Urban bikes used to be the preserve of cycle couriers and other hipster types, but these days lean towards a lighter version of a conventional hardtail mountain bike with smooth tyres and no suspension (with some exceptions, or course!). They are at their best when you can see over rush hour traffic, leave them parked all day and still make it home on a filthy winter’s night. Mudguards and racks are key to this, as is a decent lock.