It’s time to buy a bike to nail the road, but which model should you choose? The millions of choices out there will surely overwhelm you.
So in this post, we will recommend different types of bikes and how they work for you. Let’s check every detail to settle on the best choice!
Table of Contents
Different Types Of Bikes
You may spend a whole day reading about all types of bikes. We only mention the most popular options right here.
Each bike comes with a particular set of features, making them suitable or unsuitable for some situations.
BMX Bike
BMX refers to Bicycle Motocross. This high-intensity cycling discipline includes a variety of BMXing categories performed off-road.
You can quickly recognize BMX bikes with their small frames and wheels.
Their straightforward design makes them as simple to handle in intense riding terrains like skate parks and pump tracks as possible.
Features:
- Chromoly frame
- 2-piece (or sometimes 4-piece) handlebars
- 32 to 48 spoke wheels
- Types: Freestyle, Jump, and Racing
Who should you use?
BMX bikes are excellent for riding off-road and doing tricks. Their multiple styles allow for these tasks.
Kids and teenagers often use BMXs at stake parks to improve their riding skills and socialize. You can also see some adults riding these bikes to recall their childhood memories.
BMXS are durable and simple bicycles without many complicated elements.
Hence, beginners can benefit from them greatly and don’t have to focus too much on maintenance.
Who shouldn’t you use?
BMX bikes are not suitable for typical cyclists. In other words, if you look for leisure riding, these bikes won’t be ideal choices.
Besides, the difficulty and discomfort of sitting down while pedaling make the bikes unsuitable for long trips. Most of them only have a single-speed low gear, severely limiting how fast they can go.
Although kids often use these bikes, they intend to work in harsh conditions. Hence, rides with health problems shouldn’t go for them.
City Bike
A city bike is a plain, robust bicycle designed for reliability and frequent usage in urban settings. It has different names, like classic and utility bicycles.
City bikes are perfect for short rides on city streets and other pavements because they are often heavier and feature fewer gears than road bikes.
The ultimate goal of city bikes is to improve riding comfort. For instance, their flared handlebars encourage an upright seating position, and their saddles often are larger to offer better comfort.
Features:
- Internal hub gears
- Soft, sleek seats
- High air pressure in the tires
- Types: Hybrid, Fixed gear, etc
Who should you use?
A city bike is a nice choice for anyone seeking quick and simple commuting because it is straightforward, especially for new cyclists.
Moreover, if walking on foot is too slow and exhausts you, the city bike will be a fantastic alternative. While traveling, you can ride about your surroundings comfortably thanks to the bike.
Finally, these bikes are ideal for both commuters and tourists since they offer a pleasant diversion from the heavy traffic on downtown streets.
Who shouldn’t you use?
A city bike may probably leave you unsatisfied if you need high-speed excitement and competitiveness from your bicycle.
Comfort Bike
A comfort bike has similar features to a city bike, such as the wide padded saddle and flared handlebars. The difference is that city bikes work better for longer rides.
Comfort bikes can offer the most comfortable journey possible, as you might have assumed from the name. They are less extreme versions of mountain bikes.
Features:
- Angled handlebars
- Front suspension forks
- Wide padded saddles
Who should you use?
A comfort bike is suitable for almost anyone who can get on it. Inexperienced riders might profit from cycling because of its ergonomic design.
Furthermore, a comfort bike is gentle on your muscles and joints if you have current or prior problems restricting mobility or flexibility.
A comfort bike would be brilliant for commuters who want to ride their bikes to work but don’t want to reach their destination hot, wet, and frazzled.
Who shouldn’t you use?
A comfort bike isn’t for you if maintaining and experimenting with your bike is your hobby. The following individuals should not ride a comfort bike:
- Veteran cyclists
- Bicycle racers
- Bikers on mountains
- Mechanic-minded bike enthusiasts
- Bikers who want to move quickly
- Skilled road riders
Cruiser Bike
A cruiser bike, sometimes known as a beach cruiser, is a well-liked bicycle specially designed for leisurely riding.
The relaxing riding posture that the frame’s design offers is one of the distinguishing qualities that make this model stand out from other bikes.
Cruiser bicycles, like comfort bikes, are the best to use on concrete, flat surfaces like roads and sidewalks.
