Different Types of Bicycles

With over a billion cycles in use presently, cycling is one of the oldest and most popular recreational sports known to man. While the sporty vehicle has undergone myriads of changes, each modification has invented a new kind of bike, for a different purpose and diverse terrain.

This also makes it difficult for buyers to choose the most fitting type for themselves among the sea of selections. Before going in for a bike purchase, enlighten yourself a little about what each type of bike entails and where you can take them.

The Different Types of Bikes

We’re going to discuss types of bikes, each having distinct functionality, scope, and performance grading. They differ in terms of speed, stability, size, and gear. Wheels and brakes are also varied based on what roads each is ridden on and how often.

Related reading: Bike Frame Material Guide

Mountain Bike

Mountain bikes, all terrain bikes, ATB, or MTB are the names given to this classification of popular cycle type that is particularly designed to be used on unpaved roads. A mountain bike can take in the most abuse, thanks to its sturdy build and thicker wheels with incredible grip and traction, whether it’s choppy hill roads or sandy desert terrains.

Due to higher rolling resistance, Mountain bikes are much slower than other traditional bikes but the front and rear suspensions provide first-rate stability in turbulent passages. Mountain bikes can be categorized into the following:

Enduro

On the expensive end are enduro bikes with dual suspension and a better gear ratio. These bikes are designed to be ridden upslope without the hassle and are often used in competitive sports.

Trail

The more popular mountain bikes are trail bikes due to their availability and versatility, both in design and usage. One can choose between suspension on the rear, front, or both sides.

Cross-Country

Cross country or XC bikes are ideal for unpaved roads that are not sloping. XC bikes being hardtails are most commonly used by tour riders.

Downhill

These are made to sustain slopes and slides on choppy roads and are thus incorporated with strong rear suspension and carbon frame construction.

Road Bikes

Road bikes are made to be used on smooth paths and are a conventional choice for road racing and casual cycling or tour biking. The lightweight frame coupled with thin tires maximizes speed, as well as, aerodynamics.

These aluminum framed bikes with rim brakes (now disc brakes, too) and small rear cassettes are easy on the legs and can be ridden for hours without struggle. Road bikes can be put into the following groups:

Race Bikes

These are most favorite for ones opting for speedy rides. Race bikes are lightweight and span of thin wheels for maximized aerodynamics.

Gravel

A more upgraded and latest version of road bikes is a gravel road that combines the ability of typical road cycles to be comfortable for longer rides. Still, it can also take on rough terrains due to the sturdy frame and disc brake system.

Endurance

Endurance road bikes are used in long road racing and hilly pathways. With slightly varied geometry and less stiff tubes, endurance bikes allow low gearing and more clearance feature highlights in providing comfort.

Folding Bikes

Each part of this bike type folds conveniently from the saddle to the handlebar so that one can store or carry it anywhere one goes.

The 20” composed wheels are robust enough for bumpy ways and can be carried at the back of other vehicles and boats without a bike rack. These bikes come in multiple speed gear options as well as suspension selections.

BMX Bikes

With a fixated frame and single gear speed feature, a BMX or Bicycle Motor Cross bike is distinguished from other cycles for its compact design made especially for stunts and jumps. These dirt ready bikes are having lightweight frames and knobby wheels while sporting exceptionally strong rear brakes for stunt performance and racing benefits.

The freestyle BMX bikes have axle pegs and fatter frames, as well as wheels while the Dirt Jumper BMX bikes comprise more typical features like bent wheels and rear brakes.

Touring Bikes

The touring frame comes with pannier racks that help you with carrying the luggage. When deciding about the must-have accessories for your bicycle, you at least get a crack in the rear and mudguards that keep you dry from puddles. The frame tends to be longer and has more gaps to accommodate these features.

Similar to the sportive design, touring ones have a long head tube and an upright position for riding. Steel is commonly used for making these frames still. The frame offers durability and a springy feel.

