The best bicycle for your needs can be a tricky task. Whether you want to commute, be fit or simply explore the countryside, the bicycle is the best option to achieve that. There are numerous types of bikes that you can choose from, and the number is increasing. There's a bike for everyone no matter if you're an urban commuter , racing on the road or a downhiller, fixed-wheel fan or a gravel path explorer.
Road bikes: best for riding fast on tarmac
The name says it all road bikes are all about riding on roads that are smooth, often at the fastest speed possible. They're equipped with lightweight frames and narrow tyres made to allow you to achieve maximum speed for minimum effort. These bikes have drop handlebars that allow for a more aerodynamic riding position. They also have gearing designed to achieve maximum speed.
Mountain bikes are ideal for difficult terrain
Created to tackle the most challenging off-road terrain that nature can provide, mountain bikes have been constructed with tough knobbly tyres designed to find grip on almost any terrain. They have strong brakes fitted with car or motorcycle-style discs placed in the center of the wheels. More expensive machines will feature suspension on both ends for better control on rough terrain. The gearing is engineered to allow you to go upwards and downwards on the steep slopes, and has a wide range to take on the varying gradients.
Hybrid bikes are great for leisure riders and for short commutes
A hybrid is best described as a halfway point between a mountain bike or a road bike. It blends the comfort of a mountainbike with the lighter frame and speedier-rolling wheels of the roadbike. These bikes are perfect for people who have to travel long distances on the roads but don't want to be uncomfortable. While it might not be as aerodynamically efficient, sitting in a more upright position allows you to be able to see farther in the distance. This is a major advantage in heavy urban traffic.
A bike for touring is the most efficient option to carry your luggage and travel far.
The hybrid bike is best designed for city use however, a touring bike is a great option for cruising across continents. They usually come with the same speedy 700c wheels as hybrid and road bikes, but they have larger tyres to traverse a variety of terrains in comfort.
If you are in a hurry and you need to travel on bad roads, gravel/ adventure/ bikepacking/all-road bikes are ideal.
Overlapping with the touring category, gravel bikes - also known as adventure bikes, all-road bikes , or bikepacking bikes - are becoming increasingly popular and trendy, and it's easy to see the reason. Gravel bikes combine the best features of road bikes and speed with frame clearance to accommodate big, knobbly tires that can often be 35mm or more wide. These tires can get you through any terrain, even dark tarmac or gravel roads.
Cyclocross bikes
Cyclocross bikes are similar in concept to the bikes described above, however they are specifically made for the race discipline of the cyclocross. They will have fat tyres and drop handlebars along with disc brakes. But, they might not have mudguard fittings or panniers.
Fixed gear singlespeed bike Ideal if searching for a basic bicycle
The fixie is a popular option in cities and the only alternative if you ride on Velodromes. The genuine fixie doesn't have a freewheel and you must pedal when you move. This can provide a certain degree of control and connection once you've got the hang of it. But fixings can be a challenge to learn.
No comments:
Post a Comment