Are you interested in bikes? There are so many types of bikes for every want and need that it can get confusing. Bike classifications can also differ. Let us help you! In this guide, we will analyze bike types, their advantages, and their ideal uses.
One of the classic bike types: road bikes
It is one of the most popular types. Their unique feature is turned-down handles. They are also light and have large but skinny tires. The purpose of a road bike is to allow you to be as fast as possible on pavements. They are great for exercising and riding long distances but are only good on smooth surfaces. Because of its skinny tires, a road bike will be unstable on uneven ground.
For rough terrains: mountain bikes
It’s the opposite of a road bike. Mountain bikes have a durable frame and wide, knobby tires, often made from aluminum, titanium, or carbon fiber. Despite this, they are not heavy. As the name suggests, mountain bikes are for rugged and uneven terrains, such as dirt roads and mountain paths with many bumps. Mountain bikes have great braking systems and shock absorption systems to allow you to ride on bad surfaces as safely and comfortably as possible.
A mix bike type: hybrid bikes
This type of bikes is a mix between road bikes and mountain bikes. There are different types of hybrids. For example, there is a fitness bike that is pretty similar to a road bike. It’s great for people who want to exercise on a bike. A sports hybrid has thicker tires and suspensions: it can go both on pavement and light trails, such as hard dirt. There is also a comfort bike that does not ride so well or as fast but is very comfortable. It is meant for leisure rides in the city and is perfect for tourists on vacations.
For stunts and tricks: BMX
This acronym means Bicycle Motor Cross because they are ridden similarly to motor cross, on short dirt tracks. They have pretty small wheels and only one gear but are low-maintenance and great for performing tricks. There can also be freestyle and jumping BMX bikes: freestyle bikes with super durable frames are ideal for skateparks and performing stunts, while jumping bikes, obviously, are great for jumping ramps.
Long comfy trips with touring bikes
A touring bike is not very fast, but it’s very comfortable for long journeys. Otherwise, it’s similar to a classic road bike. Their frames are quite sturdy, and you can attach racks and then bags, water bottles, and more: a fair amount of baggage. Touring bikes are great on roads, but they can also handle gravel roads.
Gravel or cyclocross bikes
Cyclocross is a type of bicycle racing: cyclists ride many laps, including pavement, grass, dirt roads, hills. There are also obstacles when the cyclist has to dismount and carry the bike to pass. Gravel bikes are similar to road bikes but have thicker tires: they are good for riding both on-road and off-road. They are also pretty lightweight.
To perfect your legwork: fixies
Fixies is a short name for fixed gear or track bikes. As the name suggests, these bikes only have one gear, so you can’t freewheel it. Training athletes often use them to prepare for races. Since you can’t change gears, you have to focus on your legwork. You have to spin your legs in constant circles to bike successfully.
Great for commuting: folding bikes
If you have long commutes where you also plan to use a car or train a part of the time, a folding bike might be the best choice. When folded, you can easily fit it in the car trunk or the train luggage compartment. A folding bike has small wheels and is not too speedy or durable but great for short trips in the city.
Cruiser bikes for leisure rides
Like comfort hybrids, they are for short, comfy roads. People usually use cruisers to go around the city or on beach promenades. They tend to have larger frames. Their seats are also larger and comfortable. Cruisers usually have balloon tires which ensure a smooth and easy ride. You ride in an upright position without leaning forward, which is good for your back. They are not very fast and often only have coaster brakes, activated by pedaling backward. But they are great for beginning cyclists or leisure rides in the cities.
Recumbent bikes for those who want to lie down
A recumbent bike is one of non-traditional bike types: you can tell from the first glance. Its seat is closer to the ground and looks almost like a chair. However, recumbent bikes have one disadvantage: it is difficult to go up the hill with them because you cannot stand up when riding this bike.
Tandem bikes for teamwork
Another kind of non-traditional bike is a tandem bike. Two or more people can ride tandem bikes. The first person, the captain, has to guide, steer, and brake. Ideally, they should be the most experienced person. The others, or the stokers, provide more cruising power. Tandem riding is great because you stay together and improve your teamwork. You can also involve people who would have trouble steering the bikes themselves.
Electric bikes: the future?
Just like electric scooters, electric bikes are really gaining popularity. They have a motor and a battery to assist you with pedaling. It’s not a motorbike as you still have to pedal. For example, they can help you battle those steep hills. When on the bike, you choose the level of assistance you want. They are becoming popular because they are more accessible: people can go on longer rides without fears of tiring out or replace cars in their daily commutes. There can be mountain electric bikes, road e-bikes, and hybrid e-bikes.
We hope that this article about bike types was helpful. Are you planning to rent one? Check out our article on how to rent a bike.