People who say purchasing a bicycle is more difficult than purchasing a car are common. And they're not incorrect, you know that. You don't have to worry about your flexibility, height, or degree of fitness when you purchase an automobile. Cycling lovers need not worry, though, as we will solve the puzzle of bicycle purchasing in this educational blog. So sit back, unwind, and let's explore the world of two-wheeled marvels and learn about the many bicycle classifications!
Here are the top 5 bike categories that you may consider:
1. Road Bikes
Road bikes—as the name implies—are made for riding on public roads. You could ask, can't all motorcycles travel on the road? Indeed, they can. However, as road bikes are designed to be as efficient as possible, they would perform appallingly on a mountain dirt track.
Identifying traits:
Road bikes often have light frames, narrow tyres, drop bar bikes—handles that bend back under the bike—and a high gear ratio—that is, the gears are geared to favour the speeds that will let you travel as quickly as possible, provided your legs and lungs can support it. And a riding posture that is more aerodynamic. Road bike sizes must be accurate.
2. Mountain Bikes
Subtypes of mountain bikes
- Mountain bikes with hardtails
- Mountain bikes with full suspension
- Mountain bikes powered by electricity
Because mountain bikes are made for riding on mountains or off-road trails, they have knobbly tires, a chunkier build, and a frame shape that makes them more suitable for extremely uneven terrain.
Identifying traits:
You can traverse fields and climb mountains with ease thanks to the wide, knobbly tires and several gears. Some MTB ranges have a hardtail, which is inflexible at the back, while others, which are referred to as "full suspension" or "full sus," have both front and rear suspension for cushioning jumps and drops. Some don't have either.
3. Hybrid/Commuters Bike
Many hybrid bike types
- Road-going hybrid bicycles
- Off-road hybrid bicycles
- Hybrid off-road motorcycles with front suspension forks
The handlebars of hybrid bikes are flat, as opposed to drop handlebars. Certain versions are equipped with front suspension to reduce vibrations on the track or on the road, while others are not. With their thinner, slicker tires, they have the comfortable riding posture of mountain bikes, but their design prioritizes comfort and adaptability. If you wish to do some off-roading, you can swap out the tires for more off-road tires, slicker tires for tarmac commuting, or something in between.
In essence, hybrid bikes, commonly referred to as commuter bikes or city bikes, are a cross between road and mountain bikes. They provide you with the adaptability to execute a variety of tasks. Your ability to do as you please, whenever you choose, makes up for the specialization you once again forfeit.
4. Gravel Road Bike
Often referred to as "Gravel Bikes" (also known as adventure bikes, cyclocross bikes, or just "bikes"), these bikes carry on the road riders of the past who would replace their smooth road tyres with knobby tyres and keep training during the winter. If you're seeking a quick road bike that can handle off-road excursions, a gravel bike could be the ideal year-round ride.
Adventure bikes are made primarily for bike packing, having larger handlebars and more room on the frame for baggage, whereas cyclocross bikes are made exclusively for off-road racing on approved courses.
5. Electric Bike
Types of electric bikes
- Bikes with Electric and Hybrid Power
- Electric motorbikes
- Folding Electric Bikes
- Electric Mountain Bikes
- Bikes with Electric Cargo
In short, their purpose is to facilitate cycling, be it on a road, a mountain, or a commute. These days, a great selection of foldable electric bikes is also available.
As the name implies, electric bikes have elements of electric cycles. They are heavier than conventional bikes since they feature a motor and a battery, but you will never again lament a hill in your life. If getting fitness is your goal, most provide varying degrees of assistance.
The engine "kicks in" as you start pedalling, giving you a push as if you had a strong tailwind behind you. This allows you to travel virtually any place at a steady rate without exerting much energy. Electric bikes are becoming more and more popular. While hybrid bikes are still the most popular type, electric road bikes, folding electric bikes, e-hybrids, and e-mountain bikes are also well-liked by people who prefer riding downhill rather than uphill.
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