Understanding the main type of bicycles

In the first lockdown, many people discovered or reignited a love for cycling. The pandemic equipped individuals with an abundance of free time, and with exercise being a mandated reason to leave the house – the cycling industry has boomed.After the easing of restrictions, many individuals have incorporated their lockdown hobby into daily life. Amid concerns over social distancing on public transport, it has become more common for workers to commute by bike. If cycling has similarly become cemented in your life or you have been inspired by the great bike boom, you may be looking to invest in a bicycle which is more suited to your needs. Here is a run-down on the main bikes the industry has to offer.

Bikes for sport and hobbies

A popular sport is mountain biking, and the use is in its name. A mountain bike is designed to go off-piste, so up mountains or trails. They are equipped with large, knobbly, shock absorbent tyres to deal with the harsh environment’s cyclists will often face. Racing is also a popular cycling sport and would require a bike that sits at the opposite end of the spectrum. Road bikes are thinner, lightweight designs and optimise speed. Adventure / gravel bikes offer the best of both worlds and are suitable for both on and off-piste routes due to their versatility which supports speed, as well as endurance. They are aimed at people who like to do a bit of both, so would be unsuitable for die-hard mountain bike enthusiasts or racers.

Bikes for leisure and touring

Exploring destinations across the world via bicycle is an extremely economical mode of transport. Cycling holiday tours come in all shapes and sizes, often graded by difficulty, so if you are new to biking there is likely to be a perfect tour for you. Touring bikes are often built like a typical road bike, but offer features which enable you to attach bags, sleeping equipment, and water racks for example. They are extremely sturdy so allow you to carry heavy loads. A tell-tale feature of a touring bike is its knobbly tyres, yet thin frame which prepares the rider for those long-distance travels and often unexpected obstacles. If you’re thinking of taking cycling to a new level, y ou may want to consider touring the world on a cycling holiday where you can fully immerse yourself in the local culture of your chosen destination by having the freedom to stop and explore wherever you desire.

Bikes for commuting and convenience

A road bike is a common go-to for commuters due to its ability to operate smoothly on roads. However, for those living in a large, populated city, a folding bike may be a saving grace. Transport for London (TfL) have reported that there has been a7% increase in cycling in inner London, yet a traditional road bike may not be suitable for the capital’s bustling roads and paths. Folding bikes compress easily which makes them excellent for carrying on busy tubes and buses. They can also be stored easily in the workplace and at home. An electric bike, on the other hand offers a helping hand for those who live further away from work or may be struggling with their fitness. They are equipped with an electric motor which increases speed and reduces the amount of exertion the rider must put in. Perfect for those who are faced with large hills between their home and work.