Recumbent Bike

Recumbent bikes are one of the most versatile types of bikes with varied wheelbases, multiple wheel options, and an adjustable seat that is closer to the ground. In this bike, the rider is expected to lay on their backs and pedal in that position, distributing the weight equally on the seat.

Post injury healing processes and indoor cardio workouts are what recumbent bikes are mostly used for.

Cyclocross Bikes

These are designed for the winter times and riding on shorter courses. Usually, there is a combination of obstacles and surfaces.

The design offers height, which in turn provides clearance from the mud. Occasionally titanium and steel are used to make the frame. However, often you’ll need to pick up the bike and run in the course, which makes carbon fiber as well as aluminum more preferable.

Cyclocross bike’s frame can take wider tires making it great for potholes. The frame can handle any terrain as you change its tires.

Cruiser Bikes

Cruiser bikes are most popular among relaxed and causal riders and the laid-back design of the bike aids for a cruising smooth ride.

The seat is lower in height, while the spring saddle is double ended to go with a handlebar that is curvy in shape. Such niche bikes are not meant to be ridden on sloppy ways or rough terrains.

Hybrid Bikes

If you want to find a middle ground for features of a road bike, mountain bike, and touring bike, a hybrid bike is the one for you.

Flatter frames and bigger wheels make it easy for riders to cruise on both smooth roads and choppy terrains. Like mountain bikes, hybrid bikes can involve front and rear disc brakes.

Tandem Bikes

Tandem bikes are ones that are designed with two saddles and independent pedals, meaning they can be ridden by two people at the same time or by a single person.

With one derailleur and one freewheel, these bikes are sometimes attached to a pair for parallel riding as well.

Tricycle

As the name suggests, a tricycle is a bike that includes three wheels and can be powered by either human or motor power. Tricycles are commonly used for kids, but modified ones are also used for commercial uses.

Tricycles may or may not include broader seats but each has extraordinary lateral stability. That is why they are considered safe for use by kids on straight roads. One downside of using a tricycle is turning is tight corners can be more difficult.

Banana Seat Bike

Banana seat bikes have numerous names such as wheelie bike, high-ryser, or a dragster bike and were most commonly used by children for a casual ride out during the 60s.

Although they are mostly out of production, banana bikes can still be found in some places. The bike’s characteristic features include spread-out hanger handlebars, petit wheels, and a sissy bar on the seat. These bikes were soon modified to be used on unpaved roads.

Electric Bike

Electric bikes or e-bikes use a rechargeable electric motor attached to the pedals in order to assist you. The semi-automated system is available on both road or mountain bikes.

Electric bikes are especially helpful when you are riding on a bike that requires you to put extra effort to go uphill. With the speed boost from the motor, you would require to transfer less leg power.

Klunker Bike

A Klunker bike is a stylish looking bike that can be considered to be a crossover between a mountain bike, BMX, and a cruiser bike. These bikes are incredibly sturdy with handlebars and seat posts that last a lifetime. These bikes are used to ride on sandy beach sides and rough mountain roads. The versatile bike is made to endure impacts but can also be taken out for running regular errands.

Related reading: Road Bike vs Mountain Bike Comparison

Bicycle Type Comparisons You Want To Read

If you want us to write comparisons of any of these bike types, please leave a comment below!

