From freeriding down a mountainside to touring in Tuscany, there is a bicycle that fits nearly every rider and type of terrain. Bicycles are designed for speed, different comfort levels and various riding conditions. Bikes fall into the main categories of road, mountain, BMX and cruiser bicycles with other types falling somewhere in between.
Road Bicycles
Road bicycles are built for speed, designed to be ridden on pavement and are used for everything from riding around town to run errands to day-long bike touring. There are a few essential parts of the bike's design that help riders achieve quick bursts of sustainable speed. The bike's tires are very narrow and pumped to a high PSI, making them very firm. Drop handlebars give riders the option of several hand positions. Carbon fiber or titanium frames help keep the weight of the bike low and wheels are 700c.
Time Trial Bicycles
Similar in design to a road bike, time trial bikes are designed to be aerodynamic, and are common in triathlons where a rider or team must ride a specific course as fast as possible. Rider's achieve a flat-backed position through the use of aerobars, which support a rider's forearms, allowing them to shift the bike with bar end shifters mounted to the ends of the parallel bars. These bikes often contain flat bladed spokes, and the frame's tubing is less rounded than a typical road bike.
BMX Bike
BMX stands for "bicycle motocross" and was invented as a non-motorized form of motocross. These bikes are often ridden over dirt jumps or on ramps, where riders often "freestyle," performing jumps and tricks on the bike. BMX bikes contain one speed and 20-inch-wheels, which are significantly smaller than other bikes, though other sizes are available.
Mountain Bike
Mountain bikes are designed for off-road riding. This often involves single-track, where the bikes are ridden over obstacles like rocks, roots and tree branches and through various terrain. A distinguishing factor is the bike's use of suspension. A suspension fork damps vibrations and aids in riding over obstacles. A full-suspension mountain bike also contains a rear shock.
Cruiser Bicycle
This type of bike is designed for comfort and fun. Cruisers aren't designed for speed and are usually made with a heavy steel frame, wide tires, curved handlebars and one speed. Unlike other bikes, they also contain a wide, plush seat.
Cyclocross Bike
Cyclocross bikes are designed to be raced off-road, often in muddy conditions with hurdles that the rider must dismount and jump over. While the bikes are very similar to a traditional road bike with 700c wheels and drop bars, cyclocross or 'cross bikes have wider, knobby tires and catilever brakes. These linear pull brakes assist with stopping in muddy conditions.
Tandem Bike
Not all bicycles are designed for a single rider. Tandems allows more than one person to pedal at once. One rider shifts and steers, though some bikes do allow for more than one person to steer. Tandem bikes are available in road and mountain varieties, which have different tires, frames and drivetrains to accommodate different types of terrain.
Track Bike
Track racing typically takes place in a Velodrome on a wooden track that's banked and oval-shaped, and the bikes used in this sport are very basic and pared down. Track bikes contain no gears or brakes, and riders must continuously pedal as long as the rear wheel is moving. The only way to slow down the bike is to slow down the pedaling. These bikes, also known as fixies, are also popular with messenger riders in cities.
Hybrid Bike
A newer style of bicycle, the hybrid is a cross between a mountain and a road bike. It contains the road bike's 700c wheels, with tires a bit thicker and wheels that have more clearance, making it possible to install fenders. The gearing is similar to a mountain bike's. The rider also sits in a more upright position, using flat handlebars.
Downhill Mountain Bike
Compared to a regular cross country mountain bike, a downhill bike contains a beefier frame, more durable components and much more front and rear suspension. These bikes contain powerful disc brakes that help riders control speed. Mountain bike riding is risky, and participants should always wear a full-face helmet and compression clothing for safety.
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