1.0 has a Shimano SL-A050 drivetrain, Winzip alloy brakes and CST 700C*25C tyres. Weighing 11.2kg, this model is lightweight and easy to carry. It also features a 430mm Hi-Ten handlebar and a Trinx Road saddle. It comes in 53cm and 56cm options as well.
An uncomplicated road bike for beginners and kids, the TEMPO 1.0 offers a no-nonsense approach to road biking. It is easy to use and has a smooth braking system that allows riders to safely stop in all conditions. It also delivers heaps of strength so you can power through steeper terrain and rockier paths. A few customers found the assembly instructions quite confusing, but this seems to be an isolated issue.
The Marin Stinson 2 ST is our choice for the best option for the beach. Customers on Bicycles Online gave it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Featuring an aluminium frame and standover disc brake mounts, the Stinson 2 ST is a comfortable bike for casual rides. It has a rack and fender eyelets for carrying items and high-volume 27.5" wheels so you can stride through paths more easily. Additionally, the step-through frame design allows you to touch the ground with your forefoot. Its saddle also has the optimal height for full pedalling leg extension.
The Stinson 2T has a wide-range, 1x gearing, MircroSHIFT advent 9-speed drivetrain and Power CX7 mechanical disc brakes. For the price, it's a solid option for quick trips. Its Veer Tire Co. Speedster tyres have puncture protection. However, this model only comes in 3 sizes: small, medium and large.
If you're looking for the best cruiser model, we recommend Pedal's Uptown Cruiser Bike, which has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on 99 Bikes.
The Uptown Cruiser Bike combines vintage aesthetics and modern, practical features so you can ride in style without any worry. Built for casual riders, this is ideal for quick rides around town. It has a steel frame with classical retro-style tubing, a fully customised chain cover and an integrated double-sided chain guard for maximum protection from clothes getting stuck.
This bike also features a Shimano groupset, dual-pivot brakes and TPR grips. The slightly rising handlebars also provide a comfortable and relaxed upright riding position. Additionally, it has a 7-speed Shimano chain, double-wall alloy rim and 700 x 32 smooth roll tyres.
We chose the Tern Vektron S10 as the best folding bike. This electric bike has a Bosch Performance electric drivetrain for up to 300% assistance and 65Nm of torque.
Tern's Vektron 10 is the best option for ultimate comfort and convenience. Because it has an electric operation, it allows you to power through quite easily so you can ride for longer. Its frame has a reclining battery for a lower centre of gravity. It has also passed strict European safety standards for pedal-assist electric bicycles, according to the brand. Additionally, it is easy to fold and fits on buses, subways and taxis for multi-modal commuting.
Priced over $6,000, this model is in the pricier range of the spectrum. But it offers tons of useful features to make your commuting and adventures safer and more fun. It has an integrated Atlas V Rack with 8-point mounting, so you can bring gears and essentials. You can also resize the bike to fit your riding needs. This versatile function also means the Vektron 10 is suitable for riders 137 to 195cm tall. It has a convenient control panel that lets you switch between different riding modes as well.
The Peloton Bike+ is priced at a steep $3,965 and you need to pay $59 per month for an All-Access membership. For all these costs, you'll get an extremely well-designed and sturdy exercise bike suitable for a wide range of cardio and full-body workouts. The Peloton Bike+ also has a 23.8-inch HD touchscreen that swivels a full 360°, adjustable seat and handlebar and rear and front-facing speakers.
This exercise bike comes with handy smart features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity that let you access thousands of workout classes. There are also tons of fitness programs and classes to suit any fitness level. The instructors are quite hands-on and encouraging as well.
Leitner's Libelle 20inch Step-Thru Folding Ebike is our choice for the best electric bike. It has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on productreview.com.au.
A low-step electric bicycle, the Libelle has 20" wheels and a foldable design. The brand claims the tyres are puncture-resistance, while the Samsung lithium battery cells can last up to 20-50km in one full charge. Additionally, it has an integrated computer centre with a speedometer and odometer so you can easily track your progress.
The Libelle is one of our picks for the best electric bikes. It doesn't require a licence, offering a top speed of 25km per hour. It has a 10Ah battery, but if you want more, you can upgrade to a 15Ah battery for 30 to 70km of pedal assistance. Additionally, it comes with a chain guard, mudguards and front and rear lights.
How did we pick this list
57 Brands considered
340 Products compared
12 Best products chosen
Why you can trust our picks
For this list, we looked into hundreds of bikes available online. We examined models from the following brands:
Apollo
Aseako
Assault Fitness
BodyWorx
Canyon
Celsius
Commencal
Cube
Cubii
DeskCycle
DiroDi
Everfit
Focus
Fortis
Freeform Cardio
Giant
Horizon
Ibis
Kmart
Leitner
Lekker Bikes
Lifespan Fitness
MagneTrainer
Marcy
Marin
Merida
NCM
Norco
NordicTrack
Nukeproof
Orbea
Peloton
Polygon Path
PowerTrain
Proflex
Proform
Pure Design
Razor
REEF
Rocky Mountain
Santa Cruz
Schwinn
Scott
Silverback
Sole
Specialized
Tern
Transition
Trek
Trinx
Valk
Vamos Bikes
Vitus
Vyron
Yeti
York
YT
We narrowed down our choices based on customer ratings and reviews (as of December 2022). We also considered each model's key product features, including size, price, purpose and safety features. We came up with what we believe are the 12 best bikes you can buy right now in Australia.
