Choosing the right bike in Poland is a decision that can impact your daily comfort, safety, and riding pleasure. In a country where cycling is becoming an increasingly popular means of transportation – both in large cities and small towns – the options are endless. Polish cycling routes offer everything: smooth asphalt paths, rugged dirt roads, challenging mountain trails, and scenic routes along rivers and lakes. Therefore, it's crucial to match your bike to your riding style, location, and planned routes. In this guide, we'll look at all the key factors that will help you find the perfect bike – not just for today, but for years to come.
Understand your needs and driving style
The first step is to be honest about how you plan to use your bike. A student from Krakow who commutes to university daily along the Vistula River will have different needs than a tourist planning a multi-day Green Velo trip through the Podlasie and Lublin regions.
Daily Commuting – If your bike will primarily be used for transportation to work or school, prioritize comfort, easy maintenance, and low failure rates. Cycling – Those planning weekend trips should consider greater comfort, spacious luggage racks, and good shock absorption. Sports and Training – For those who enjoy speed and long distances, a lightweight design and an efficient drivetrain will be a priority. Off-road Cycling – If you live near forests, mountains, or hilly terrain, you need sturdy tires and a strong frame.
In Poland, the cycling season usually begins in March or April and lasts until late autumn, but more and more people cycle in winter as well, using their bikes as a year-round mode of transportation. Choosing the right type of bike is even more important.
Types of bicycles in Polish conditions
The Polish bicycle market is rich and diverse, but choosing a bike shouldn't be based solely on appearance. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses in the context of local routes and climate:
City bike – Indispensable in large cities like Warsaw, Gdańsk, and Poznań. Its upright position, comfortable saddle, and often a shopping basket make it ideal for riding on paved paths and streets with dedicated bike lanes.
Trekking bike – A versatile choice for those who want to combine daily commuting with touring. In Poland, it's perfect for routes like the Green Velo or Velo Dunajec. Equipped with a rack, fenders, and lighting, it's ready for any weather.
MTB (mountain bike) – Best for mountain bikers exploring the Beskids, Tatras, and Bieszczady Mountains. The sturdy frame, wide tires, and shock absorbers handle rocks, roots, and mud.
Road bike – A light, fast bike for riding on good asphalt. Popular with cyclists in the Warmia, Mazury, and Greater Poland regions.
Gravel – An increasingly popular choice in Poland due to its versatility. It allows for a combination of riding on both asphalt and gravel roads, making it ideal for the diverse Polish trails.
Frame and ergonomics
Choosing a frame isn't just a matter of height, but also comfort and health. A frame that's too small will cause you to hunch over and risk back pain, while one that's too large will make it harder to control the bike.
In Poland, most bike shops offer bike adjustments to suit the customer's height. For adults, the range is usually 15" (for people around 150 cm) to 21" (for people over 190 cm). When shopping online, it's worth using the manufacturer's charts and measuring your leg length from the groin to the ground.
Wheels and tires – tailored to Polish roads
Polish cycling infrastructure is getting better, but there are still a lot of uneven surfaces, especially outside large cities.
28" wheels with narrow tires – best for city riding on asphalt roads.
Wider tires 1.75–2.2" – perform better on gravel, forest roads and in winter conditions.
Tires with aggressive tread – perfect for mud and mountain trails.
In Polish conditions, it is worth considering tires with an anti-puncture insert, as glass, acacia thorns and sharp stones can often be found on the routes.
Drivetrain and gears
The terrain in Poland is very diverse – Mazovia is flat, Podhale is mountainous, and Kashubia is hilly.
- For the city and flat terrain, 7-9 gears are enough.
- For mountain routes, a drive with 18–21 gears will be useful.
Brakes in a Polish style
The weather in Poland can be fickle – spring downpours, autumn fog, and winter snow and slush. Hydraulic disc brakes provide the best performance in all conditions, but they are more expensive. V-brakes are a cheaper alternative, good for city driving on dry roads.
Accessories and legal requirements
- Polish regulations require that a bicycle must have:
- efficient brakes,
- front white or yellow light,
- rear red light,
- bell.
In practice, it's also worth equipping yourself with mudguards, a rack, a bottle cage, and a sturdy U-lock. Bike theft is still a common occurrence in large cities like Krakow and Warsaw, so investing in security is essential.
Polish bike shops often offer test rides. It's worth taking advantage of this, as only after a few minutes in the saddle can you assess the bike's comfort and stability. It's also a good idea to attend bicycle fairs, such as those held in Kielce and Warsaw, where you can compare multiple models in one place.
