A Beginner’s Guide to the Different Types of Bicycles

Did you know that the bicycle was invented more than 200 years ago in 1817? Karl von Drais, a German baron, invented the ancestor of all modern bicycles. Now, there are so many different types of bicycles that it would make even Baron von Drais’ head spin!

If you’re looking to go for a spin yourself, you first need to understand the types of bikes available. This will allow you to pick the right bike for your needs. To make this process a bit easier, we put together this brief but complete guide to bicycles!

Read on to learn how to choose a bike!

Road Bikes

On-road bicycles are the most common type of bike, as they are best suited for city riding. They have almost no suspension, which means they can be difficult to ride on anything other than a flat layer of pavement. However, they are great for commuting and road travel.

Road bikes are very lightweight thanks to their frame, usually made out of carbon or aluminum. They  also have thin tires and low handlebars, so you can ride more aerodynamically. With the Halfords student discount, you can get even better value when buying your road bike. Halfords offers a range of discounts specifically for students, so you can save money when buying your bike and all the necessary accessories.

Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes are the best off-road bicycles. They have thicker tires with treads, so they can stay balanced and accommodate rocky trails. In addition, they have a heavier frame, which makes them slower, but more stable rides.

They also have a significant amount of suspension, so you can ride on logs, rocks, and other debris without pain. Although mountain biking is a very popular hobby, these bikes can be difficult to commute with as they’re heavier and more cumbersome.

Leisure Bikes

Leisure bikes are some of the most popular bikes because they’re fun, easy rides. They’re great for commuting and are less focused on performance than road bikes. This makes them more comfortable for casual riding around town.

A leisure bike isn’t for racing or off-road trail riding, but they make a well-balanced option for the casual rider. You can check out some examples of leisure bikes here!

Hybrid Bikes

Hybrid bikes are also popular these days, as they’re less specialized than road bikes and mountain bikes but have some features from both.

They have the sturdiness of mountain bikes although they’re lighter and faster, similar to a road bike. They have stronger frames than traditional road bikes, so they are reasonably fast while still able to handle some off-road terrain.

There are several different variations that are skewed to different specialties. In this way, you can consider a leisure bike a type of comfort hybrid bike because it’s sturdy, but not too cumbersome.

Start Shopping for the Different Types of Bicycles

Now that you understand all the different types of bicycles, you can pick the one that suits your lifestyle best. There’s no one-size-fits-all option when it comes to bikes, so pick the one that meets your personal needs. Then take your new bike out for a spin!