We have previously discussed pros and cons of buying a cheap bike as well as Can Craigslist be trusted if you looking to get a great deal on a good bike. At the end of the last article we identified that there are there are four major bike types out there:
- Road Bikes
- Mountain Bikes
- Hybrids
- Cruisers
The difference between them lays primarily in different construction, since each of these has a different purpose. Without getting too much into technical details the geometry and components of each bike is arranged differently to make the most out of each class under conditions it was designed for.
Photo Credit: www.haro-bikes.com
Mountain Bikes have the most rugged, aggressive, “go-anywhere” design to accommodate amount of stress and abuse they’re going to endure. It has in mind that rider will most likely be moving around a lot and being comfortable (like sitting on the couch comfortable) is not his first or even second priority. You will be able to take this bicycle to …
Cruisers are probably the second most cargo oriented class after Hybrids, but as comfy as they might look, it is all about the looks in this category. You can put a lot of cargo on it, but make sure to match the style of your bike, because these bikes have STYLE. With many done in retro style, they sure look pretty sweet … on the road.
Photo Credit: http://www.roadbikerider.org/
Road Bikes are built for speed. Slim as a stick, light as a feather, those are the speed junkies of the bicycle family. That’s all they’re meant for by design.
Photo Credit: http://bicyclehabitat.com/
Hybrids … well, the name does sort of speak for itself – it’s a middle ground between a Mountain Bike and a Road Bike. It normally has higher speed capabilities than Mountain Bike, but it is more rugged than a Road Bike. Very cargo friendly, it also maintains controls of a Mountain Bike.
All of these bikes can be upgraded and customized depending on your activities by adding some elements and/or accessories, but lets keep it simple for now, since the main thing for us at this point is to understand the environment your bike is going to be in most of the time because this will dictate your target type.
Ultimate Choice
By definition it sounds like Hybrids are probably the most versatile and practical of them all. You can take a moderate trail ride as easily as a paved road ride and be fairly comfortable on either, which probably makes it the most common choice for a lot of people. However, if you start going to more complex trails, you’ll find hybrid underperforming in tough off-road environment. At that point you will have to look for something more aggressive and a lot more rugged. That’s territory of Mountain Bikes. They will take abuse like no other member of bicycle family. Their rugged design was made with severe stress in mind. Try imagining going down the mountainside … fast. These bikes are fairly light for the way their construction look and quite fast. However, if you crave real speed – Road Bike would be your best choice. Pay closer attention to packs of bikers on the road from time to time. They go 20-30+ mph with ease. If you’re into this kind of riding, you will have a blast. However, for a pleasure ride Cruiser is better than anything else. The best ones make you feel like you’re riding a comfy couch. They are designed to be comfortable and easy to operate.
Great information. I had no idea there were so many different kinds of bikes!
I rode a recumbent bike in a 25 mile race one time and I’ll never do that again! It was tough going up hills. I’m hoping to find some bike paths near me and start biking again soon.
my husband and i got bikes last year and still haven’t rode them yet!! ahh next year!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
I love the look and the pace of a cruiser….
My hubby and I bought mountain bikes about 6 years ago and have never used them. LOL
Xo
Tairalyn
I didn’t realize there were so many types of bikes out there. I am familiar with cruisers and mountain bikes
… now it’s time to make a choice 😀
I had a Mountain Bike growing up and now have a Road Bike for my Triathlons, the differences are amazing! Road Bikes are insanely light weight – especially the newer bikes!
I learned that the hard way doing a road the a ride last summer on my hybrid.
I think a cruiser would sit the most comfortable for me.
Cruisers are great bikes for its terrain – city. Comfortable, very easy to operate, maneuverable, very cargo friendly, and good looking. I’m a mountain bike guy but every so often turn my head to look at a good cruiser passing by. Just make sure it’s a high quality piece and sized correctly. You’ll have a blast.
I had no idea there were so many bikes out there. I have a brand new bike that I have yet to use!
Which kind is it?
Remember – any bike is no good … if it collects dust. 🙂 get on it and ride. You’ll figure out the details on the way.
I have a girl friend that wants to begin riding again so I’ll email her this post. I can remember when I started riding again. It too me a while to build my stamina for log rides.
LOVE the retro style cruiser bikes! Thanks for all this great information. I know very little about bikes, and you have done a great job of breaking down all of the details for a newbie like me.
I want a new bike so badly! And I’m having a hard time figuring out what to get, too! Probably a hybrid, as well!
I have a mountain bike that I used to ride for actual mountain-biking, but I’m in the process of switching out the tires so it’s more road-friendly.
Great, comprehensive article!
I’d rather looked into having a whole separate set for trail and another one for pavement. There are few reasons why. First – if you swap your tires often enough you increase potential of damaging tube, tire, or the rim. Second – it saves you time on switching the wheels when you have the second set ready. And third (the most important :D) – I don’t know about you but I’m lazy by nature and if the choice is between spending 20-30 min on changing tires and 10 minutes on swapping wheels I’m pretty sure it’s obvious what choice I will make … but it’s just me :D.
Ride hard, ride safe, and have fun.
I used to have a hybrid – I think. In Holland we use it alot. Almost everyone there has a bike.
I have a bike I ride for fun but I want a bike that’s going to help me stay fit. Wish we had more places to ride around here.
I had no idea there were so many types of bikes, I guess I did but never paid a lot of attention to it! Thanks for kinda explaining it to those of us bike illiterate
I have a mountain bike but I love the whimsical look of the cruiser bikes
I never realized how many choices were out there – thanks for sharing. After the craziness on my old mountain bike this past summer, I was looking into investing in a new bike for myself for the new year!
Great information. My husband & I sell used bikes, mainly vintage cruiser style bikes and the older styles of road bikes on eBay. I agree with you regarding Craigs List. Unless you can go & test the bike yourself don’t buy it. But with Ebay you can save some $$ & base your decision to buy or not to buy on a sellers feedback rating.