There are all kinds of different types and styles of bicycles. In order to help you narrow down your choices you need to first give some thought to what kind of riding you will predominantly do. You also need to take into consideration your level of experience, and your overall approach to cycling.
Why do you want to ride?
For fitness?
Just for fun?
Casually, or seriously?
Where do you want to ride?
Street, bike trail, or off-road?
How frequently do you plan to ride?
The more you know what you want, the easier it will be to work with your local bike store to select a bicycle which will best suit your needs.

Below are just some of the types of bicycles available on the market today.

The first bikes we will mention here are what are considered by some to be comfort bicycles and are used for Leisure riding. Leisure riding refers to the occasional jaunt for fitness when you head out to enjoy a park, the seaside or new town. For example it could be a Sunday afternoon ride with the kids, grand kids or friends in the city, park or bike track. These rides are usually short, infrequent, on flat or easy terrain and speed is not a factor. These bikes have a comfortable shock-absorbing seat, shock absorbing front forks and wide pedals.

Cruiser bikes are heavier than the comfort bikes with fatter tires. They are good for the road, or riding in the sand. Cruiser bicycles
can be seen as “old school” or “vintage” style bicycles, because their history dates back to the end of 1930. Cruiser bicycles are characterized by the following characteristics: broad style balloon tires, seat position upright, simple construction, sufficient operation speed and comfortable seats. While Cruiser bicycles are often associated with beach cities in Southern California where they are called beach cruiser bikes, they are used in areas throughout the world. Even in a world of high tech gadgets and bicycles, there are still many people out there who appreciate a good old fashioned beach cruiser bicycle.

Another type of bike which is a bit more rugged than the comfort bike is a trail bike or light duty mountain bike. These bikes can take a bit more rough stuff than the bikes mentioned above but are not meant for serious mountain biking. This type of mountain bike
is for off-road rides in a variety of terrains. It is the most common form of mountain biking, and the standard for most riders. It generally involves the freedom of exploring the countryside in a traffic free environment. These mountain bikes have knobby and wide tires and often have dual suspension for trying to tame shocks from riding on rough terrain.

A true mountain bike has a stronger frame and components than any other bike as they are intended for off road and rugged terrain. The tires on a mountain bike are knobby and wide for more shock support. The seat and handlebars are positioned to allow for the rider to lean over while maneuvering the bike. A mountain bike
is a multiple speed bike designed for off-road and rugged trail riding. The mountain bike has motocross style handle bars and thick treaded tires that lend themselves to better maneuverability and grip on rugged trails. Any mountain bike worth buying will be equipped with its own suspension system for shock absorption on rough terrain.

Mountain bikes are designed for mountain biking. They are made to withstand off-road condition and navigating obstacles such like logs and rocks. Mountain bikes are similarly designed to withstand abuse such as jumping, traversing on rocks, washouts and steep decline. They can likewise be employed in dirt trails, logging road and other unpaved surroundings. If you are ready to get dirty and a little sore riding off the beaten track than you are a born mountain biker.

Next time we will talk about some of the other type of bicycles, look for part 2.

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