One of the reasons buying a bike is so tricky is that there are so many different types of bicycles: road bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes, cargo bikes, oh my!
While it can all seem a little perplexing, the good news is that with such a large selection of bicycles, one is bound to be perfectly suited to your needs. All we have to do now is assist you in finding it.
In addition, we’ll take you through 19 distinct types of bicycles and who they’re best suited for in this post.
1. Road Bike
Road bikes are one of the oldest types of bicycles, and while they have evolved, their shape has remained primarily unchanged.
In lightweight aluminum or carbon frames, the rider’s legs are frequently placed far forward, almost horizontally over the pedals.
Furthermore, Road bikes often lack suspension and are uncomfortable riding on anything other than smooth pavement or a road.
Although some road bikes feature rear rack mounts, their lightweight spokes and rims prevent them from carrying substantial loads.
2. Mountain Bike
Mountain bikes are built for riding in the mountains or on off-road trails.
So they’re chunkier, have knobbly tires, and have a frame geometry that allows them to handle severely rough terrain.
In addition, wide, knobbly tires provide traction, and various gears are used to climb over mountains or across fields.
Some bikes have front suspension but are inflexible in the back (a ‘hardtail,’ for example),
while others have both front and rear suspension to soften jumps and drops (a ‘full-suspension,’ or ‘full sus,’ for example). Others do not have either.
In addition, if you want to go mountain biking or primarily off-road, get a mountain bike.
3. Touring Bike
These bikes are identical to ordinary road bikes, except for a few modifications that make them ideal for long-distance journeys.
Attachment points can attach fenders, pumps, lights, racks, water bottles, and other accessories for touring cycles.
They also have solid frames that allow them to handle huge loads in front and racks.
In addition, you’ve probably noticed that many touring motorcycles have a longer wheelbase designed to give the rider more control due to their lower center of gravity.
Most touring bikes also include disc brakes, which provide better-stopping force, especially in non-paved conditions.
In addition, touring bikes are distinguished by their broad or semi-knobby tires built to traverse gravel roads.
4. Hybrid Bike
A hybrid bike combines the features of a road cycle and a mountain bike. It has paved and dirt tires that can tackle a range of terrain.
The upright shape and flat handlebars distinguish it (not drop bars like a road bike). Unfortunately, it is unsuitable for actual roads or proper mountain biking.
But it is best for Beginners who want to go on shorter, more casual rides and who prefer to sit in a confident, upright stance.
5. Cyclocross Bike
These bikes, sometimes known as ‘Cross Bikes,’ have followed in the footsteps of road cyclists in the past.
These cyclists would swap their slick road tires for knobbler tires and continue practicing during winter.
If you’re seeking a quick road bike that can handle off-road adventures, a cyclocross bike could be the right year-round Bike for you.
Additionally, the drop handlebars of a road bike, as opposed to the flat handlebars of a hybrid, are the easiest to spot.
There’s enough clearance (room around the wheel) for knobblier tires and mudguards, just like a hybrid.
The sensation of a crossbike is closer to that of a road bike than that of a combination.
6. Folding Bike
Folding bikes are also types of bikes. The Brompton brand is the most popular. They are designed to fold up into a compact size so that you may store them when not in use or ride them to the rail or bus terminal and fold them up when you arrive.
In addition, they can also be stored in a car or a hallway cupboard—furthermore, they have a more upright design, with a folding frame and small wheels.
If you want to include riding in your commute but it’s too far, or if you’re going to own a bike but don’t have enough storage room, get a foldable bicycle.
7. City Bike
City bikes and hybrid bikes are sometimes confused. However, there are two distinct types of bicycles.
At the same time, hybrid bikes are designed to be used both on and off the road, while city bicycles are primarily used in urban areas.
That doesn’t rule out riding it on light trails. However, the component quality and comfort levels are best suited to city use exclusively.
Furthermore, those bikes are designed with comfort and convenience, including an upright riding position and other amenities.
The handlebar is commonly curved and positioned higher than the saddle, which is often soft and cushioned. The frame is usually composed of aluminum or steel.
City bikes are standard with fenders, racks, a basket, lights, a dynamo or dynamo hub, a bell, hub gearing, and other additions.
8. Fixed Gears/Track Bike
Fixed Gear or Track bikes, also known as “fixies,” are generally utilized by racers and sportsmen preparing for professional events.
The main reason for this is that, as the name implies, these bikes have only a single fixed gear, which means you can’t coast or freewheel on them.
Furthermore, this means that cyclists or riders riding this Bike must rely on their leg strength to prevent the Bike’s cranks from spinning, halting its motion.
Additionally, Fixed-gear bikes may have several brakes and different handlebar designs, and they typically require cyclists to spin their legs in circles to maintain a greater cadence.
9. Cruiser Bike
Cruiser bicycles, sometimes called “beach cruisers,” have an upright riding position. Short, leisurely rides on paved paths or boardwalks are great for cruisers.
They also frequently have accessories such as fenders, kickstands, and baskets.
However, the tires with upright geometry can go on tarmac or gravel. They are not suitable for actual roads or proper mountain biking.
Meanwhile, Beginners who want to go on shorter, more casual rides prefer to sit confidently and uprightly.
