Now to take a look at the different types of bikes on the market and the sort of cycling they deliver. Designed for use on sealed roads, road bikes are one of the most efficient bicycles. Road bikes can be spotted by the skinny tyres and 'drop' handlebar that curls back toward the rider at the bottom. There are multiple types of road bikes, but they will typically fit into one of two categories: competition or endurance. Competition bikes are built with speed in mind.
They typically feature harder gears, stiffer frames and a more aggressive position to keep you out of the wind. Endurance bikes can come in many forms but typically feature slightly more upright riding positions, easier gearing and a smoother ride. They're best picked for more social and fitness-based road cycling. Most brands will sell more endurance road bikes than competition models.
To learn more about these fast bikes, head on over to the blog to see our comprehensive guide to buying a road bike. They are focused on aerodynamics which makes them the fastest road bike in a straight line and against the clock.
Such speed comes at the expense of handling and long-distance comfort. Many who own this type of bike will also own a road bike for training and social purposes. To learn more about these wind-cheating bikes, check out our comprehensive guide to buying a triathlon bike for more information.
Flat Bar Road bikes combine the flat handlebar position of a mountain bike with the speed of a road bike. Due to the more upright riding position, flat bar road bikes are not as fast as traditional road bikes but offer a more upright riding position and greater visibility in traffic.
This type of bike is a popular choice for commuting to work and general fitness cycling. They're best kept to sealed roads, although some flat bar road bikes offer wider tyres that can handle light gravel use too. To read more, check out our guide comparing flat bar road, urban and hybrid bikes to learn more.
Arguably no category of bicycle offers you more choice than mountain biking. While choice is a good thing, it can also be overwhelming. If you're set on wanting to ride off-road, then read our complete guide to mountain bikes. Choosing a mountain bike will come down to the type of terrain you want to ride, whether you're looking to compete and your current ability. Suspension is a common theme on mountain bikes, with more suspension provided as the terrain becomes more difficult.
The suspension commonly dictates the name of the mountain bike too. Mountain bikes with no suspension are referred to as 'rigid'. Mountain bikes with front suspension are called 'hardtails' as the rear is rigid. And bikes with suspension at both the front and rear wheels are called either full suspension or dual suspension bikes.
Cyclocross bikes are built for the sport of cyclocross. This sport originated in Europe as a way for road cycling racers to stay fit in the winter, however, has since grown globally to be a loved form of bicycle racing. Cyclocross bikes look much like road bikes but instead feature wider treaded tyres and lower gearing. Both the frame and brakes are designed to allow room for deep mud. Given their designated usage, cyclocross bikes sit in the middle between a road bike and mountain bike.
This makes them an excellent choice for not just cyclocross racing, but also for gravel riding, adventure cycling, and commuting. On the correct bike frame size, you should be able to almost fully extend your leg while pedalling and be able to comfortably reach the handlebars. Generally, a few centimetres of space is a good starting point, but the geometry of the bike also comes into play, especially with mountain bikes. The rider height gives you some initial ideas, but since everyone has different proportions e.
Once you decide on a bike, a few small adjustments can make the right size frame fit your proportions just right. That might mean adjusting the saddle height or angle, changing the handlebar height or angle, or raising or lowering the stem learn more about bike fitting. When you plan your bike budget, make sure to set some aside for bike accessories. You will likely need a lock, helmet, pedals and bike lights, and you may want other add-ons like a pump, fenders, bell, bike rack, basket, panniers and rain gear.
Be highly visible. Choose a solid lock if you plan to lock up in any urban areas, and learn how to lock up your bike properly. Date October 19, Date September 22, Date September 14, Skip to content Skip to navigation. Skip to main content Skip to content navigation Close navigation. Learn Running and fitness tips Hiking and camping tips Cycling tips How to buy a bike Fitting your bike How to choose a bike helmet Choosing the right tires for your bike How to choose bike pedals How to choose cycling shoes How to choose bike bags and panniers Locking your bike Biking with kids How to choose an indoor bike trainer Get ready for winter riding Choose bike lights Understanding bike frame geometry How to choose a mountain bike Mountain bike wheel sizes: Mountain bike tires: tubes vs.
More powerful ebikes some with motorcycle-style throttles are also available, but in some countries, including the UK, these are classed as mopeds or motorbikes and therefore need to conform to the same rules insurance, helmets and so forth. Most ebikes are designed to be comfortable and easy to live with thanks to flat bars, mudguards and luggage capacity.
However, as the technology develops, both prices and weights are coming down — some models even look remarkably like unassisted bikes. The world of electric mountain bikes — also known as eMTBs — is also a rapidly expanding one, allowing riders who might have needed to swear off their dirt riding activities to keep enjoying the countryside for longer than they might have imagined.
Drop handlebar electric road bikes are increasing in popularity too, but are still currently something of a niche. Our comprehensive list of the best electric bikes will guide you to the right electric bike for you. Cons: Regular recharging, heavier and significantly more expensive than an equivalent standard bike.
That means that folding bikes are phenomenally popular among big-city commuters. Our list of the best folding bikes will quickly steer you to the folding bikes worth buying. Pros: Massively convenient to store, can be taken onto public transport, small wheels are quick to accelerate.
Cons: Heavier and slower than a big-wheeled bike and not as stable or pothole-proof. Now officially part of the furniture, Oli enjoys bicycles of all sorts and has a keen eye for technical detail. An unhealthy interest in older motor vehicles keeps him poor but happy.
Road bikes are best for riding on smooth, asphalted roads. Robert Smith. Mountain bikes are best for riding off road. For children the best way to ensure the frame is the correct size is to have the child sit on the seat and be able to place the balls of their feet on the ground and reach the handlebars comfortably. You should also ensure they have a mm clearance between the bar and their crotch if they are standing over the center bar.
Handlebars matter, too. You want to be able to reach them, after all, so make sure the reach between your seat and the handlebars is comfortable. According to REI , the farther the seat is below the handlebars, generally, the more comfortable the ride.
But higher handlebars let you apply more power to the pedals. The shape and position of your handlebars also depend on the bike you get.
When I was a kid, speed bikes were the fanciest you could wish for. Full suspension helps you maintain control and increases traction. Finally, there are the brakes. There are a number of different types of brakes, and they all have pros and cons. Here are the most common:.
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