Bicycle

People used to think about bicycles used to be a thing of the past. But as people are trying to switch to more environmentally friendly alternatives to petrol cars, cycling is becoming one of the popular alternatives.

Considering that a cycle contains fewer complex parts than a handloom, it is surprising that the first penny farthing is only about two hundred years old. However, a person travelling on two consecutively placed wheels is not something that anybody intuitively comes up with. But the earliest models of bicycles were not safe as the front wheel was so much larger than the rear wheel. All modern bicycles follow the design of the later “safety bicycle” which came into being in 1893. Read this article to know everything you need to know about them.

Different types of bicycles

You cannot just categorise bicycles as professional or casual ones. Although it is correct on a broader brush, you will explore products suited for the right activity. There are bikes that are solely made for sports activities, off-roading, and just regular day to day rides. Choosing the right type isn’t tricky. All you must do is narrow down your preferences. Or probably, write it down for your convenience. For that, you should have at least a basic idea about the different types of bikes and their features. Here is a list of the four most common types of bikes out there.

Road bikes

This is basically a racing bike with drop handlebars that you will typically find in bicycle racing events. Slim weightless tyres, minimalistic frames, and tall seat posts are characteristic of road bikes. As you can imagine, road bikes are made for speed. Because the seat post will be higher than the handle, the rider will have to assume a stooping position while riding this bike. While this might not be the most comfortable way to ride casually for a long ride, this position allows you to reduce the drag. You can find road bikes with shorter frames that better suits women riders.

Mountain bikes

Unlike road bikes, mountain bikes have to deal with uneven terrain, sharp objects, and unexpected drops. Because of this, mountain bikes will have tougher frames and thicker tyres. Having thick tyres also helps to reduce the effect of the impact felt by the rider. It is also very common for these bikes to have multiple suspensions. There will typically be a suspension in the front forks and the seat post. Some models will also feature rear suspension for additional comfort. Mountain bikes will have ergonomic and flat handlebars. As rugged terrain calls for better control, disk brakes are kind of necessary in them.

Gravel bikes

So, how are gravel bikes different from mountain bikes? At first thought, they shouldn’t be too different because both gravel and mountain terrain are similar in many ways. However, there is one key difference between a mountain bike and a gravel bike; the fact that a gravel bike is designed for regular roads as well as off-road riding. It should be comfortable enough to ride on normal tarmac but should be tough and durable for off-road use. However, gravel bikes are a compromise between the two. You won’t get the best off-road performance with a gravel bike. But if you don’t want to buy two separate bikes, you are better off buying a gravel bike.

BMX bikes

The acronym BMX stands for bicycle motocross. Even though this is one kind of racing bike, it is not the same as a road bike. BMX bikes are for motocross-style courses with wide tracks, big double jumps, tabletops, and bermed turns. Typically, the width of a BMX bike can be around twenty inches. However, you will be able to find models with thinner sixteen inches or thicker twenty-four inches wheels as well. BMX bikes frames should be short and sturdy in order to survive a motocross track. Therefore, the frame will be made from strong materials like aluminium or steel.