Boldface News

Main Menu

  • Latest News
  • Contact Us

logo

  • Latest News
  • Contact Us
Shopping Tips
Home›Shopping Tips›8 Types of Bicycles and Their Different Characteristics

8 Types of Bicycles and Their Different Characteristics

By Dana Yuen
February 17, 2021
2426
0
Share:

Since the first bike was invented in 1817 by Baron Karl von Drais from Germany, many new types of bicycles have been developed. Each of these bikes serves a specific purpose, or to be more specific; some bikes are better suited for doing stunts than others.

Others are ideal for tackling rough terrain. However, in most cases, each of these bikes can also be used for leisure activities. You will need different types of bicycles if you are a professional cyclist looking for a time trial bike for your next triathlon. You will also need other types of bicycles if you are simply looking for a bike gift for your kid on their birthday.

To help you find out which bikes you need, below are the different types of bicycles and their characteristics:

1. Mountain Bicycles

Mountain bicycles are the types of bicycles that allow cyclists to navigate through rocky mountains.

The tires on a mountain bike have a width of 26’’ to 29’’ to allow it to be ridden in places with loose dirt or tackle obstacles with ease. Most mountain bikes have a suspension system that allows any cyclist to navigate through rocky mountains. They have flat handlebars and feature a rugged frame.

You can ride a mountain bike on roads and trails, but it is not the most efficient bike to do that. These types of bicycles are available in all price ranges, but for aggressive mountain biking, a low-end recreational mountain bike is not ideal.

2. Hybrid/Comfort Bicycles

Hybrid bicycles are the types of bicycles that are distinguished by the size of their wheels.

A hybrid and a sports comfort bike have similar features, but they are distinguished by the size of their wheels. A hybrid bike has larger wheels compared to a comfort bike, but they are slightly thinner. You can think of them as having small mountain bike wheels.

Just as the name suggests, these types of bicycles are made with comfort in mind. It does well on smooth dirt roads, paved trails and it is great for family cycling trips. Its upright position is designed to add to the comfort.

3. Road Bicycles

Road bicycles are the types of bicycles that glide along the road with minimal effort.

Road bikes are distinguished by their skinny tires and drop handlebars. They are fast and highly efficient on the road. They glide along the road with minimal effort, courtesy of their large thin tires. The drop handlebars give you different grip variations. This bike is great for long rides on the road or pavements. They are made with optimal performance in mind.

4. Triathlon or Time Trial Bicycles

Triathlon bicycles are the types of bicycles that features a forward bullhorn-shaped handlebar and aero bar.

A triathlon or time trial bike is a more advanced road bike. It features a forward bullhorn-shaped handlebar and aero bar. If you have watched a triathlon before, you have probably noticed there are times when the riders tend to lean forward during the race. They do this to make themselves aerodynamic.

The aero bars make it easy for them to stay in this aerodynamic position. The gear shifters are located at the end of the aero bars. The geometrical design of this bicycle frame makes it the most suitable types of bicycles for triathlons and time trial races, both of which are highly dependent on aerodynamics.

5. Commuting Bicycles

Commuting bicycles are the types of bicycles that feature practical amenities such as lights, rear racks, locks and fenders.

You can use a commuting bike for general transportation. The e-bikes feature practical amenities such as lights, rear racks, locks and fenders. This is more of a utility bike than anything else.

This is the type of bicycle you use to move from one place to the next. It is great for doing simple errands like going to the grocery store or going to the post office. Riding a commuting bike is a great way of making sure you stay fit, save some money, and help in conserving the environment while still having fun.

6. Cyclocross Bicycles

Cyclocross bicycles are the types of bicycles that are great for racing around obstacle-ridden dirt trails.

This bike has drop handlebars, just like the road bike, but its tires are wide and knobby. These types of bicycles are great for racing around obstacle-ridden dirt trails.

When a rider comes across an obstacle, they are required to alight and carry the bike over the obstacle. It is a very versatile bike since it can tackle most trails easily. You can have much fun at a cyclocross event.

7. BMX / Trick Bicycles

Trick bicycles are the types of bicycles that are like single speed bikes because they do not shift gears..

BMX is short for Bicycle Motor Cross. These bikes are thus known because they were usually ridden around short dirt tracks like in a motorsport race. They are single speed bikes as they do not shift gears. Any single-speed bike that has 20’’ wheels is a BMX. If you want a bike for doing jumps or tricks, a BMX is your best bet. They are very robust and durable.

8. Folding Bicycles

Folding bicycles are the types of bicycles that can be folded easily and loaded into the trunk of your car.

Folding bikes are great for travelling. As the name suggests, they can be folded easily and loaded into the trunk of your car, or onto a boat. A folding bike helps you avoid the hassle of transporting a full-sized bike.

Depending on how you intend to use a bike, there are different appropriate types to choose from. Some are ideal for daily commute while others are more suited to rough terrain. Others such as the triathlon or time trial are great for sporting events. Still, others such as the mountain bike and the BMX are ideal for outdoor adventure.

Previous Article

Four Ways Computers Can Get Infected with ...

Next Article

7 Best Benefits of Being a Real ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Dana Yuen

Dana Yuen

Dana is an Associate Writer at Boldface News. Originally from Vancouver, she's studying for a journalism degree at the University of British Columbia.

Recommended

  • Healthy Life

    4 Golden Rules of Dental Implants

  • Business Chatter

    4 Guidelines to Save Money On Wastewater Treatment

  • Life & Leisure

    8 Different Ways to Unclog a Full Toilet Without a Plunger

Boldface News

Boldface News was started as an initiative to help young journalists and reporters showcase their work.

We wanted to create a platform where journalism graduates and young reporters can hone their writing skills before landing a professional gig.

Got the Scoop?

Boldface News is managed by a network of journalists, university students and freelance writers who keep this website running with their regular contributions.

Our team is always changing and expanding. We are constantly looking for more people with journalism backgrounds. If you want to write for us, get in touch and we’ll welcome you to our growing team!

Categories

Latest News

Celebrity Gossip

Dine & Wine

Life & Leisure

Healthy Life

Tech Savvy

Riches & Rags

Shopping Tips

Career Column

Back to School

Business Chatter

Legal Advice

  • February 24, 2021

    8 Different Dual Citizenship Pros and Cons

  • February 22, 2021

    5 Reasons Retirement Homes Are Very Helpful

  • February 19, 2021

    7 Best Benefits of Being a Real Estate Agent

  • February 17, 2021

    8 Types of Bicycles and Their Different Characteristics

  • February 14, 2021

    Four Ways Computers Can Get Infected with Ransomware

  • February 12, 2021

    Cool Your Jets: 4 Features of Electronic Air Coolers

  • February 11, 2021

    6 Signs You Need to Optimize Your Digital Forms

Subscribe with your e-mail to receive the latest updates from Boldface News, anywhere and any time!
Loading
  • Popular Posts

  • 8 Different Dual Citizenship Pros and Cons

    By Sandra Turner
    February 24, 2021
  • Latest Posts

  • 8 Different Dual Citizenship Pros and Cons

    By Sandra Turner
    February 24, 2021

 

Copyright 2017-2020 © Bold Face News