21 Different Bike Types – Which One Suits You Best?

Written by Dan Paul
Updated on
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Here are 21 different bike types. This guide helped me to understand the differences between bikes and make the right choice for my needs.

I spent over two weeks testing out different types of bikes and talking to the bicycle athletes and several shop owners. I made this list based on the knowledge I got from these people.
Many bike types have sub-categories, but I decided not to go that deep and keep this list short for simplicity reasons.

I believe that this article will be enough for beginners to understand the differences between bike types.

Here are the 21 types of bikes:

#1 – Road bike
#2 – Cyclocross bike
#3 – Mountain bike
#4 – Touring bike
#5 – Hybrid bike
#6 – Cruiser bike
#7 – Folding bike
#8 – Recumbent bike
#9 – BMX bike
#10 – Electric bike
#11 – Fatbike
#12 – Gravel bike
#13 – Fixie bike
#14 – Tandem bike
#15 – Kids bike
#16 – Track bike
#17 – Time trial bike
#18 – Triathlon bike
#19 – Stationary bike
#20 – Cargo bike
#21 – Klunker bike
Final thoughts

#1 – Road bike

Road bikes were designed for riding at higher speeds on paved surfaces such as asphalt, concrete or composite pavement. They are equipped with narrow high-pressure tires for extra speed and almost non-existent rolling resistance. 

Traditional road bikes have dropped handlebars that allow the rider to choose between 3 different hand positions for better comfort and improved aerodynamics. Better hand positions also support shifting your weight forward while attacking steep hills. Leaning forward allows you to apply more power to the pedals.

Road bikes come in different price levels and can be anything between $200 to $4000. Novice cyclists usually prefer road bikes as they tend to cycle more in the city and it gives them a great balance between comfort and speed.

#2 – Cyclocross bike

Cyclocross bike or abbreviated CX bike was originally made for cyclocross racing race championships. Some individuals may mistake cyclocross bikes for road bikes due to similar looks. The main difference lies in frame geometry and wider tires to withstand all the mud and dirt. Due to better clearance and a longer wheelbase, many find cyclocross bikes as the perfect winter bike. 

#3 – Mountain bike

Also known as MTB is a bike designed for off-road cycling and mountain biking. Mountain bikes are the best downhill bikes equipped with durable components to withstand the extra rough terrain and all the challenges that may occur while off-road. Durable and performance-enhanced features noticeably increase the mountain bike’s weight, making it less efficient in terms of speed on paved surfaces. 

Mountain bike is equipped with a suspension fork, powerful brakes and durable wheels. The handlebar is wider than usual to improve stability and balance over rough terrain. Mountain bikes are also very durable bikes that can withstand bigger cyclists.

#4 – Touring bike

Were you interested in long-distance tours on your favorite bike? Then most likely, you found the best fit for that task. Touring bikes were designed for long-distance bicycle tours with the best possible comfort while carrying heavy loads such as bags full of clothes or other survival equipment. 

Touring bikes are equipped with heavy-load capacity wheels and several mounting points for your belongings. As the touring bike is all about comfort, it has a longer wheelbase to ensure stable steering and avoid situations when the legs might touch the bags while pedaling.

#5 – Hybrid bike

Hybrid bikes are hybrids or, in other words, a mix of road bikes and mountain bikes. As a result, hybrid bikes are very well-rounded two-wheelers. They are a good fit for novice cyclists, daily commuters and children due to their more upright riding position. Many find hybrid bikes very intuitive and comfortable. 

Hybrid bikes are typically equipped with straight flat handlebars for better comfort and stability. The seating posture is rather upright, which is taken from mountain bikes. Overall construction is rather lightweight and equipped with thinner wheels taken from road bikes. As a result, hybrid bike riders can achieve relatively high speeds on smooth roads. 

#6 – Cruiser bike

Cruiser bikes, also known as beach cruisers, are plain bikes that are made for calm cruising around your favorite neighborhood. They are often the cheapest option in the bike world. Casual cyclists find cruiser bikes the best fit for them due to their stable and easy rides.

Due to balloon tires and often heavy frames, cruiser bikes cannot meet higher speeds. 

Cruiser bikes are best for a low-distance casual ride and for those not interested in investing lots of money into their new bike. 

#7 – Folding bike

As the name says, folding bikes are foldable and turn into a very compact form. Such bikes are usually used by people who commute daily and may involve a train, bus or several flights of steps.

Folding bikes are very compact in size and can access places where normal cycles can’t. Another win for folding bike fans is that they can avoid plenty of extra commuting fees due to their compact size.

#8 – Recumbent bike 

A recumbent bike is where the rider is in a laid-back reclining position. For many, it can be quite a surprise, but recumbent bikes are extremely fast. They are so fast that they were banned from racing. As a fun fact, a recumbent bike holds a world speed record for a bicycle till today. 

The main advantage of a recumbent bicycle is that the rider sits closer to the ground. Therefore, many individuals with stability issues find them a great fit. Moreover, recumbent bikes are great for individuals with injuries or who want to prevent them. Due to laid-back reclining positions, stress is drastically minimized from the back, neck, knees and joints compared to traditional upright bikes. 

good looking bmx bike

#9 – BMX bike

A BMX bike is a sports bike developed for racing and various freestyle disciplines where athletes perform different tricks. 

BMX bikes are lightweight with durable thick tires to withstand all the stress the rider is going through, whether performing tricks in the park, on streets or off-road.

Bmx bike handlebars are usually wide flat, but as these bikes are used for performance purposes, many riders adjust them according to their preferences. 

