Three Basic Bike Types

The type of bike you will need largely depends on the type of cycling activity you engage in. There is little difference physically between the different types of bikes but that doesn't mean you can use one type for a particular activity made for some other type. So, before you purchase a bike, take time to familiarize yourself with the different types.

1. Mountain Bike. The mountain bike is built for the off roads like the rough terrain up and down the mountain slopes. The mountain bike is made from heavy duty materials and its components are designed to survive the stress it will be subjected to when on off roads.

The tires used in mountain bikes tend to be wide and knobby in order to provide more traction. In addition, mountain bikes have excellent performing brakes and suspensions as well as comfortable seats.

Some experts would recommend to change fat mountain bike tires to thinner tires if you are going to use your mountain bike for a road ride. Mountain bikes tend to be heavier because of its sturdy frame.

2. Hybrid Bike. This bike is more of a combination of the mountain bike and a road bike. This type of bike is ideal for people who live to ride on both types of surfaces because the wheels tend to be very versatile. However, do not expect the hybrid bike to have wheels as wide and as sturdy as those of a mountain bike or wheels as thin as those of road bikes.

Most hybrid bikes can be used on paved and dirt roads. Riding your hybrid bike off-roads is not a good idea because it may be a cross-type but it is still not built for off road cycling. Striking features of the hybrid bike are its numerous gears which allow you to shift from low gear to high gear. So if you want versatility, then you might want to take a look at the hybrid type.

3. Road Bike. The road bike is known for its being lightweight. The lighter weight is due to its lightweight frames and narrow tires. If you want to get to your destination fast while riding a bike, then a road bike is a good choice.

The road bike's lightweight quality along with its narrow tires permits a smoother and faster ride. The road bike is also a good bike for recreational cyclists or those individuals who only ride for fun.

Road bikes usually come with a high gear but some changes have taken place so the road bikes at present have a wide range of gears. The road bikes are made for the road. It may be able to handle a dirt road once in a while but if you constantly use it on dirt it may not last long.

There are still other types of bikes but these three are the basic types. Those bikes you see where one can recline or those with three wheels and more than one seat belong to the specialty bikes category.