10. Electric Bike
Electric bikes are, as the name implies, partially electric bicycles.
They have a battery and a silent motor, so they’re a little heavier than regular bikes, but you’ll never again groan a hill.
However, when you start pedaling, the engine ‘kicks in,’ giving you a boost as if you had a strong tailwind behind you. This allows you to go almost anywhere at a steady pace without breaking a sweat.
Fortunately, there are nearly as many different types of electric bicycles as there are bicycles.
11. Fat Tires Bike
Over the last decade, fat-tire bikes have become increasingly popular, particularly in coastal communities and ski areas. As the name implies,
Fat-tire bikes have wider tires than standard cycles, which allows them to travel over soft terrains like snow and sand without sinking.
When mountain bikes became popular in the 1980s, some daring riders adapted single-speed balloon-tire cruisers to go deep into the backcountry. As a result, fat bikes were born.
However, to fit tires up to 3 inches thick, early fat bikes featured mountain bike frames with wider forks.
Aside from the more airless tires, they usually had the same gearing systems and handlebars as their predecessors, but without brakes, disc brakes were not yet available, and caliper brakes couldn’t fit over the tires.
12. BMX
BMX has various types of bicycles. It stands for Bicycle Motor Cross, a single-speed bicycle raced around short dirt tracks, much like motorsport.
The abbreviation is also commonly used to refer to any bike having a single-speed transmission and a 20-inch tire.
Additionally, BMX bikes are perfect for people who want to utilize their bikes to execute tricks and jumps since they are specifically designed for it, with a robust and durable design and structure.
They have compact frames, a single gear, and twenty-inch wheels, making them solid and low-maintenance compared to a typical bicycle.
13. Cargo Bike
A cargo bike may be the answer if you need to transport a large amount of cargo but don’t have access to a car or don’t want to use one.
Many people are unaware of how much can be transported by Bike, and cargo bikes come in various forms and sizes to meet any need.
Multiple cycles range from ordinary road bikes with a small front and rear basket to giant trikes large enough to transport a refrigerator.
There are different types of cargo bicycles, such as cycle trucks, long Johns, and long-tail Bikes, to mention but a few.
14. Recumbent Bike
A recumbent bike, often known as a bent, is a bicycle that allows the user to cycle in a relaxed position.
Low back pain and other issues are reduced because the rider’s weight is correctly distributed in this position.
Furthermore, cycling on two wheels is also said to be the most efficient way for humans to travel because it puts the human body in the most ergonomic posture for comfort and power output.
Additionally, there are many types and styles of recumbent bikes, such as those with rear-wheel and front-wheel drive, no-hand steering, under-seat steering, and over-seat steering, as well as different wheel sizes.
Recumbent bicycles are also frequently seen as trikes, with two wheels on either the back or front of the Bike.
They are generally thought to be far safer than ordinary bicycles.
15. Women’s Bike
Women’s bikes are types of bicycles made for women. They have smaller frame sizes and different frame geometry than men’s bikes.
They occasionally have a step-through frame initially designed to benefit riders wearing dresses or skirts.
However, Women’s frames are smaller and lighter, with a shorter top tube (crossbar), a broader and shorter women’s saddle, and often narrower handlebars with smaller grips.
16. Kids’ Bike
Kids’ bikes have come a long way since the days of single-speed bikes with training wheels, and today cater to children of all ages and abilities.
The Balance Bike, a simple two-wheeled bike with no pedals, gears, or brakes, is the most basic of children’s bikes. Typically,
when seated, the child can hold their feet firmly on the ground and push forward or backward.
This is suitable for novices between the ages of two and three still learning to balance.
Furthermore, Single-speed pedal bikes with 12′′ or 14′′ tires are available as an upgrade from the Balance Bike and are appropriate for 4 to 5-year-old children who have mastered self-balancing.
If the child is not yet competent in pedaling alone, these can sometimes be fitted with training wheels.
These bikes will also teach children to use back-pedal brakes so their feet can always touch the ground while riding.
17. Gravel Bike
This relatively new bike category has surged in popularity in recent years. It appears like a cyclocross bike built for long-distance gravel road riding.
They’re ideal for Anyone interested in exploring forest service roads, singletrack, and roads along the way.
In addition, anyone who wants to ride a mixture of pavement, dirt, and long gravel road rides.
18. Tandem Bike
A bike for two people! A tandem bike can be a terrific method for riders of different speeds to keep together if you enjoy cycling with your significant other or a buddy.
There are many tandem bikes: mountain bike tandems, road bike tandems, cruiser tandems, etc.
Additionally, it’s a lot of fun, and it’s perfect for couples who wish to ride together.
19. Fat Bike
These types of bicycles are mainly for snow riding. If you want to ride in the snow, a fat bike is the way to go.
These bikes’ extra-wide tires allow them to roll across snow or through the sand.
When the ground goes white, it is best for Anyone who doesn’t want to hang their hat and helmet up. Additionally, you can ride on snow or sand, which other bikes can’t do.
In conclusion, if you want to reduce weight or increase your activity level, you’ll probably want a road bike or a hybrid bike.
If you’re already somewhat athletic, the road bike is the way to go. A hybrid is an attractive option if you’re just exercising.
