How to Buy a Bike Online in Canada

Buying a bike has never been easier—but with so many options out there, knowing how and where to buy a bicycle online in Canada can save you time, money, and stress. Whether you’re searching for a new mountain bike, road bike, gravel bike, or e-bike, this guide will walk you through the steps to make your online bike purchase smooth and successful.

1. Decide What Type of Bike You Need

Before you click “Add to cart,” think about how and where you’ll actually ride. Choosing the right category will make sure your new bike matches your lifestyle and goals.

Mountain Bikes – Ideal for trails, technical terrain, bike parks, and backcountry adventures. Are you looking for a classic “analog” mountain bike, or would an e-MTB give you the extra boost you need to ride further and climb faster?
Road Bikes – Built for speed, efficiency, and long days on smooth pavement. Within road bikes, there are different styles: endurance bike for comfort, race bikes for performance, or all-road options if you like a bit of versatility. Consider your fitness goals and the kind of rides that excite you.
Gravel Bikes – Perfect for mixed surfaces, from gravel roads to light trails. Are you planning to race, head out on day rides, or pack bags for a weekend of bikepacking? Gravel bikes are versatile enough to cover it all.
Hybrid & Commuter Bikes – Designed for everyday use in the city. Will this be your main mode of transportation? Do you just need space for essentials, or do you want to carry groceries—or even drop kids off at school? These bikes balance comfort and practicality.
E-Bikes – Add extra power to your ride, whether you’re commuting, recovering from an injury, or simply looking to replace short car trips. E-bikes make it easier to keep active, carry kids or cargo, and arrive without breaking a sweat.

Tip: Steed Cycles carry a wide range of Mountain Bikes, Road Bikes, Commuter Bikes, Gravel Bikes and E-Bikes available online and shipped everywhere in Canada. Our dedicated Customer Service team can help you find the right fit for your budget and riding style.

2. Get the Right Size

One of the biggest concerns when buying a bike online in Canada is sizing—and we make it simple. When you shop on Steed Cycles website, every product page includes a bike size chart to help you choose the right frame. On top of that, our Customer Service team is always available to guide you, whether online or by phone.

To find your perfect fit, you’ll usually need:

Your height and inseam measurement
The sizing guide on our bike product pages
Optional: A quick chat with our team for personalized advice

We want you to feel confident that the bike you order is the bike that fits—so you can focus on riding, not second-guessing.

3. Compare Features and Components

Not all bikes are created equal—but there’s a bike out there that’s perfect for you. When you’re shopping online at Steed Cycles, understanding the key features that set one bike apart from another can help you make the right choice. Here’s what to focus on when comparing models:

Frame Material

Aluminium – Lightweight, affordable, and durable. A great choice for most riders.\
Carbon – Even lighter and stiffer, designed for performance and efficiency. Perfect for road, gravel, and mountain riders who want top-level responsiveness.
Steel – Classic and comfortable thanks to its natural flex. Often used on touring or adventure bicycles.
Titanium – Premium, strong, and corrosion-resistant. Combines comfort with durability for a bike that can last a lifetime.

Gears and Shifting

When comparing bikes online, the drivetrain is one of the most important features to consider. While the number of gears matters, more isn’t always better—it’s about having the right range for your terrain and riding style.

1x Drivetrains – A 1x (pronounced one-by) drivetrain uses a single chainring up front paired with a wide-range cassette in the back. Commonly found on mountain and gravel bikes, 1x systems are prized for their low maintenance and intuitive gear selection, especially in rough terrain where reliability matters most. With the introduction of 13-speed drivetrain, modern 1x drivetrains now offer a gear ratio that rivals or even surpasses traditional 2x road setups.
2x Drivetrains – Pronounced “two-by,” these systems feature two chainrings up front and a front derailleur. This traditional setup offers a broader and more finely tuned gear range, making it ideal for riders who value maximum versatility. With both a high and low range easily accessible, you can spin efficiently up steep climbs and still find the right gear for fast descents or flat-out sprints.
Brand & Level – The manufacturer (ex: Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo) and component tier affect shifting precision, durability, and price. Depending on how often and where you ride, choosing the right drivetrain ensures it lasts and delivers the performance you need to reach your cycling goals. Each brand has its own feel and style of shifting, so part of the decision also comes down to personal preference.
Electronic Drivetrains are growing in popularity, especially on high-end road, gravel, and mountain bikes. They provide ultra-smooth, precise shifting with minimal maintenance. Many riders also appreciate the option of an extra battery, so you’re never left mid-ride without power. For riders seeking cutting-edge performance and reliability, electronic drivetrains are an excellent choice.

