One of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors for fitness and fun is a bicycle as the weather warms and the days lengthen. The decision seems straight forward enough to buy a bicycle if you don't own one, but the type can be a little confusing. However, a there are a few differences that once explained, should make things more clear. Cycling is a great way to exercise and burn calories without your body taking the pounding that running can deliver.
There are a few key questions you should answer for yourself before you head out to your local bike shop. Where are you going to ride? Are you going to ride on the road of off road? What distance are you going to ride? Are you going to ride around your neighborhood with the kids, or are you interested in riding distances and possibly camping along the way? Are you riding for fun, fitness or commuting to work? The following steps explain the types of bikes are available and how they are used by the rider. Some of the bikes detailed below are for informational purposes only because they are for specialized sporting events, but might be interesting to some readers.
Road Bicycle
This class of bicycles is for riding distances, racing and fitness. They usually have 2 or 3 gears in the front and 7-10 in the back to accommodate different terrains from flats to hills. They also have curved handlebars to allow for sitting up or leaning forward into the "drops". These are good for the casual rider and can cost a few hundred dollars. Think Ford Escort for this level of bike. However, they can cost several thousand dollars for a custom fitted exotic race bike. Think Ferrari for that level of bike. The entry level bikes are usually aluminum frame, while the upper end is carbon fiber or titanium. The same style bikes come in sizes for kids in 24 and 26 inch wheels, while the adult versions are 700mm or roughly 27.5 inches.
A typical road cycle, notice the curved handle bars
Hybrid or Flat Bar Bicycles
Hybrid or flat bar bikes have most of the same characteristics as road bikes with a couple of exceptions. These allow the rider to sit more upright and higher with greater comfort. The other key difference is the handlebars which are flat, hence the other name for the class-flat bar. These cycles are good for new or more casual rider because they are built for comfort. These cycles also typically have wider wheels than a road cycle. Think of these bikes as a Ford Taurus or Chrysler Sebring.
Hybrid, or flatbar cycle-notice the handle bars.
Touring:
These bikes are designed for site seeing or touring as the name implies. They are similar to hybrids, with the exception of the rear rack. The rack is used to strap on backpacks, supplies or to attach panniers, or saddle bags. These can be used for riding on multi day rides or from camping location to camping location. Like the hybrid, touring cycles usually have wider wheels and tires. They also usually have three chain rings in the front. Think of these as the SUV or RV's of the cycling world.
Touring cycle-notice the rear rack for storage
Cruiser:
These are single speed bikes that are frequently seen in resort or beach areas. They are not built for speed, but more for comfort and ease of use. They do not usually have any gears on the front or back as well handlebars that curve back toward the rider. This is basic transportation and no frills. Think PT Cruiser or Ford Escort.
Cruiser cycle-notice the lack of gearing and curved handlebars
Mountain:
These cycles are built for off road riding. They typically have a shock absorber on the front and sometimes on the back. They also have more wide knobby tires. The components are also engineered to survive and thrive in muddy and other inclement conditions. A mountain biker wouldn't think twice about hosing their bike down after a ride, which is something that would probably make the road biker cringe. These bikes are the Jeep Cherokees or ATVs of the cycling world.
Mountain-notice the shock absorber, wider tires and disc brakes
Cyclocross or CX:
Cycles in this class are part of a new and rapidly growing sport in the cycling world called cyclocross. I guess that's a reference, sort of to, motocross. This is very similar to motocross in that the courses can be on grass, mud, sand or other non-road conditions. Riders also carry their bikes when the road or course gets too bad by slinging their bikes over their shoulder through the center of the bike. Bikes in this class have road like frames, although more sturdy, can be made out of aluminum and or carbon fiber, have wider wheels like road cycles-but knobby like mountain bikes, and have components that can be hosed off too. It's a special type of rider that is into this sport and probably not a new rider.