However, cruisers put the rider’s comfort above speed, making them ideal for beautiful routes and an enjoyable ride with companions.
Features:
- Low extra-large saddle
- Wide raised handlebars
- Long wheelbase
- Coaster brakes
Who should you use?
A cruise bike should be your first consideration if you are looking for a slow-paced and comfortable ride. It will bring you happy moments rolling around your town.
The larger flared handlebars and extra padding on the saddle make the bike ideal for promoting core strength and proper posture.
Senior riders or those with injuries also like this model, thanks to its relaxing riding posture.
Who shouldn’t you use?
Despite their high level of durability, cruiser bikes can’t perform well on uneven terrain because they often have only one gear.
Moreover, the cruiser’s shape isn’t suitable for hill climbs, and descents, so difficult uphill rides can be extremely exhausting without multiple gear options.
A more flexible bicycle, like a road bike or gravel bike, is more helpful for any competitive rider searching for a good workout.
Although cruiser bikes may be beneficial for light exercise, they are not as well appropriate for rigorous activities or competitive sports because of their structure.
Cyclocross Bike
A cyclocross bike is a bike expressly made for the needs of a cyclocross competition. It mimics racing bicycles you often see in road racing.
While still resembling conventional road cycles, cyclocross bikes have a few unique elements that change how they feel and function while on the race.
These bikes have chunky and big-volume tires. Thanks to these features, they can ride in multiple unpredictable riding situations.
Features:
- Lightweight frame
- Upright position
- Disc brakes
Who should you use?
Cycling contests and training are not the only uses for cyclocross bikes. You can also use them for different purposes because of their adaptability.
For example, they are excellent for backpackers, long-distance commuters, and adrenaline junkies who enjoy high-speed, intense cycling to discover new landscapes.
Although cyclocross bikes are great for cycling without racing, a gravel bike might be a better alternative for you if you’re not thinking about joining cyclocross events.
Who shouldn’t you use?
While cyclocross bikes run well on pavements, their high price doesn’t make sense if you don’t know how to make the most of all of their potential.
Moreover, a cyclocross bike’s more intense riding position would not be helpful for anyone looking for leisurely and calm rides.
E-Bike
E-bikes, often known as electric bikes, are bicycles with onboard engines and batteries that aid with propulsion.
Most e-bikes include a feature known as pedal assistance. This tool can substitute some of the energy needed to turn your feet.
Features:
- Pedal assistance
- Direct throttle
- Type: Pedal-assisted and E-bicycle with a throttle
Who should you use?
The following people stand to gain the most from these bikes:
- Senior cyclists who don’t want to put too much strain on their muscles
- Cyclists with health issues
- Riders that enjoy steep uphill routes
- People seeking a speedier mode of transportation that doesn’t require as much physical effort as manual cycles
- People who would like to ride a bigger, bulkier bike but don’t like how tricky it is to get going
Who shouldn’t you use?
Cycling enthusiasts who are serious about improving their fitness should not use electric bikes. The bike’s electric element doesn’t come with intense workouts.
Similarly, moving a bike is not always best if you’re an active traveler. Compared to manual bikes, e-bikes are significantly heavier and more challenging to carry.
Fat bike
A fat bike is an off-road bicycle with large rims and tires, 3.8 inches or larger.
By reducing ground pressure, they enable riding over soft, unstable conditions, including snow, gravel, and puddles, and mud.
Cycling hobbyists will use very low psi with fat bike tires due to their considerably bulkier tires.
They can easily navigate rough terrain thanks to low PSI’s greater grip and vibration reduction.
Features:
- Fat tires
- Wire rims
- Low PSI
Who should you use?
Fat bikes are prominent in areas with lengthy, severe winters because they enable riders to keep riding in snowy or icy conditions.
A fat bike will also offer you the needed traction and avoid sinking into the soft ground, like dunes or beaches.
Additionally, because they require more energy to pedal, fat bikes are a fantastic way to get the most out of your cycling workout.
Who shouldn’t you use?
Shorter cyclists may encounter difficulties with a fat bike’s extra weight, which reduces their maneuverability and speed on most surfaces.
Furthermore, because these models contain more specialized parts, they are also more expensive.
