To decide what type of bicycle is suitable for you, your
first consideration is to know where you'll be riding: on pavement, dirt trails
or both. Some bicycles are made specifically for a particular kind of riding surface,
while others are versatile enough that perhaps with a quick tire change, they
can be ridden in more than one category.
Bicycles are divided into a seemingly endless number of
categories and sub-categories. The following list will help you understand all
the different types of bicycles and their features:
Road
Bicycles
Road bicycles are designed to be ridden fast on smooth
pavement. They have smooth, skinny tires and "drop" handlebars, and
can be used for on-road racing. They are usually lighter than other types of
bicycles. They can be ridden on paved trails, but most people find them
uncomfortable and unstable on unpaved trails. Most road bikes are not capable
of carrying heavy loads, so are not very suitable for commuting or touring.
Urban
Bicycles
Urban bikes are designed specifically for inner-city
riding, perfect for shorter-distance commuting and often featuring racks to
carry luggage and wet-weather fenders to cope with all weather conditions. Like
flat bar road bikes, they too will typically have flat style handlebars but an
even more upright riding position and a smaller gear range, in some cases only
a single gear. The best
urban bikes are built strong to handle the rigors of the
urban environment and are not as concerned with weight. A city
bike with basket will be perfect for those who often have
things to carry with them.
 |
| Model name: EVRYjourney Urban bike |
Mountain
Bicycles
Designed with shock-absorbing features and better braking
systems, mountain bikes can handle dirt trails and the rocks, roots, bumps and
ruts that come with them. They usually feature lower gears than most road bikes
to better handle steeper terrain.
Hybrid/Comfort
Bicyles
Hybrids and Sport Comfort Bikes share the same comfort
features but are distinguished by wheel size. Traditionally, hybrids have a
larger road bike sized wheel with a slightly thinner compared to the comfort
bikes which yield smaller, mountain style wheels. Both bikes are loaded with comfort features
and will work equally well on smooth dirt, paved trails, and family cycling
trips. Top
rated comfort bikes have a very upright position meant for
comfort.
 |
| Model name: BodyEase |
Triathlon/Time
Trial Bike
Bicycles built specifically for triathlon or time trial
events are basically specialized road bikes. These machines have forward
bull-horn shaped handlebars and aero bars. Aero bars allow the rider to lean
forward in an aerodynamic position. The shifters on these bikes are located at
the end of the aero bars. The geometry of the bicycle frame is designed to suit
triathlon or time trial racing, both heavily focused on aerodynamics.
Women's
Bikes
These bikes, which can be road, mountain, or hybrid
bikes—feature frame geometries, handlebars and saddles that are tailored to
better fit the typical female body proportion. For instance, the top tube frame
lengths on women's bikes are generally about 1 to 3 centimeters shorter than
men's bikes, so the reach (saddle to handlebar) is shorter and fits most women
better. These bikes also feature shorter-reach shifters that better fit women's
hands.
 |
| Women City bike Model name: Paven'Trail |
Kids
Bikes
From bikes with training wheels to teen-sized versions of
adult bikes, there are many options available for kids. The most important
consideration when buying your child a bike is size. When shopping, keep in
mind that children's bikes are measured by their wheel size, not frame size. The most common wheel sizes are 16 in., 20 in. and 24 in.
The right size is one where the child can comfortably get on the bike and stand
with his or her feet on the ground.
