Different Types of Bicycles

There are different types of bicycles available in the market today. They come in various styles and you would be overwhelmed when you go out to buy. You buy a bicycle depending on your need and where you plan to use it. Here we look at the different types of bicycles.

Different Types of Bicycles

Mountain Bicycle: Mountain bikes are specifically designed to go up and down mountains, hills and trails. Mountain bikes have many gears and very effective brakes. The tires are chunky and thick, and the wheels are 26-inch thick. Mountain bikes have flat handlebars and the suspension is pretty efficient to absorb the bumps and jars of off-road cycling. Mountain bikes are comfortable bicycles that could be cycled even in city.

Road Bike: Road bikes are a type of bicycle designed to ride on smooth surfaces at high speeds. The bicycles of this kind are lightweight and have dropped handlebars. The tires of road bikes are pumped up to minimize friction. Compared to the mountain bikes, these bicycles are prone to punctures. The cyclist using road cycles have to sit in a hunched position. Cyclists competing in Tour de France use road bikes.

Touring Bicycle: Touring bikes are more comfortable version of road bicycles. These bicycles are designed with mudguards; drop handlebars and pannier racks for carrying luggage. The wheelbase of touring bicycles is longer compared to the mountain bikes and road bikes.

Folding Bike: Cyclists who would have to make part of their journey in a public transport such as a bus or train, use this type of bicycle. Folding bicycles are mainly used for first and the last legs of a commuter’s journey. Many of the folding bikes do not include folding pedals. However, they can be purchased, if necessary.

Hybrid Bicycle: These types of bikes are a combination of mountain and road bikes; hence, offer all the pros and cons of both the mountain and the road bikes. Though designed to look like a mountain bike, they have slimmer wheels and tires. The cyclist can sit upright while riding a hybrid bicycle and it is perfect for city riding. Hybrid bikes are referred to as comfort bikes.

Other types of bicycles include racing bicycle, BMX, tandem bicycle and so on.