What’s the best bike to bring to your cottage?

If you spend weekdays zipping around the city on your racing bike, you don’t have to give it up to brave gravel roads. Cyclocross bicycles are similar to what you ride in town, but with better clearance and slightly wider tires for varying road conditions. Just make sure that you have flexibility for the drop bars so you can achieve the best posture for speed.

A type of hybrid bike designed for long journeys, touring bikes are ideal for a range of road conditions. Their strong wheels and tires can withstand rough gravel roads, while making sure you fly along smooth pavement. With added frame mounts and racks, you can strap on panniers to load up your camping gear for an overnight adventure. (Heck, if you hate traffic and have some time to spare, you could even make cycling to the cottage a mid-summer vacation.)

If you have a boat-access-only property, you’re going to need something that is lightweight and doesn’t take up too much room on the boat or ferry. A folding bike is also perfect for those who want to explore, but have a small car or limited storage room at the cottage. Some folding bikes, including Dahon’s marine bike, are designed specifically for this purpose.

Really, the only good thing about biking uphill—other than building killer calf muscles—is that you eventually get to go downhill again. So why not avoid the pain altogether (literally) and invest in an electric bike? Models with pedal assist will ensure that you’re still getting some exercise, and are also good for cyclists with arthritis or bad knees.

Dutch bikes aren’t just meant for engagement photo shoots. With cargo capacity for groceries or antiques, these bicycles make cruising around quiet neighbourhoods a breeze. Since they require little maintenance, they’re also perfect for folks who live in small cottage communities.

You’re going to need something with wide tires and coaster brakes, which will let you handle sandy conditions with ease. A beach cruiser is your best bet. Priority Bikes makes one with a belt drive that’s even better for sandy areas.

There’s no reason cycling should stop when the snow starts to fall. Paired with a pair of bar mitts, a fat bike will let you take advantage of winter recreation opportunities, including winter biking trails. Add in an electric assist, and its massive tires will still get you into town when your cottage road is snowed in or when the car won’t start.