Friday 3 October 2014

Different Types of Outdoor Bikes Bicycles Explained

There are several different types of outdoor bikes or bicycles to choose from, with each bicycle having its own specific build-type and purpose.  Each different type of bike offers a different type of ride depending on a number of differing factors such as the type of terrain you will be cycling on, whether you’re cycling for leisure or commuting or training/racing etc.

The main different types of bikes or bicycles include:

·         Road / Racing bikes
·         Fixie bikes / Fixed Gear Bikes
·         Mountain bikes
·         Comfort / cruiser bikes
·         Hybrid bikes
·         Folding bikes
·         Electric bikes


Let’s take a look at each of the above bike categories in detail and explain what’s different about them so you can see which is the best bike or bicycle for your needs:


ROAD / RACING BIKES

Road / Racing Bikes



As the name suggests, Road or Racing Bikes are built for speed and cycling longer distances on road surfaces.  With this in mind, road or racing bikes are designed for aerodynamics and a lightweight feel – they are typically built with lighter frames (aluminium and/or carbon fiber are best), thinner tires, and a drop bar that offers an aerodynamic riding position.  This design combination allows the cyclist to achieve extraordinary speeds that is not possible with any other type of pedal powered bike.

Most road or racing bikes offer a great range of gears to help the cyclist easily tackle both flats and hills.




FIXIE BIKES / FIXED GEAR BIKES

Fixie Bike / Fixed Gear Bikes


Fixie bikes are also known as Fixed Gear Bikes because they only have a fixed gear and a single speed.  The Fixie bike has a drivetrain with NO freewheel mechanism so you can’t coast or freewheel.  That means that you can’t use momentum to ride without pedalling – when the rear wheel turns, so do the pedals because the cog is bolted directly to the back wheel hub.  

Most Fixie Bikes have just a front brake or sometimes no brake at all and it is possible for the cyclist to apply a braking force with his own legs and bodyweight.

Without the additional parts of a fully geared drivetrain, Fixe Bikes generally have less bulk and weigh less than other types of bicycles.

Fixie Bikes are popular with road racing cyclists for training and this type of bike is commonly used for track cycling such as in a velodrome.

Note that brakeless bikes are strictly prohibited on public roads in many countries – check your local law requirements.
MOUNTAIN BIKES


Mountain bikes are one of the most popular types of bicycles as they can be ridden both on and off the road.  Mountain bikes are generally heavier than most other types of bicycles and are built to withstand cycling over more rugged terrain.

Most mountain bikes typically have larger tires, hill-friendly gears, and a suspension fork to help smooth out riding over bumpy trails.  Some mountain bikes also incorporate a rear-suspension system for an even smoother ride.


COMFORT OR CRUISER BIKES

Comfort or cruiser bikes are designed for riders who want to cycle at a more relaxed pace on light trails or cycle paths.  Comfort or cruiser bicycles generally offer a more relaxed upright riding position with swept-back handlebars and padded seats for comfort.  Comfort or cruiser bikes typically have a limited range of gearing for ease of use.


HYBRID BIKES

Hybrid bikes typically combine the build of a road bike with the comfort of a cruiser bike for the best of both worlds!  Hybrid bikes are ideal for both commuting and leisure cycling.


FOLDING BIKES


Folding bikes are ideal for multi-modes of travelling where you’re cycling part of the way and then hopping on a bus or train.

Generally folding bikes are lightweight and the bike frame has a mechanism that allows you to fold the frame in half, with some bikes also allowing you to fold the handlebars and pedals too, so that the bike can easily be carried onto a bus or train or stored in a small place such as the trunk of a car, a boat, a cupboard, or even under your desk at work!


ELECTRIC BIKES

Electric bikes are a great way to get where you need to go faster and with less effort!

Most electric bicycles offer a combination of pedal and battery power, allowing the cyclist to choose between no pedalling with full battery power or a percentage of assisted battery power with pedalling.  (Obviously, the battery charge will last longer and get you further if you use some pedal power.)

Electric bikes can vary in the type of battery that they use, offering varying speed and distance ranges.

Electric bikes are generally heavier than other types of bikes due to the weight of the battery.

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N.B. It's advisable to consult your doctor or health care professional before undertaking any new exercise regime.

*Prices/discounts/shipping indicated correct at time of writing/publishing and may be subject to change anytime.  E&OE.


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