Brakes

Brakes are essential for control and safety. Once upon a time, rim brakes were the standard, but nowadays disc brakes are common even on entry-level bicycles, offering stronger and more consistent stopping power in all conditions.

Mechanical disc brakes– Cable-actuated, easy to maintain, and reliable. Great for riders who want consistent performance with minimal upkeep.
Hydraulic Disc Brakes – Offer the most stopping power and precise control, making them ideal for performance-focused road, gravel, or mountain bikes. Maintaining them usually requires a brake bleed, which may mean a visit to a bike shop if you don’t have the tools or experience. That said, performing your own brake bleed and replacing your own brake pads can be very satisfying when done correctly, and it ensures your bike is running at its best at all times.

Wheels & Tires

Wheels and tires have a huge impact on how a bicycle rides, so it’s worth paying attention when shopping online.

Wheel Size – Changes how the bike handles and feels:

29” wheels (common on mountain bikes) roll faster, maintain momentum better, and glide smoothly over obstacles.

27.5” wheels feel more agile and playful, making them easier to maneuver on twisty trails or technical terrain.

Road and gravel bikes typically use 700c wheels, but width and tire choice influence comfort and speed.

Tire Width/Thread/Casing – Affects traction, comfort, durability and ride feel:

Wider tires (40mm+) are ideal for gravel, adventure, and off-road performance. They absorb bumps and provide more grip.

Narrow tires (23–28mm) maximize speed on pavement, ideal for road cyclists or commuting.

Tread patterns influence rolling resistance, grip, and handling—choose according to your terrain and riding style.

Casing affects comfort and puncture resistance; premium casings often weigh less while being more durable.

Tubeless Setups – Increasingly common, tubeless tires let you run lower pressures for a smoother ride, better grip, and fewer flats.

Wheel Material – Impacts weight, stiffness, and ride quality:

Aluminum rims are durable, lightweight, and cost-effective. Great for most riders.

Carbon rims are lighter and stiffer, offering better acceleration and responsiveness. They’re found performance road, gravel, and mountain bikes.

Tip: Overall, don’t just shop for the lowest price. Consider the components you’re getting and how they’ll hold up over time and bring you the best experience overall. A bicycle with slightly better brakes or drivetrain can make your ride smoother, safer, and more fun—and save money on upgrades later.

4. Warranty & Return Policy

At Steed Cycles, we stand behind the quality of our bikes and gear. If you experience any issues with a product due to a manufacturing defect, our warranty program is here to help.

How it works:

Contact our Customer Service or Warranty team via email or phone with your proof of purchase and a description of the issue.
Our team will review your claim and provide instructions on how to return or repair the item if it’s eligible.
Once received and inspected, we’ll work to resolve the issue, whether that’s a replacement, repair, or other solution. Our goal is always to get you back on your bike as soon as possible.

Returns and Exchanges:

If you change your mind or the product isn’t right for you, items can be returned in unused condition with original packaging.
Simply submit a return request through our Customer Service team or online form, and we’ll guide you through the process.
Return shipping costs are generally the customer’s responsibility unless the product is defective or shipped in error.

5. Buy from a Trusted Canadian Bike Shop

The biggest tip when buying a bike online in Canada? Choose a trusted Canadian shop that knows bikes and riders—like Steed Cycles.

When you shop with us, you get:

Canadian Pricing – No surprises with duties or currency conversion; what you see is what you pay.
Expert Pre-Built Bikes – Every bike is carefully assembled, brakes are bedded, components are checked, and everything is tuned. When your bike arrives, it’s nearly ready to ride—you only need to follow a few simple steps to finish the setup.
Fast Shipping Across Canada – We get your bike and gear to you quickly and safely.
Local Warranty Support & Service – Our team is here to help if anything goes wrong.
Expert Advice from Riders Who Ride – Our staff are passionate cyclists. We know bikes inside and out and can help you choose the right model and components for your goals.

With Steed Cycles, you’re not just buying a bike—you’re getting a team that supports you from checkout to your first ride, and beyond.

READ MORE:

How to Buy a Bike Online in Canada

1. Decide What Type of Bike You Need

2. Get the Right Size