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Different Types of Bicycles

Maya Pillai
A bicycle is a mode of transport that doesn't cause pollution. There are many different types of bicycles used for various purposes. Listed next are some of the popular types.
There are various types of bicycles available in the market today. They come in various styles and you may be overwhelmed with the available choice when you go out to buy one.
When planning to buy a bicycle, it is very important to first decide what you want it for, as the type differs according to the utility. Here are the different popular types of bicycles and their uses.
Mountain Bicycles
Mountain bikes are tailored for mountain, hill, and trail riding. They feature multiple gears, strong brakes, chunky tires, and 26-inch wheels.

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Mountain bikes feature flat handlebars and efficient suspension to absorb off-road bumps. They're comfortable for city riding too.

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Road bikes, unlike mountain bikes, are more susceptible to punctures. Riders adopt a hunched position while using them, favored by Tour de France cyclists.
Road Bikes
Road bikes are lightweight bicycles with dropped handlebars, designed for high-speed riding on smooth surfaces. Tires are pumped up to minimize friction.
Touring Bicycles
Touring bicycles, more comfortable than road bikes, feature mudguards, drop handlebars, and pannier racks for luggage. Their wheelbase is longer compared to mountain bikes and road bikes.
Folding Bikes
Cyclists use folding bikes for journeys involving public transport. These bikes are convenient for the first and last legs of a commuter's journey and may not include folding pedals.
Hybrid Bicycles
These bikes combine features of mountain and road bikes, offering their respective pros and cons. They resemble mountain bikes but have slimmer wheels and tires.
The cyclist can sit upright while riding a hybrid bicycle, and it is perfect for city riding. They are also referred to as comfort bikes.

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They are suited to all kinds of weather, and may also come with front and rear lights for night riding. The cyclist can sit in an upright position while riding a city bike.
City Bicycles
These bikes are designed for urban use, offering durability and suitability for city roads. They can withstand harsh conditions like debris, gravel, potholes, and water.

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BMX originated in the 1970s with children racing wheelie bikes and the Shwinn Stingray Bicycle, sparking a hugely popular revolution.
BMX
BMX bikes are used for stunting. These are quite popular for dirt track racing as well. These bikes have a smaller frame and wide tires for ease of stunting.

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Cruiser Bikes
Cruiser Bikes are light in weight. They are also called beach bicycles or boulevardiers.

Cruiser Bikes

These bikes are designed for comfortable riding or cruising. They have padded seats, a variety of speeds, and as few gears as possible. These bikes are popularly used as rentals by people for riding on beaches or places with flat ground.

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Tandem bicycles
These bikes are used in events like the Paralympics, with visually impaired stokers and a sighted captain. Various varieties exist.
Tandem bikes are those that have two or more riders. The rider sitting in the first seat steers and pedals and is known as the 'captain' or 'pilot'. All the other rear riders are known as 'stokers' or 'navigators' and they only pedal, not steer.

Utility bikes

These bikes are used as utility vehicles for running errands such as shopping or picking up the dry cleaning. These are relatively on the heavier side when it comes to the frame and tires. The cyclist can ride in an upright position on these bikes.
They usually come with attached baskets for easy carrying of goods like shopping bags. They also come equipped with fenders to protect the rider from getting dirty, for example, from mud during monsoons.
Some other types of bicycles are track bikes, motorized bikes, freeride bikes, freight bikes, and cyclo-cross bikes. Bicycles are an extremely varied mode of transport, and a greener and healthier alternative to commuting in cars.