How to compare bicycles
Where you plan to ride your bike will determine the type of bike you need and how much you'll need to spend. For example, if you fancy donning some Lycra and speeding along the bitumen, a road bike is the way to go. But if you plan on heading off-road into some rougher terrain, your road bike won't last long at all in the sort of conditions mountain bikes are built to tame. And if you're just looking for something to get you from A to B or to tackle a short trip to and from work, there are plenty of affordable commuter bikes that'll work.
Make sure to consider the following factors when choosing a bicycle:
Price
Bicycle prices vary greatly depending on the type of bike you're looking for and the special features it offers. As a general rule of thumb, you'll need to spend at least $300 or $400 to get a decent-quality adult bike. After that, how much you spend is entirely up to you. You can pick up a road bike for around $500, but if you want a super-lightweight carbon-fibre bike with top-spec equipment, you could easily spend more than $10,000.
Gears
Having more gears means you should always be able to find the perfect gear to tackle all types of terrain. However, more gears mean more moving parts that require maintenance, and you may still end up using the same few gears most of the time anyway. If you're looking for a commuter bike, you may want to consider a single-speed bike, also known as a "fixie". They're simple, lightweight and easy to maintain, but can make for difficult riding uphill.
Size
Choosing the right size bike is essential to ensuring comfort and safety on your bike as well as optimum pedalling performance. Head into your local bike shop to get measured up for the ideal frame size and for help with things like finding the right height for the seat and handlebars.
Brakes
There are 2 main types of brakes: rim brakes are lightweight and uncomplicated, while disc brakes offer improved stopping power and tend to have a longer lifespan. If you take the bike for a test ride, make sure to assess its stopping power.
Suspension
If you're buying a mountain bike, make sure you consider the suspension package fitted to the bike. There are 2 options available: hardtails only have front suspension, while dual-suspension bikes also include a rear shock absorber. Check the amount of travel the system offers to work out whether it suits the terrain you ride most often.
Tyres
Most road bikes have 700c wheels, which have a diameter of 622mm, while mountain bike wheels come in 3 sizes: 26, 27.5 and 29 inches. Make sure the tyres you choose are suitable for the rim size and for the style of riding you plan on doing. Road bikes use skinny tyres for maximum speed, commuter bikes need a little extra width in the tyres for improved handling and mountain bike tyres are thicker for maximum grip.
Pedals
You'll need to choose between flat and clip-in pedals. Clip-in pedals offer improved pedalling performance and help you feel secure on your bike, but many new riders don't like the sensation of being attached to the bike if they're ever in danger of crashing.
Seat
A comfortable seat is crucial for an enjoyable cycling experience, so take the bike for a test ride to make sure you'll be happy in the saddle for long periods. If you're not satisfied, you can choose from a range of replacement options.
Frame material
Bicycle frames can be made of a few different materials. Traditional steel is sturdy but heavy. Aluminium is a popular choice because it's lighter than steel but affordable. Lightweight carbon fibre is used in high-end road and mountain bikes but is more expensive.
Types of bicycles
There are many different types of bikes available, each designed for a specific type of riding. The following are the main options:
Road bikes. Road bikes are built for speed and designed for riding on surfaced roads. They're sleek and lightweight with dropped handlebars to help you ride faster.
Flat bar road bikes. These bikes feature flat rather than dropped handlebars for a more upright riding position. They're not as fast as traditional road bikes but can be more comfortable.
City or commuter bikes. Also known as urban or hybrid bikes, they are designed for versatility and practicality. They combine the speed of a road bike with a comfortable riding position and added durability. Some also come with luggage mounts and panniers. The upright riding position ensures increased visibility in traffic.
Vintage bikes. Instantly recognisable due to their retro styling, these bikes feature a comfortable riding position, minimal gears and accessories like baskets and pannier racks. However, they can be heavy.
Folding bikes. If you're short on storage space or want to take your bike on public transport, a folding bike is a practical solution. However, they have smaller wheels and minimal gears, so they're not suitable for long journeys.
Mountain bikes. If you want to ride off-road, you'll need to buy a mountain bike. These are designed to handle rougher terrain and come with sturdy frames, powerful disc brakes and suspension. Wider knobby tyres also provide optimum grip in off-road conditions.
E-bikes. E-bike have motors to help you get from A to B. Check out our electric bicycle buying guide for more information.
There are also bikes designed for specific cycling disciplines, such as BMX and cyclocross bikes, and a wide range of kids bikes for younger riders too.
Should I buy a bicycle online or in-store?
There are plenty of retailers that sell bicycles online, in many cases offering cheaper prices than if you buy in-store. So if you know the style and size of bike you need and you don't mind doing a little bit of assembly work, buying online might be the way to go.
