Road cycling through the mountains of South Africa's Western Cape

1. Road Bikes: For the Love of the Ride

Classic road bikes are for cyclists who love the effort as much as the views – the burn on a long climb, a well-earned espresso at the top, and the thrill of flying downhill, tucked low over the handlebars. Lightweight, fast and responsive, they’re built for covering miles efficiently—and having a blast doing it. With today’s range of frames, components and fit options – including women-specific designs – you don’t have to sacrifice comfort. Just stick to the pavement. Rough terrain is best left to other bikes.

Best for: Paved roads, longer distances, scenic climbs, and cyclists who enjoy a faster pace.

Favourite places: Italy’s legendary Stelvio and Gavia mountain passes, France’s quite lanes through Provence and the Dordogne, Spain’s epic Mallorca, Japan’s roads through the Japanese Alps, and South Africa’s spectacular Cape Peninsula coastal and wine lands routes.

Hitting the trails along Romania’s Transylvania Way

2. Mountain Bikes: Take the Trail Less Travelled

Prefer dirt to pavement? Mountain bikes are your ticket to the trails – from gentle forest paths to rocky singletrack. With wide, grippy tires, sturdy frames and suspension to smooth out the bumps, they’re built to handle rough terrain and take you places road bikes wouldn’t dare. A little mud and the thrill of the trail are all part of the fun.

Best for: Off-road trails, rugged terrain, forest paths, and riders who aren’t afraid of a few bumps along the way.

Favourite places: Romania’s rugged Carpathian trails, British Columbia’s legendary Whistler singletrack, and New Zealand’s alpine trails around Queenstown.

Gravel biking through Iceland’s volcanic landscapes

3. Gravel Bikes: The Best of Both Worlds

Can’t decide between pavement and dirt? Gravel bikes give you the freedom to enjoy both. With wider tires for extra grip and stability, they’re equally happy on quiet country roads, packed dirt and gravel tracks. Think fewer cars, more remote corners and the freedom to follow that intriguing little road even when the pavement ends. After all, some of the best destinations aren’t paved.

Best for: Mixed terrain, gravel roads, traffic-free adventures, and riders looking to venture off the beaten path.

Favourite places: Iceland’s remote volcanic tracks, Patagonia’s windswept gravel roads, Namibia’s rugged desert routes, and Albania’s quiet mountain backroads.

E-biking through Uruguay's countryside

4. E-Bikes: A Little Extra Power

Love cycling but not every uphill climb? Enter the e-bike. A little electric assistance makes longer distances and steeper hills more manageable, while keeping all the fun of riding. They’re especially handy for couples and groups with different fitness levels, allowing everyone to ride the same routes together. And there’s an e-bike for just about every style, from comfortable upright touring models and easy-to-mount step-through frames to sleek road bikes you’d never guess were electric. You’re still doing the pedaling – just with a little help when you want it.

Best for: Longer rides, hilly routes, mixed-ability groups, and anyone who wants a little help along the way.

Favourite places: Just about anywhere! Think Uruguay’s rolling countryside and Malta’s sun-drenched coastal roads.

Exploring Normandy’s coastline by bike with the whole family

5. Kids’ Bikes: Little Wheels, Big Adventures

Bring the little ones! From comfy, covered trailers – complete with reclining seats, secure harnesses and room for snacks – to tag-alongs that let young riders contribute some pedal power while parents handle the steering (no unexpected swerves!). For kids ready to go it alone, lightweight 20- and 24-inch bikes are perfect for exploring gentle paths and quiet country lanes. Whether they’re pedaling independently, helping out from a tag-along or simply taking in the view from a trailer, even the littlest of riders can be part of the adventure.

Best for: Families with young children, budding cyclists, and kids who aren’t quite ready for longer rides on their own.

Favourite places: France’s scenic bike paths through Brittany and Normandy, gentle country lanes around Cork and Killarney in Ireland, and family-friendly routes beneath the towering peaks of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

Making the most of Ireland’s quiet roads

So, Which Bike Is Right for You?

That depends on where you’re going, how you like to ride and what makes a great day on the bike for you. A challenging climb? A leisurely spin between villages? A muddy trail or a family adventure? There’s a bike for all of it.

At Gray & Co., we match the bike to the rider, the destination and the adventure ahead. Bring your trusty bike from home or let us find the perfect ride for you. After all, the best bike isn’t necessarily the fastest, lightest or fanciest. It’s the one that makes you want to keep exploring.