Fixed-Gear Bike
A fixed-gear bike, or a fixie, is a bike that lacks a freewheel mechanism. Yet, it has a sprocket attached to its rear hub.
Because of the fixed-gear sprocket, you cannot coast like a road bike with multiple gears. Instead, its pedals will turn continuously as it moves.
Features:
- Fixed-gear sprocket
- Simplistic design
- No rear brake
Who should you use?
Fixies give its rider a special feeling and experience, making them an excellent choice for riders who want to develop their skills.
Additionally, a fixie may appeal to low-maintenance bikers who don’t want to spend money on bicycle replacement or repairs.
Who shouldn’t you use?
Fixies are not the best choice for riders wanting rugged terrain with hills and jagged gravel. They typically lack suspension, and their narrow tires don’t deliver enough traction.
For cyclists with much less flexibility, the extra power needed to be rapid and effective without the ability to shift gears would be difficult.
Besides that, people who already like the classic biking experience might not be eager to invest the time and energy required to master manual pedaling and braking techniques.
Gravel Bike
The gravel bike is a recently developed category of hybrid bike.
These drop-bar bicycles go significantly quicker on roads than mountain bikes while delivering a superior off-road performance than the road bike.
The adaptability of a gravel bike’s rider is one of its most distinctive features.
Moreover, it has the benefits of a mountain bike and a road bike since it combines the two.
Features:
- Shallow head tube angle
- Various tire widths
- Wide selection of gears
- Disc brakes
Who should you use?
Flexibility is the defining trait of the gravel bike. Thus, it can suit many riders.
Gravel bikes are undoubtedly a go-to for bikers who don’t want to feel pressured to buy a bicycle.
These models can easily manage a variety of settings, making it simple to get started in many biking events.
Beginners often prioritize gravel bicycles because they are easy to use.
Moreover, since they can handle different conditions, you can practice with them to sharpen your skills.
Additionally, backpackers and multi-day biking riders like these bikes so much. Their durability ensures that they will be perfect companions.
Who shouldn’t you use?
Gravel bikes aren’t as ideal for cyclists with a particular riding goal because their main purpose is to navigate numerous kinds of terrain.
A road bike is ideal if you’re a casual cyclist wanting the most basic bike for a commute.
Since road bikes are less expensive than gravel models, buy one if you won’t utilize all gravel features.
Hardtail Mountain Bike
A hardtail bicycle is an all-terrain bicycle with a front suspension fork but no rear shock dampers.
Hardtail bike frames are typically more lightweight than full suspension frames, allowing for more maneuverability and efficient riding.
Features:
- No rear suspension
- Suspension front fork
- Multiple wheel sizes
Who should you use?
The advantage of hardtails is that they are good for both experienced riders and novice mountain bikers.
These reliable off-road inclined bicycles are interesting for cyclists of all ages and levels of fitness.
These bikes are excellent for beginners because they make you more aware of their body alignment, stability, and trail preferences than full-suspension bicycles, which is one of their best traits.
Who shouldn’t you use?
Though hardtails are terrific for off-road riding, if you want to ride difficult downhill terrain, you should likely choose a different bike.
Ice Bike
An ice bike, also called an icycle or ice cycle, is a bike designed for ice and snowy conditions.
They come with ice skate blades in place of the front wheels to avoid slipping.
Most ice bikes simply have one front blade, but some have two or three skates for more traction and control.
Buying a new bike for only the winters may be a waste of money for some people. So you can consider replacing your bike’s tires with metal studded ones.
Features:
- Ice skate style blades
- Excellent traction
Who should you use?
The winter is coming. Nothing can beat the feeling of riding safely on your ice bike and enjoying the chilly atmosphere.
As mentioned above, the studded tires allow the bike to go over a wider variety of surfaces, making them a more practical choice for cyclists who want to continue riding in places with difficult winter months.
If you live close to sizable bodies of water that often freeze over, an ice bike will be a worthy investment.
Who shouldn’t you use?
Ice bikes can bring you fantastic experiences on the ice. Unfortunately, that’s almost everything they are good at.
These bikes can’t help you travel through different conditions smoothly. So if your local rivers don’t freeze in the winter, you won’t need to invest in ice bikes.
