Cycling: Different Types of Bikes
If you want to start exercising, or saving gas, cycling is the sport for you. Cycling helps you get around, stay healthy, and avoid dumping gas into your car! As you might expect, there are many different disciplines within cycling. In this article, we will explain the different types of cycling, and how to get started with each of them.
Let’s talk about commuter bikes first. Commuter bikes, as their name suggests, are bikes designed just to get around town. These can be anything from old mountain bikes, road bikes, single speed bikes, or any other comfortable inexpensive bicycle. Because of the high gas prices today, commuter bikes are getting more and more popular. If you want to replace your car with a bike as much as possible, this is the way to go.
If you like things a little rougher, give a mountain bike a try. Mountain bikes are specially designed for all-terrain use. These bikes have large, knobby tires that make them ideally suited for off-road use. Mountain bikes come in hardtail and full suspension deseigns. Today, full suspension bikes are by far the most popular. However they’re also the most expensive. If you’re looking to save money, hard tails might be the way to go. You can also save money by going for a used mountain bike.
Want to go fast? Road biking is your sport. These fast, sleek bikes are very fun to ride for long distances. Road cycling is also a great aerobic exercise, and a means of transportation. Today’s road bikes are made of many high-tech materials, such as carbon fiber. Buying a carbon fiber road bike can set you back a bit, but the result is worth it for many. Buying a road bike can be a little tricky for new riders, but if you get somebody at the shop to help you, it shouldn’t be too bad.
If you’re feeling a little unconventional, cyclocross bike might be for you. A cyclocross bike is a combination of a road bike and a mountain bike. These bikes closely resemble road bikes, but have knobby mountain bike like tires that allow them to handle basic off-road. Cyclocross bikes are great for competing in cyclocross events, as well as getting around town. Their fast yet rugged design makes them ideal each suited for a broad range of purposes.