Types of Bicycles Available
There are numerous sizes and styles of bicycles to choose from. It is important to know what these types of bicycles are, what they are used for, and what the sizing's mean before you venture out and purchase one. Children and adult bicycles are sized differently. The children's bicycle is sized based on the diameter of the wheels, such that the sizes available are 12, 16, 20, 24, 26, and 27 (inches). Adult bicycles are sized via the length of the seat tube (the cylinder that extends from below the seat to the axle of the petals), such that the available sizes are 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, and 60 (cm). The five main styles of bicycles that can be purchased are mountain bicycles, road bicycles, hybrid bicycles, juvenile bicycles, and specialty bicycles.
In general, mountain bicycles have much more rugged and stronger component frames than any other bicycles out on the market. This high durability and resistance to stresses and strains is used because these bicycles are intended to be used off-road where the terrain is often rugged with rocks, dirt, mud, or even obstacles. The tires tend to be large with numerous knobs for extra traction. The handlebars are usually flat with extensions (facing forward) for more control. These bicycles are significantly different than others types because they have suspension systems and low gears to easy going up and down hills. Although these bicycles are designed to be used on the worst of terrain, many people enjoy the durability and use these bicycles on paved roads for leisure and as a mode of transportation. Others want the same qualities of the mountain bicycles, but without all of the expensive additions. These people choose to buy a variation of the mountain bicycle.
An example of a variation of the standard mountain bicycle is a trail bicycle/light-duty mountain bicycle. These bicycles appear very similar to the mountain bicycle's features. The main difference is that they are slightly heavier, much cheaper and are made for light trails and roads. Although the look the same, these bicycles cannot handle the same degree of abuse. Treating your light-duty mountain bicycle as though it were a mountain bicycle would result in a bend frame, destroyed wheels, or a completely useless bicycle. Think about these facts before you decide to buy one!!
Road bicycles are designed for quickly riding on paved roads. The tires tend to be much narrower with minimal knobs for a smoother ride. The handlebars are either bend down or curved under to allow for a more aerodynamic and speedier ride. Road bicycles tend to be lighter and shorter to allow for quicker responses (typical cycling bike).
Touring bicycle tend to be longer with carrying racks and more padding in the seat for absorbing shock from the road. A specific example of a touring bicycle is a comfort bicycle. This design is similar to the trail bicycle, except there is less distance between the seat and the handlebars and the front end of the bicycle is much higher so that the ride is more upright and comfortable. The seats are usually larger and fully padded with some sort of shock absorbing spring under the seat. This type of bicycle is popular among the elderly population.
Hybrid bicycles are designed to combine the comfort of riding an trail bicycle with the wider tires that are on road bicycles. They are generally used on pavement and dirt trails, but are not to be used off-road. Sometimes the design contains shock seat posts, but the most expensive models have shock absorbing forks. Some examples are hybrid bicycles are cruisers and adult three-wheelers. Cruisers are heavier bicycles that have one speed and foot brakes or multiple speeds and hand brakes. The rider can sit upright while riding due to the higher positioned handlebars. These bicycles are for riders that want a bicycle that will be comfortable on roads and can be used on boardwalks.
Adult three-wheelers are basically large tricycles for larger adult riders. They have a front hand brake as well as a foot operated brake, and often up to three gears. Usually these bicycles are popular in retirement communities.
The general idea for juvenile bicycles is that they are designed for children between the ages 2 and 10. Usually these bicycles have foot brakes and one or two speeds. These are the only types of cheap bicycles that you can buy (as in less than $100). Interestingly, DMX, Trick, and Jump bicycles are also placed in this category. DMX bicycles (dirt bikes) have hand brakes, one speed, short frames and good traction tires. These designs are light, extremely strong and quite expensive, which is why they are often used for racing. Trick bicycles (or freestyle bikes) have long frames and extensions of the axles to stand on. The cool part about this design is that there are cable de-tanglers that allow the handlebar to spin without twisting up the brake cables.
Finally, jumping bicycles are designed with thick bike frame tubes and thicker wheel rims to withstand high stresses from aerial freestyle stunts and half-pipe jumping. These bicycles are built to take lots of abuse!
The two main types of specialty bicycles are recumbents and tandems. Recumbents let the rider sit reclined and petal with their feet in a position much similar to sitting in a chair. These bicycles are low to the ground and can often go extremely fast. They are quite expensive, but if you want to reach 60 mph on a bicycle, these are the way to go. Tandem bicycles have 2 seats, a much longer wheel base, and 2 sets of petals. They are custom made and often very expensive, but can be built as mountain, hybrid, road, or even recumbent bicycles.
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