Motorized Bike
A motorized bike is a bike with an additional motor that operates the wheels, either on its own or to help the rider while pedaling.
The idea of a motorized bike is subject to numerous local laws, and usage guidelines differ considerably across regions.
Some cities permit you to install any size engine on the bike. Others, however, could classify a bike with an engine larger than 50cc as a scooter, moped, or motorcycle.
Features:
- Various engine types
- Regular bike frames
- Fully-built motor
Who should you use?
Motorized bikes are excellent for people who commute by bicycle or constantly carry additional cargo and passengers. They help you pedal for a long period.
These bikes will make climbing much easier if you live somewhere with steep hills. You won’t have to slow down or use much energy to climb steep slopes.
A motorized bicycle can support those who have disabilities. Since they can’t ride a regular pedal bike, the unit with a built-in motor can do the work for them.
Who shouldn’t you use?
Many governments face challenges when categorizing motorized bikes as bicycles or automobiles.
So, if you live in a region where the government bans your bikes, think about choosing a regular pedal-powered bike instead.
Plus, motorized bikes need extra maintenance to keep their motors going smoothly. It will cost much more than standard bike maintenance if you do not have the expertise.
Finally, a motorized bike may not be your greatest choice if your goal is to lessen your total carbon impact.
Environmentalists advise riding a bike to commute to reduce pollution, but not in this way.
Recumbent Bike
In contrast to the typical upright posture of standard bikes, recumbent bikes allow riders to ride in a semi-reclined and recumbent position.
On recumbent bikes, riders sit closer to the ground and have a larger seat that offers better back and spinal support.
Recumbent bikes are a popular option for those who want to cycle for entertainment because of their enhanced comfort.
Features:
- Low and large seat
- Fully reclined position
- Various cycling disciplines
Who should you use?
All ages and skill levels can appreciate and use recumbent bikes. Owing to their comfortable seats, they are excellent for anyone searching for a more relaxing ride.
Although most riders can benefit from recumbent bikes, they are much more beneficial to some particular groups, including:
- People with physical limitations
- Senior riders
- Injured riders
- Cyclists with poor posture
Who shouldn’t you use?
Recumbent bikes might not be the ultimate choice for your off-road riding style and particularly bumpy routes if you are a daring, reckless cyclist.
Besides, a person who wants to travel easily should opt for a lighter bike because most recumbent models are heavier than regular ones.
Even though recumbent bikes are brilliant for many cyclists, mastering the overall motion and particular steering technique takes time and dedication.
What’s more, riding a recumbent bike requires different muscles to work. So if you get used to the traditional riding style, you will find it tough to handle the recumbent bike.
Rickshaw
A rickshaw is a basic form of transportation service that originated in Asia. A person pulled the rickshaw by walking, cycling, or running in the front.
Modern rickshaws have a tricycle-like framework and seat or carriage with room for passengers on the rear or in front of the rider.
Some rickshaws feature an electric engine to aid the rider while carrying many people or over steeper hills.
Features:
- Three large wheels
- Carriage or seat on the back of the rider
- Enclosed passenger area in some models
Who should you use?
People need rickshaws for their full-time or part-time jobs. Some places supply this transportation service for tourists to travel around.
In contrast to a cab and rideshare, you typically have a much more open sight of your surroundings.
So, especially in areas where strolling is not an option, rickshaws have developed as a terrific way to explore tourist attractions.
Although most rickshaws don’t move fast, accidents may occur on overcrowded, dangerous roads. So be careful and remind your driver to keep calm.
Who shouldn’t you use?
The added effort of hauling people as a rickshaw driver won’t be safe if you have any health conditions, like asthma and heart problems.
If you’re unsure about whether you should engage in physical exercise, talk to your doctor about it. Also, do not ride this bike without a license.
So what if you are a passenger? Although it looks safe, be sure that you can hold onto the rickshaw because there isn’t any seatbelt.
Road Bike
One of the most popular categories of bikes available is the road bike. They can nail on smooth, paved surfaces like bike lanes and roadways.
Road bikes are available in various types. You can have a racing road bike with intense riding positions and improved aerodynamics. Otherwise, there are also models for daily leisurely rides.