#10 – Electric bike

Electric bikes or e-bikes are modern bikes that won many fans within a very short time. It is important to understand that electric bicycles are not scooters or electric motorcycles. E-bikes are just like regular bikes in terms of pedaling and handling. 

The difference comes in when the rider is applying power on the pedals. The motor amplifies the force applied to the pedals and as a result, the whole ride becomes more enjoyable. Longer distances altogether with steep hills are easier to overcome.

E-bikes come with different-capacity electric motors. A useful rule of thumb is that the larger capacity of the electric motor is, the more power will be applied to assist the rider in pedaling. 

#11 – Fatbike 

The fat bike, also known as fatbike or snow bike, was designed for off-road cycling. The fat bike is equipped with big fat tires that make cycling very secure and comfortable on soft or wet surfaces. 

Fat bikes truly dominate other types of bikes when it comes down to cycling in the sand, mud or even snow. Many individuals use their fat bikes during the winter period. For the note, fat bike riding during winter is so popular that there are separate festivals for that occasion.

#12 – Gravel bike

Gravel bikes have been getting more and more popular among riders due to their versatility regarding different surfaces. Gravel bike geometry aims to bring a higher level of comfort with stability. When it comes down to tires, gravel bikes can run a wide variety of tires and it mainly depends on whether riders want to use the bike more on paved surfaces or off-road. 

Gravel bikes are usually equipped with drop bars for better comfort and the possibility to shift weight efficiently when steep hills are on the way. On the other hand, some gravel bikes come with flat handlebars as they are meant more for off-road cycling. 

Most gravel bikes are made of aluminum and carbon. The carbon frame is noticeably lighter, but also more pricey.  

single speed fixie bike

#13 – Fixie bike 

Fixie also known as fixed gear bikes or fixed-wheel bike, is a fixed bike with one gear available. Fixies are the most stylish and at the same time, the most simple bikes available on the market. They are truly beloved among daily commuters and even professional athletes. Due to their simple build, fixed-wheel bicycles are very light and extremely durable as there are fewer details to break down.

Fixed gear bikes don’t allow you to coast freely, as wheels only move forward when the rider is pedaling forward. If the rider is pedaling backward, then the wheels are pushing back. Depending on the country (whether it’s legal), some fixies are sold without brakes. You might wonder how you were supposed to stop such a bike? There are certain techniques, such as skid stop. 

#14 – Tandem bike 

Tandem means having two things arranged, one in front of the other. Tandem bikes are built for two riders. Two people are not sitting next to each other, but the rear rider is seated behind the front one. A Tandem bike is a fun way to explore a city or do something cool and new with your friend or beloved ones. 

A person sitting in front should always be the heavier and stronger one as the front rider controls the bike. With great power comes great responsibility, they say. Rear riders don’t make any decisions and support themselves by pedaling. 

#15 – Kids bike 

As the name says, kids’ bikes are meant only for kids. Cycling is a great way to keep your children healthy and at the same time activity for a whole family. Kids’ bikes come in various sizes suitable for each age group.

Each bike size is ideal for a certain height. Now you might think, “What are those sizes and what size fits best for my kids?” For that occasion, we created a comprehensive guide to kids’ bike sizes with a bike size chart. 

#16 – Track bike

Track bikes were developed for racing purposes at velodromes or outdoor tracks. They are extremely light and optimized for the best possible aerodynamics to achieve high speeds and beat world records. Track bikes are single fixed gear, have no brakes and are equipped with narrow, high-pressure tires.

#17 – Time trial bike

Time trial bikes are another type of bicycle made for athletes, and their main goal – is to go as fast as possible and set new time records. Time trial bikes are designed to ride on flat paved surfaces. 

A time trial bike handlebar is usually equipped with a base bar and an additional handlebar extension. Thanks to that, the riders can choose the most optimal body position for the best aerodynamics. The frame and wheels are also optimized for aerodynamics.

professional cyclist on a time trial bike

#18 – Triathlon bike

Triathlon bikes are often mistaken for time trial bikes due to their appearance similarities. However, triathlon bikes were made for athletes who compete in triathlon competitions. If time trial bikes are made for sorely best possible time purposes then triathlon bikes are also about comfort.

Triathlon bicycles are optimized for the best aerodynamics combined with comfort and are meant to go around on paved surfaces. 

#19 – Stationary bike

A stationary bike often called a fitness bike or indoor bike is a stationary bicycle you can use indoors. Every person who has been to the gym at least once could see such bikes. They are good for people who want to train at home or have no time to go on a separate ride after their day job. 

Stationary bikes allow you to choose between different exercise programs and adjust pedaling power. 

#20 – Cargo bike

Cargo bikes or box bikes are bicycles designed to carry cargo around. The rider sits in front of the cargo box and the frame, together with the drivetrain, is constructed to be durable to withstand all the weight.

Cargo bikes are very popular in Europe, for example, in Denmark and The Netherlands where people carry their kids, pets and groceries around. One of the most practical city bikes on the bike market. 

#21 – Klunker bike

Klunker bikes are one of the most modern bicycles on the market. They are hybrids of cruiser mountain bikes and BMX bikes. Many people admire them for their retro-inspired looks combined with lots of comfort. Klunker bike is perfect for calm evening cruises on mixed terrains. 

Final thoughts

There are plenty of different bike types available on the market. Hopefully, this article helped you to decide what bike type is the right fit for you. 

Did you know that regular cycling has many health benefits? Check out my article about the health benefits of bike riding

Photo of author

AUTHOR

Dan is the owner of Sportscalorie. His mission is to educate people through his own experience. He proudly says that cycling changed his life.