Photo via Peace Bicycles

There’s nothing quite like taking a bike ride on a warm summer day (even if we are in the dead of winter still). Your hair’s down, the breeze feels cool against your skin, and you feel a lot more in order with your surroundings. Not only that, but it’s nostalgic.

You probably rode a bicycle as a kid and now that you’re riding one somewhere it doesn’t seem as formal nor daunting as driving your car and finding parking. Aside from that, the benefits to riding a bike are endless:

1. If you’re riding one of the styles we’re going to list a bit further down you’re probably looking great out there.

2. You’re saving money and quite literally saving the environment by not using your car.

3. You're moving your body and getting some exercise at the same time as getting where you need to go.

4. Well -- we could go on and on, but you get what we’re saying. Here are two beautiful bike types we’re obsessed with right now.

Dutch Bicycle

Photo via Peace Bicycles

Dutch bikes are not only beautiful, they’re extremely practical. They’re a fantastic bike to use when commuting (although many people use bikes not meant for commuting to commute).

The key to a well-engineered dutch bike is to find the perfect blend of ergonomics and comfortability. It’s a cherry on top when they’re also sleek and aesthetically pleasing -- which they usually are. They’re designed for practically and reliability.

Although many different manufacturers use ‘Dutch bikes’ to coin their styles, they’re often missing the mark. A true Dutch Bicycle has a few distinguishing features, and a full description of dutch bikes can be found here. The upright position is one of them. Sitting upright is not only part of the style, but part of the design that alleviates stress on the back (rather than being hunched over -- making it better on your body when riding casually).

Photo via Peace Bicycles

The step through frame is another part of the ‘style’ that’s traditional for dutch bikes -- as it allows for ease of use (no more swinging your leg over to mount the bike). They typically don’t have gears, sport a washed-out ‘vintage’ look, and have a back pedal braking system.

They’re the ultimate commuter bike as they’re not only practical, but incredibly stylish. You’re sure to get where you need to go comfortably and look stylish doing it.

Commuter Bike

Photo by Melissa Davies

Although a dutch bicycle falls under this category, there’s also many other bikes that do as well. A commuter bike is basically a bicycle used specifically for commutes from one area to another. They’re usually easier on the body, less complex (think mountain bikes and racing bikes), and have fewer gears.

There are multiple different sub-categories within this style; mountain bike style commuters, racing bike style commuters, road-bike style commuters, and so forth. In general, a commuter bike is something that uses a light alloy frame that is both efficient and easy to carry; they’re also an excellent urban bike choice.

Photo by Melissa Davies

Commuter bikes often have one or two gears, rather than a whole range of them, to assist when having to travel up hills. Similar to dutch bikes, you’ll often see a commuter bike set to put its rider in the upright position rather than being hunched over like a street or mountain bike.

Photo via Peace Bicycles

Being that commuter bikes are increasing in popularity -- you’ll see a lot of what people call ‘street bikes.’ These usually having a large seat, wide set handlebars for handling in the upright position, fender, a clothes guard (so your sleeves and ends of your clothing do not get caught in the tires), and they’re either single or double geared. Similar to the dutch bicycle, it’s the perfect bike to use from place to place (within the city and easy terrain) and you’ll look great doing it, especially in a beautiful straw hat bike helmet.

With winter here and spring right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to invest in a new bicycle. Even if it’s just a cruiser to use on the weekends, there’s always a need. They’re practical, efficient, and incredibly stylish. If you want the best bikes and gear to get around smoothly and look amazing while do it, check out the Bike Pretty Shop for all your bikes and accessories.