However, for many people, the best thing to do is to head into your local bike shop. Not only can the staff there help you decide on the right bike for your needs and the right size frame, but they might be willing to knock a few dollars off the RRP if you're not afraid to ask.
Your local bike shop experts can also offer tips and advice on everything from riding techniques to bike maintenance. And when you need to deal with those annoying creaks or mechanical issues that will inevitably arise, it's good to be able to go to someone you know and trust for advice.
3 things to consider when buying a bicycle
Before you part with any of your hard-earned cash, consider these important factors:
Consider buying used. If you're new to cycling, it's well worth considering buying used instead of new. You could save on a quality bike if you buy second-hand.
Take a test ride. The best way to ensure that you buy the best bike for your needs is to try it out. See how it handles at varying speeds, take it up and down hills and shift through all the gears to make sure everything is functioning as it should.
Essential accessories. There are a few other important accessories you'll need to purchase when you buy a bike. The most important requirement (and a legal necessity) is a helmet, while a water bottle cage, pump, puncture repair kit, spare inner tube and tyre levers can all come in handy. If you're riding on the road, hi-vis clothing and fluoro vests are also a good idea.
You can burn up to 750 calories per hour of cycling. However, the number of calories you burn highly depends on your weight, speed and time spent riding your bike.
No. Provided your e-bike satisfies the legal definition of a power-assisted bicycle in your state or territory, no licence is required.
Here are a few tips to keep your bike in good condition:
Clean using cleaning products suitable for bikes.
Do not use a jet washer to clean your bike as this can remove the lubricant on your bike's bearings and other moving parts.
Check for loose bolts and broken parts.
Keep the tyres properly inflated.
If you have an electric bicycle, store the battery in a dry, cool place.
Schedule your electric bike for a professional check-up to ensure it's in the best condition for the road.
Make sure to check your manufacturer's manual to learn more about the maintenance of your specific bike model.
A road bike is generally more lightweight than a commuter bike. It is built for speed and has no suspension. It also has a more aerodynamic riding position and larger wheels. A commuter bike is designed for comfort and has better suspension systems. Additionally, it has flatter handler bars and an upright riding position. The tyres on a commuter bike are also wider and heavier.
Best Rated Bicycle Brand: Trek
Top-rated for performance, Trek is the best bicycle brand according to Australians. It also rated well for reliability and design.
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2020, Kantar. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info.
Previous Retail Awards
Best Rated Bicycle Brand 2019: Trek
Trek manufactures and sells a wide range of bicycles, including fitness bikes, road bikes, electric bikes, mountain bikes and trail bikes. 100% of surveyed cyclists recommend Trek bicycles, giving the brand the overall highest score and making it the top bicycle brand in Australia. The US-based company received high scores for performance, build quality, ease of use and design.
Brand
Overall rating
Recommended
Performance
Value for Money
Build Quality
Design
Ease of use
Reliability
Trek
4.36
100%
4.61
4.19
4.58
4.47
4.5
4.42
Merida
4.32
100%
4.44
4
4.44
4.18
4.29
4.38
Reid Cycles
4.18
90%
3.95
4.55
4
4.09
4.23
4.05
Giant
4.18
95%
4.08
3.94
4.13
4.13
4.12
4.21
Apollo Bicycle
4.1
90%
4.32
4.32
4
4.09
4.18
4.14
Malvern Star
3.79
77%
3.97
3.85
3.76
3.85
3.94
3.94
Avanti Bikes*
3.56
83%
4
3.75
3.88
3.75
3.63
3.81
Azzurri*
5
100%
5
5
5
5
4.5
4.5
Diamondback*
3.5
86%
3.75
3.69
3.56
3.44
4
4
GT Bicycle*
4
100%
3.58
4
3.83
4
4.17
3.58
Holstar*
4.25
100%
4.25
4.25
4
3.75
5
4.5
Kink*
4.5
100%
3.5
3.5
3.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
Learsport*
1.75
50%
3
3.5
0.5
3.5
4
Leitner*
4
100%
4
3.5
3.75
3.25
4.25
3.25
Mongoose*
3.8
100%
2.9
3.4
3.6
3.7
4.3
4
Polygon*
3.25
100%
4
4
4
3.75
3.25
3.75
SCOTT Sports*
4.75
100%
4.63
4.13
4.75
4.63
4.5
4.5
*Brand did not meet the sample threshold to qualify for the award
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2019, Roy Morgan. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info.
Why you can trust Finder Shopping best guides
We're knowledgeable
Our editorial team has decades of experience testing and comparing products. We only use experienced journalists with proven track records.
We're comprehensive
We assess hundreds of products for each guide to ensure you're getting a full overview of the market. All guides are regularly reviewed and fact-checked.
We don't cut corners
Selections are based on our own research, comparisons and testing. We do not use automation software or AI. Every best guide follows a stringent methodology.
Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in reviews. She has previously written articles about property investment, finances, and health. She’s a huge fan of Tina Fey, bubble teas and dogs. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila and is currently writing her thesis for a Master’s degree in Communication
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