Spring has come, gas prices are on the rise, and let’s be honest, cities could use a little less traffic and a little more sport. And what other way to get from point A to point B using nothing but your muscle power could you choose? A bicycle is probably the most eco-friendly means of transportation out there, and did we mention it’s good for your health? Let’s have a look at (only) ten awesome types of bicycles designed to fit your every need.
1. The Road Bicycle
This particular model is designed to travel at speed on paved roads. It may come in very handy if you live in a suburb and are commuting to work each day, for example. Just remember to keep it on the pavement; otherwise things might get a bit uncomfortable, and even dangerous.
2. The Touring Bicycle
Planning on traveling a bit further from home? Need to take some stuff with you? A touring bicycle is what you need, as they are designed for longer journeys, have a wider gear range and can accommodate some luggage. We hope your feet are ready, because one of these will take you as far as you can pedal!
3. The Cycle-Cross Bicycle
If you’re feeling like a pro, get yourself one of these and have the gear of a pro. While initially designed for competitions, with their robust design, strong brakes and stable geometry, this type of bike is becoming widely popular for commuting and touring as well.
4. The City Bicycle
If you’re thinking about those quaint Dutch bikes, think again. This is a lean, mean, city-crossing machine designed to get you through traffic, potholes, broken glass, sharp turns, puddles, drainage grates. With its’ mountain bike heritage consisting of suspensions, enhanced breaks and a solid, yet light-weight frame, this two-wheeled beauty will have you braving city traffic in no time. Of course, you always need to keep safety in mind first!
5. The Roadster
Remember the quaint bike we were mentioning earlier? Well, this is it. Made famous by the Dutch, and more recently, by hipsters, this urban blast from the past is a type of utility bicycle that boasts a simple design and only one gear, making it particularly difficult to ride uphill.
6. The Cruiser
A cruiser bike, also known as a beach bike, is what you would typically find for rent at parks and beaches. With a frame and seat designed for comfort, a single-gear ratio, these are bikes for relaxation more than sport or utility. They were hugely popular in the United States between the 1930s and early 1950s.
7. The Mountain Bike
Everybody knows what a mountain bike is. These all-terrain beauties are made for trail-blazing through the great outdoors. The frame is lightweight but solid, it usually has a full-suspension system and disk brakes installed on solid wheels built to handle any kind of un-paved environment you think of throwing at it.
8. The Flat-bar Road Bike
This particular bicycle fills the gap between hybrids and road bikes. It is nothing more than a road bike that has gear shifters and brake levers “borrowed” from the mountain bike, and, as the name says – a flat handlebar.
9. The Utility Bicycle
All bikes are useful, of course, but this one is particularly useful since you won’t need a car to go grocery shopping anymore. Ride out to the store, put everything you need in the basket on the bike, and ride home. Don’t worry about mud or water, either – these models usually come with fenders and chain guards.
10. The BMX
Every type of bicycle we’ve presented before was made for riding. Well, not this one. The BMX is a stunt bike, made for dirt tracks and free riding. The initials stand for “Bicycle Motocross” – which is the initial purpose these bikes were built for. The BMX frames are smaller, and so are their threaded wheels, but don’t think you’ll look ridiculous on a small bicycle when you pull off some jaw-dropping stunt!
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