Whether you're commuting to work, tackling off-road trails, or enjoying a relaxed ride through the city, there's a bicycle out there for you. Choose the right one and every ride will be more enjoyable than the last. On the other hand, the wrong bicycle will make every ride a challenge.
To choose the right bicycle, you must first learn about the various bicycle types available in the market right now. Once you understand the difference between the different types of bicycles, only then can you choose the perfect match.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cyclist, this guide will help you explore all the bicycle types and help you choose your perfect bicycle type so you can ride with confidence and comfort. So, let’s dive right in!
Top Bicycle Types of Everyday Riding
1. Road Bicycles
Road bikes are built for speed and efficiency. The lightweight frame and skinny tyres maximise their aerodynamics, helping you cover long distances with minimal effort.
But, as the name suggests, road bikes are strictly for the road. Features like a lightweight build and skinny tyres make them highly efficient on pavements and tarmac roads. Whether you're cycling to work or training for an event, road bikes offer a smooth and fast ride.
Just keep in mind- they’re not built for rough terrain! Do not expect the same performance on a mountain track.
2. Mountain Bicycles
You’ll need a mountain bike (MTB) with fat tyres and strong suspension systems to handle rough terrain, steep inclines, and rocky trails. These have excellent grip and are easier to control on uneven surfaces.
The only thing you have to worry about is choosing the right suspension system. Go for a hardtail for uphill efficiency or choose full suspension if your off-road adventures are more downhill-focused.
You can also get an electric mountain bike. That’ll make your mountain biking and off-road adventures much easier.
A mountain bike is the best type of bicycle for off-roading adventures. However, their bulky build and fat tyres are not ideal for city roads.
3. Commuter/City Bicycles
Commuter bikes are the best bikes for daily commutes.
Built with practicality in mind, these are perfect for short to medium-range rides within the city. Riding to and from work, running errands, picking up groceries- you can do all that on these highly comfortable bikes.
For added comfort and speed, you can also choose an electric commuter bike. Those have a battery-powered electric motor that provides pedal assistance to the rider and helps cover long distances too.
4. Hybrid Bicycles
If you are an avid bicycle rider who likes to do a little bit of everything but doesn’t want to spend money on different bicycle types, get a hybrid bike.
These combine the features of road bikes and mountain bikes- a lightweight frame like a road bike but wider tyres and a more upright riding position for added comfort. This makes them versatile enough to handle daily commutes in the city and weekend trail rides with the same comfort.
5. Electric Bicycles
Electric bicycles, also called e-bikes or pedelecs, come with a rechargeable battery and an electric motor to make cycling easier. The battery-powered motor can help you pedal or keep the bicycle moving even if you don’t pedal. Perfect if you want to ride further with less effort.
There are plenty more electric bicycle types to choose from. You can get a commuter e-bike, a mountain e-bike, and even a cargo e-bike. All these offer various features that can make your life easier.
For example, an electric mountain bike will help you conquer those tricky and steep trails that would be nearly impossible to conquer with a regular bicycle. Similarly, an electric commuter bike will help you get to work without breaking a sweat and cover longer distances with ease.
If you’re looking to buy an electric bike, check out our list of the best electric bikes in Ireland under €1000.
6. Cargo Bicycles
Cargo bikes are designed to carry heavy loads. Their sturdy and extended frames can help transport groceries, gear, and other heavy items with little physical exertion. Sure, they have a weird-looking design, but it is practical and it gets the job done!
Due to their ability to transport heavy loads with ease, cargo bikes are often presented as an alternative to cars in urban settings. And, with electric cargo bikes becoming more popular, we might see more people using cargo bikes to deliver goods, shop for groceries, and drop children off at school.
7. Specialty Bicycles
Quite a few bicycles fall under this category. Specialty bikes are basically bicycle types that are designed for a niche audience. These bikes allow riders to explore their passions and enjoy cycling in a way that suits their lifestyle.
There are many speciality bicycle types but we’re focusing on THREE major ones:
1. Cruiser Bicycles
Cruiser bicycles are known for their comfortable and stylish design. Their fat tyres, padded seats, and upright handlebars make them perfect for casual rides. These are ideal for short and enjoyable rides around the town on a sunny day when you just want to enjoy the view.
2. BMX Bicycles
BMX bikes are a unique bicycle type. Instead of riding, these are made for tricks and stunts. Their compact and durable build is perfect for freestyle riding or racing. That’s why kids and teenagers love them.
Just don’t expect a comfortable long-distance ride.
3. Touring Bicycles
With their sturdy frames, comfortable design, and tons of mounts to attach panniers and racks, touring bikes are made for long-haul adventures. They’re perfect for carrying camping gear, clothing, and supplies for weeks or even months on the road.
That’s what makes touring bikes the ultimate choice for adventurers and self-sufficient travellers.
Conclusion
And that concludes our list of the most common bicycle types. As you can see, there is a type of bicycle for every type of rider and every use case. Off-roaders have mountain bikes, daily commuters have commuter bikes. Those who seek speed and thrill have road bikes and people who just want to enjoy every pedal have the option to buy cruiser bikes.
Hopefully, after going through our list, you’ve found the perfect type of bicycle for your needs as well.
If you choose an electric bike, we’ve ranked the 10 best e-bikes for every type of rider.