Getting a new bike is an exciting and fantastic experience, especially considering the technological advancements and bike designs tailored for every type of cyclist. Bikes are now more functional, reliable, and enjoyable to ride. The range has expanded beyond basic styles like mountain, road, and city bikes, encompassing various niches and specialised categories. Now, there are even stationary gym cycles for home use, providing all the health benefits of cycling from the comfort of your home.
Manufacturers are diversifying their cycle offerings to cater to the diverse preferences of cyclists. However, navigating the abundance of options can be challenging for an eager buyer like yourself. How do you determine which bike type suits your needs, whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner? That’s precisely what this guide is here for.
The Different Types of Cycles
Everyone knows what is a cycle, but only some are aware that there are various types of cycles, each designed to give you unique cycling adventures. Don’t worry; this section is here to guide you.
● Road Bikes
Road bikes are efficient and lightweight, equipped with narrow tyres and drop handlebars, mainly designed for recreational riding on paved surfaces. Styles encompass ultralight, aero, touring, endurance, and all-road. While some may refer to it as a racing bike or a 10-speed, modern versions often boast 22 speeds or more.
● Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes are tough, sturdy bicycles crafted for navigating narrow dirt trails, from gravel roads to narrow, challenging trails. They feature broad, flat handlebars for enhanced control, tyres measuring two inches or wider with knobby treads for improved traction, drivetrains with a wide range, and hydraulic disc brakes to manage steep ascents and descents.
● E-bikes
“E” in e-bike means a small electric motor aids pedalling, providing a cycling experience with less effort. E-bikes enable diverse age groups and fitness levels to enjoy road or mountain rides, facilitate a sweat-free commute, and offer an eco-friendly alternative for errands like grocery runs. In short, e-bikes broaden access to cycling.
● Hybrid Bikes
Hybrid bikes blend road and mountain bikes featuring a middle-ground tyre width. They strike a balance in weight, making them manageable. Ideal for beginners, these bikes cater to commuting, long-distance rides, and fitness maintenance, excluding stunts or road racing.
● Folding Bikes
Folding bikes, as the name suggests, are lightweight and easily foldable. Their unique selling point is their compactness, allowing them to fit into a large suitcase for convenient transport. Perfect for those with limited home space, folding bikes are designed for easy storage and portability.
● Fat Bikes
Fat bikes are distinctively characterised by oversized tyres, often ranging from 3.8 to 5 inches in width. These wide tyres enhance stability and traction, making fat bikes well-suited for riding on challenging terrains such as sandy beaches, snow, rocky hills, and muddy surfaces. The design of fat bikes allows them to effectively “float” over soft or uneven ground, offering a smooth and controlled riding experience.
● BMX Bikes
BMX bicycles are purpose-built for performing stunts and executing bike tricks, making them the perfect choice for riders seeking an adrenaline-fueled experience. These bikes, characterised by their compact frame and wheelbase, excel in extreme sports and freestyle riding. It’s important to note that BMX bikes are not designed for commuting or long-distance rides due to their smaller frame and less comfortable geometry.
● All Terrain Bikes
An All-Terrain Bike (ATB) is designed for diverse terrains and activities. These bikes feature flexible frame geometry, sturdy construction, and adaptable tyres, making them suitable for various landscapes. Whether on narrow trails or wide forest paths, an ATB is up to the challenge. Their versatility also makes them great for backpacking adventures and long-distance touring.
Winding Up
Now that you’re familiar with the major types of bicycles available in the market, you can pick the one that best suits your needs when buying a bicycle. That concludes our post on the various types of cycles. Happy Cycling!
