Let’s make a bet. How many types of bikes do you know? Two? Well, actually there’s 14 of them! Bikes come in seemingly endless types and categories depending on their features and styles. Let’s talk about each one below:
1. Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes are the most common ones and they are designed to roll on loose dirt and over rocks and roots effortlessly. These bikes sport rugged frames and flat handlebars for better controls and stability. They also come with suspensions for those rocky mountain bike trails!
Some people also use mountain bikes on the road. This is fine but obviously, not the most efficient choice as road bikes are the better option.
2. Road Bikes
One of the most widely-seen types of bikes, road bikes are characterized by their drop handlebars and skinny tires. They are very fast and efficient, making them an ideal choice for long road hauls and races. Large skinny tires help road bikes glide on the road while drop handlebars allow the rider to switch from upright to a more aggressive riding position.
3. Hybrid Bikes
Hybrid or comfort bikes are versatile types of bikes. They work well on any terrain — paved, smooth, rough, and dirt. With comfort as its main functionality, hybrid bikes allow the biker to ride on a very upright position.
4. BMX Bikes
Also known as trick bikes, BMX stands for Bicycle Motor Cross. It’s a single-speed bike designed to race around short dirt tracks like motorbikes. BMX usually features 20” wheels. They are very durable and robust, making them perfect for tricks and jumps on a bike park.
5. Fixed Gear and Track Bikes
A type of road bike, fixed gear bikes do not freewheel or coast. It sports a single, fixed gear. These types of bikes are used by racers for training. They help strengthen the legs of athletes by forcing them to spin their legs in a consistent circle to keep the bike moving forward.
Fixed gear bikes have very few moving parts. Hence, they are less prone to damages or breaking — making them an ideal choice for daily commuting and as bad weather bikes. There’s also a nostalgic element when riding fixed gear bikes. It brings the rider back in time to a point where every bike in existence were all fixed gears.
Track bikes are indoor versions of fixed gear bikes. And guess what? They don’t have brakes! Riders must use their leg strength to stop the wheels from turning! Crazy!
6. Cyclocross Bikes
Cyclocross bikes look like road bikes with the exception of wider knobby tires. Why? Because this bike is designed to be raced around dirt trails. Wide knobby tires provide immense grip and stability to the ride. Cyclocross bikes are versatile enough to be used on other general activities like bike commuting or just strolling around the bike park.
7. Commuter Bike
Regardless of style, commuter bikes are bikes used for general transportation. These types of bikes have the most practical features like locks, fenders, bags, racks, and bike lights. Bike commuting is starting to become a trend in major cities. Thanks to its various health and environmental benefits. Improved biking infrastructures in cities also help encourage biking to work.
8. Kids Bike
Built especially for children, kid’s bikes & balance bikes are scaled down bikes designed to be safe and perfect for kids. As parents, it is important to remind your kids that bikes are not toys. Even kid’s bikes packed with safety features can be risky when used inappropriately.
9. Tandem Bikes
One of the usual types of bikes, tandem bikes are built for two. They come in various styles and give riders a one-of-a-kind experience. Tandem bikes are ideal for any rider — kids, blind, newbies, pros, couples. They don’t need any special skill to operate. Just make sure you don’t argue about who’s pedaling more or else, you’ll ruin the fun!
10. Adult Trikes
From the name itself, adult trikes are bikes with three wheels. They come in many variations and are usually used by adults who have difficulty balancing. Others simply use it for fun!
11. Folding Bikes
Folding bikes may look awkward but they compensate it for portability. They are perfect travel companions — can easily fit on a boat, a car trunk, or on a subway. They’re also cheaper to bring by air as airlines don’t charge hefty fees on folding bikes compared to traditional bicycles.
12. Triathlon Bikes
One of the more specialized types of bikes, triathlon bikes are road bikes modified for triathlon or time trial events. These bikes have aero bars that allow the biker to lean forward into a more aerodynamic position when riding. The entire bike design puts heavy emphasis on aerodynamics.
13. Beach Cruisers
Designed for beaches and for running short distances, beach cruisers are characterized by high handlebars, chain guards, and fenders. They only have limited speeds in them so, don’t ever use a beach cruiser for hilly areas! And oh, they are perfect for photos too!
14. Recumbent Bikes
One of the non-traditional looking types of bikes, recumbent bicycles are characterized by its chair-like saddle. This bike comes with a backrest that allows the rider to turn a larger gear like that of seated leg press. Recumbent bikes are not ideal for climbing hills as the rider cannot stand when pedaling up.
There you have it! It’s crazy how many types of bikes are out there! Hope this list helped.
Happy biking!