Road vs Mountain Bicycles	Road vs Hybrid Bicycles	Road vs Touring Bicycles	Road vs BMX Bicycles
Road vs Cyclocross Bicycles	Road vs Fixed-Gear Bicycles	Road vs Folding Bicycles	Road vs Recumbent Bicycles
Road vs Electric Bicycles	Road vs Cargo Bicycles	Road vs Tandem Bicycles	Road vs Track Bicycles
Road vs Children’s Bicycles	Road vs Cruiser Bicycles	Mountain vs Hybrid Bicycles	Mountain vs Touring Bicycles
Mountain vs BMX Bicycles	Mountain vs Cyclocross Bicycles	Mountain vs Fixed-Gear Bicycles	Mountain vs Folding Bicycles
Mountain vs Recumbent Bicycles	Mountain vs Electric Bicycles	Mountain vs Cargo Bicycles	Mountain vs Tandem Bicycles
Mountain vs Track Bicycles	Mountain vs Children’s Bicycles	Mountain vs Cruiser Bicycles	Hybrid vs Touring Bicycles
Hybrid vs BMX Bicycles	Hybrid vs Cyclocross Bicycles	Hybrid vs Fixed-Gear Bicycles	Hybrid vs Folding Bicycles
Hybrid vs Recumbent Bicycles	Hybrid vs Electric Bicycles	Hybrid vs Cargo Bicycles	Hybrid vs Tandem Bicycles
Hybrid vs Track Bicycles	Hybrid vs Children’s Bicycles	Hybrid vs Cruiser Bicycles	Touring vs BMX Bicycles
Touring vs Cyclocross Bicycles	Touring vs Fixed-Gear Bicycles	Touring vs Folding Bicycles	Touring vs Recumbent Bicycles
Touring vs Electric Bicycles	Touring vs Cargo Bicycles	Touring vs Tandem Bicycles	Touring vs Track Bicycles
Touring vs Children’s Bicycles	Touring vs Cruiser Bicycles	BMX vs Cyclocross Bicycles	BMX vs Fixed-Gear Bicycles
BMX vs Folding Bicycles	BMX vs Recumbent Bicycles	BMX vs Electric Bicycles	BMX vs Cargo Bicycles
BMX vs Tandem Bicycles	BMX vs Track Bicycles	BMX vs Children’s Bicycles	BMX vs Cruiser Bicycles
Cyclocross vs Fixed-Gear Bicycles	Cyclocross vs Folding Bicycles	Cyclocross vs Recumbent Bicycles	Cyclocross vs Electric Bicycles
Cyclocross vs Cargo Bicycles	Cyclocross vs Tandem Bicycles	Cyclocross vs Track Bicycles	Cyclocross vs Children’s Bicycles
Cyclocross vs Cruiser Bicycles	Fixed-Gear vs Folding Bicycles	Fixed-Gear vs Recumbent Bicycles	Fixed-Gear vs Electric Bicycles
Fixed-Gear vs Cargo Bicycles	Fixed-Gear vs Tandem Bicycles	Fixed-Gear vs Track Bicycles	Fixed-Gear vs Children’s Bicycles
Fixed-Gear vs Cruiser Bicycles	Folding vs Recumbent Bicycles	Folding vs Electric Bicycles	Folding vs Cargo Bicycles
Folding vs Tandem Bicycles	Folding vs Track Bicycles	Folding vs Children’s Bicycles	Folding vs Cruiser Bicycles
Recumbent vs Electric Bicycles	Recumbent vs Cargo Bicycles	Recumbent vs Tandem Bicycles	Recumbent vs Track Bicycles
Recumbent vs Children’s Bicycles	Recumbent vs Cruiser Bicycles	Electric vs Cargo Bicycles	Electric vs Tandem Bicycles
Electric vs Track Bicycles	Electric vs Children’s Bicycles	Electric vs Cruiser Bicycles	Cargo vs Tandem Bicycles
Cargo vs Track Bicycles	Cargo vs Children’s Bicycles	Cargo vs Cruiser Bicycles	Tandem vs Track Bicycles
Tandem vs Children’s Bicycles	Tandem vs Cruiser Bicycles	Track vs Children’s Bicycles	Track vs Cruiser Bicycles
Children’s vs Cruiser Bicycles

Final Words

Each year, millions of bikes are produced commercially but all of them are not the same. How many categories of bikes could you count in your head before reading this article?

You might be amazed to know that the evolution of bikes led to the availability of all the types of bikes currently in the market.

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