Types of bikes – MTB, Road, Hybrid, BMX, Childrens.

There are several bike types available on the market today. Here we will look at the most popular styles.

MTB – Mountain Terrain Bikes

These are the most common type and range hugely on price dependant on the quality of the frame and components. MTBs are available with a solid or suspension front fork and suspension or non suspension (known as Hard-tail)on the rear. Brakes will be v-brakes or mechanical or hydraulic disc.

Road/Race

Road bikes ideal for road touring, commute to work or the Sunday leisure ride. They tend to have 700c wheels which are slightly larger than a 26″ wheel and run on narrow high pressure tyres giving excellent rolling on the road. They come with dropped handlebars and on more expensive bikes you will be able to customise  the bike to what you would like from gearsets to pedals.

Hybrid/Urban

These are a cross between MTB and Road. You will generally find they have 700c wheels like the road bike but maybe with suspension front fork like the MTB. Many also come with mudguards and rear carriers. Ideal for the commute to work or Sunday family ride.

BMX

These are mostly found on a 20″ wheel but can be found down to a 16″ and up to a 24″. Can be used by children and adults alike. Within the ranges you will find stunt/freestyle bikes ideal for jumps and tricks. Most will  have a gyro brake system so you can turn handlebars 360 and stunt pegs to aid certain tricks. Then you will have race bikes which tend to be lighter with quicker gearing and a single rear brake.

Children’s

Children’s bikes come in sizes from 12″ wheels up to 24″ wheels, with varying frame styles and handlebar styles. Options of front forks and gears or no gears.

Other bikes

You can also get

• Tandems which are for 2  people.
• Folding bikes that fold so you can say hop on public transport with them or pop them in the boot of your car etc.
• Unicycle which has just 1 wheel and a saddle, not just for clowns!
• Trikes 3 wheelers for those with disability or those who would like something a little different.

When buying a bike its important to buy the right style for your needs. Trying to come down the side of a mountain on a road bike or unicycle probably isn’t the best idea, same as entering a 100 mile road race on a BMX won’t get you far. Prices vary hugely and you get what you pay for. We suggest you look at paying £250 upwards for a adult MTB/Hybrid bike and £500 upwards for an Adult road bike. Children’s bikes are less and dependant on size but the more you pay generally the better the quality and the longer it will last.