Features:
- Drop handlebars
- Thin, slick tires
- Lightweight frames
- 700c wheels
Who should you use?
A road bike is ideal for cyclists who wish to ride on roads quickly. You may have seen many cyclists crossing the streets with these bikes.
Those who live in mountainous places can also opt for the bikes since their lightweight frames enable them to handle steep hills easily.
Commuters and bike couriers usually choose road bikes as their primary vehicle. They can travel at high speeds with little effort.
Besides, bikes are popular in local road races thanks to their speed and weight.
Who shouldn’t you use?
A road bike can’t handle rough terrain. If you intend to travel on woodland trails, avoid this model.
Moreover, people who live in regions with harsh winters shouldn’t ride this bike. Its tires don’t offer enough traction to move through slippery surfaces.
Tandem Bike
A tandem bike is a style of bike that allows two or more people to ride simultaneously. The word “tandem” refers to how riders sit on the bike.
Tandem bikes can come from any riding discipline and are available in various sizes and designs.
For example, the full suspension versions allow you to enjoy mountain riding.
Features:
- Extra crossbar supports
- Long frame
- Multiple sets of cranks
- Handlebars attached to the captain’s seat
Who should you use?
Riders travel great distances together. It means a lot when one of the two riders feels tired or is not confident.
You will have to cooperate when pedaling a tandem bike with a partner, which is a terrific team-building activity.
While it might be challenging at first, after you master your assigned task, you’ll be rocketing.
Having another person riding with you is an excellent idea for seniors and disabled people.
You can lean on the captain to enjoy the scenes while feeling like pedaling.
Who shouldn’t you use?
Riding a tandem is a good exercise. However, since you have a companion to support you, it requires less strength and energy to maneuver one.
Furthermore, riding a tandem bike entirely relies on cooperation, understanding, and working with a partner.
Independent cyclists who desire complete control over their journey don’t appreciate this idea.
Tandem types might be bulky and hefty due to their additional length and seat.
Due to their size and inability to always fit in a transport car, they are more difficult to move around.
Touring Bike
A touring bike is a bike built to handle bike touring. It has features needed for a high level of comfort. Cyclists can also carry more gear for their multi-day trips.
You will love the bike’s features as they guarantee a reliable, durable product.
For example, the steel frame provides excellent strength, while the disc brakes can handle all kinds of weather.
Your lengthy adventure also benefits from the bicycle’s mounting points. You can use them to hang your bags or any other equipment.
Features:
- Wide gear range
- Disc brakes
- Long wheelbase
- Steel frame
Who should you use?
Anyone looking for a stable, sturdy bicycle should consider a touring bike. It lasts a long time and gives you a fantastic value even if you don’t plan any multi-day journeys.
Many riders, especially those who intend to travel for months, opt to construct their touring bike from the bottom up.
The ergonomics of a customized touring bike can be adjustable to the user’s needs, making strenuous long rides more pleasant.
Furthermore, touring bikes are the best idea in unpredictable weather. They work well on short excursions since they have wider treaded wheels than road bicycles.
Who shouldn’t you use?
If you are not interested in long rides, you won’t need to buy this bike.
Due to its extra components for enhanced durability, it will be heavier than the road bike, making transport more difficult.
Since most road and gravel bikes are lighter than touring bikes due to their enhanced durability, either of those may be preferable.
Additionally, touring bikes aren’t the ideal bike for off-road riding, despite their ability to travel on gravel and uneven terrain.
Lastly, a hardtail mountain bicycle with locking forks will probably offer a more enjoyable trip if you’re going to be riding on bumpier trails or rough mountain routes.
Track Bike
A track bike is a subtype of a fixed gear bike. Manufacturers make them, especially for races or velodromes.
This bike is the purest form of cycling among all different types of motorcycles. It focuses on aerodynamics, which is the key to track cycling.
Features:
- Super-stiff frame
- Large chainrings and cranksets
- Varying components and ergonomics
Who should you use?
Track bikes are by far the best option for any current or potential athletes wanting to engage in this sport. Their special frames and precisely designed geometry can help with high-speed cycling.
Besides, many track bikes can adjust to public roads. It will be a hassle-free alternative if you don’t have any bicycle repair expertise, though.
Who shouldn’t you use?
