What types of bike are there

Are you confused by all the different types of bicycle there are?

There are so many varied styles that it seems difficult to know which one to use.

There are four main types of bike that you can get:- Mountain , Road racing , Touring and Hybrid .

Mountain bikes

Originally made to go along rough mountain tracks.
They have fat tires with lots of grip, wide handlebars and lots of gears.
Are easy to ride.
Ideal for using on rough ground and also in towns and cities.
If you want to ride long distances on good roads, these are not the best to use.

Road racing bikes

Made for speed
These are very light. They have very thin tires, drop handlebars and not so many gears.
Are not made for comfort or carrying any type of load.
If you ever see pictures of the famous bike race The Tour de France , these are racing bikes.

Touring bikes

These look almost the same as racing bikes.
The main difference is that they are stronger and can carry loads.
The shape is slightly different and this makes them more comfortable.

Hybrid bikes

This may look like a mountain bike, but it has some of the features of the touring bikes.
It is designed to be able to go on rough ground like a mountain bike, but not over very bumpy ground.
It can also be used for touring, but it is not as fast as the touring bike.

Although this guide gives you help on what type of bike to get, if you are not sure, ask for advice.

Find someone who has cycled for quite a long time, or use a good bicycle shop.

To start riding.

Parts of a Bike

General help and guidance

Types of bike
Advice for beginners on what type of bike to use. The main styles of bicycles are detailed. Straightforward descriptions are given for mountain, hybrid, touring and racing bikes.
Learn to ride
If you cannot ride a bike at all, but want to learn, this is the place to start.
Starting to ride
You have a bike, how do you start to use it? Advice on starting to ride a bicycle, together with tips to help you keep going.
Where to ride
Advice for new cyclists on where to ride their bike in safety and comfort. Basic guidance on what to hazards to avoid. Together with the type of place to find when starting to cycling.
Have company
Cycling with someone else can help make biking more enjoyable. If you are not able to find someone to go with, why not try some of these suggestions for who to cycle with. From family and friends to cycling clubs.
Bike tools
There are useful tools you should carry with you on your bike. Also see suggestions for helping cycle maintenance at home.
Faq
Answers to some of the frequently asked questions made by visitors to this site. Topics include pedals, frame size, gears, helmets and maintenance.
Useful links
Useful links from my bicycling site. Featuring various cycling organisations particularly in the UK. Also some cycling enthusiasts personal sites. For those looking for useful freeware software and graphics, some other good sites.>
Back pain and cycling
Do you suffer from back pain? It may be that cycling can help or relieve your back pain. Read about my experiences to see if it may be able to help you.>
Your very own message board
To discuss bikes and cycling for beginners. Whether it is a question you want to ask, or a suggestion you want to make, use this message board.

How do I start riding

If you cannot ride a bike at all, but want to learn , then come and learn to ride .

You have a bike, how do you start to use it?

Advice on starting to ride a bicycle, together with tips to help keep going .

Do not try to do too much too soon.Even if you are already fit and healthy.
Start by riding for 10 or 15 minutes only.
If after several days you do not have any bad effects, start to ride for longer.
Try to ride regularly - if possible several times each week.
Keep gradually riding for longer and longer each ride.
Keep at it - you will be surprised how far you will be able to ride before long!

Some ideas of where to ride.

Bicycle Mania