Due to their thin tires and the lack of gears, these bikes are unsuitable for commuting and off-roading.
Secondly, most track bikes are intended to ride at extremely high speeds due to their large chainrings and cranksets.
Hence, you will find them unsuitable for usage on public roads.
Triathlon Bike
A triathlon bike, also known as a tri-bike, looks like a road bike. However, it has some more characteristics that make it unique.
The primary focus of a triathlon bike is to deliver the highest speed and aerodynamics while going during the riding part of triathlons.
Features:
- Storage compartments
- Headturner
- Less pressure on hamstrings
Who should you use?
Spending money on a good triathlon bike is advantageous if you plan to participate in triathlons and wish to have the highest chance of winning.
Who shouldn’t you use?
You may not want to invest a lot of cash on a triathlon bike if you don’t intend to join one or if you only participate in triathlons occasionally.
Trike
“Trike” is a frequent term for a three-wheeled bicycle. In addition to having three wheels instead of two, trikes offer a more comfortable position by placing the rider closer to the ground.
Due to their stable wheelbase, trikes are often children’s first bikes.
Older cyclists also like these units for commuting and recreational cycling. Some even use them to place their traditional two-wheeled bikes.
Features:
- Three wheels
- Large rear baskets
- Stable wheelbase
- Types: Recumbent, Semi-recumbent, and Upright
Who should you use?
Due to how comfortable and sturdy they are, trikes are popular among people who cannot ride a typical bicycle for some reason.
Some people risk falling off a bike, like kids and the elderly. They need the strikes to avoid getting hurt.
Besides, a trike might also be a wise decision if you need to transport large items because many of them come with large back baskets.
Who shouldn’t you use?
Trikes are not very well-suited for speedy riding. Their extra wheel increases stability when driving slowly, but it hinders you from bending into curves, which raises the chance of flipping over when turning rapidly.
Likewise, trikes can’t work for off-roading or uneven terrain. If you like high speeds and off-road riding, think about getting a full-suspension bike.
TT Bike
TT bikes, sometimes known as time trial bikes, are bicycles designed exclusively for professional time trial competition.
In these competitions, participants race against the clock to finish the course in the shortest amount of time.
TT bikes resemble road cycles, but they are far more aerodynamically efficient. They have a shorter wheelbase and a steeper seat tube angle.
Features:
- Aaero handlebars
- 1x or 2x setup
- Short wheelbase
- Steep seat tube angle
Who should you use?
The TT bike is what you look for if you have mastered the road bikes and need something to sharpen your riding skills.
Also, physically healthy, flexible, and free of back problems, riders can ride these bikes because of their forward-leaning posture.
If you are serious about time trial racing, you will benefit the most from TT bikes. They are best suited for cyclists who are dedicated to the sport.
Who shouldn’t you use?
Off-roading or riding on rugged terrain is challenging for TT bikes. Hence, riders wanting a bike to perform all tasks won’t find these models satisfying.
Furthermore, the unfavorable riding position that these bikes offer would be difficult for people with back or spine issues to adapt to.
Generally, we wouldn’t advise anyone who isn’t serious about professional cycling to buy a TT bike.
Although it’s attractive to look at, riding one can be quite painful for your back and neck.
How To Choose The Right Bike?
There are many types of bikes to consider. So we will help limit your selection by giving you some buying tips.
Price
Because there are so many types, expect many price ranges too. Try to research carefully to have your desired bicycle without breaking the bank.
Size
Finding the proper size bike usually necessitates experience due to a variety of criteria, such as height, inseam length, cycling experience, and versatility.
Style
The next step in selecting the right bike is to choose what kind of riding you wish to be doing because every bike is ideally suited for a particular kind of riding.
Components and accessories
Now, consider the parts and accessories of the bicycle. Even when two bikes look alike, their accessories set them apart and can tell if they are high quality.
You are free to choose what accessories you want to add to your bike. A few common upgrades include bottle cages, headlights, a pump, a cycle computer, and new saddles or pedals.
Conclusion
Thanks to the diverse options, you will have more chances to grab the ideal bike. It would be best to check all the features to see if it suits you.
Hopefully, you can settle on the best companion. Then, you will be ready to conquer the challenging roads ahead.