Mountain Bike
- Mountain bikes have strong frames, durable wheels, upright
handlebars, and strong brakes
- They also have low gears to help you go up hills, pedal through
mud, and contend with roots, rocks and bumps
- They tend to be heavier than road and hybrid bikes, but are
stronger overall and built to take more abuse
- The brakes are strong and have extra clearance to reduce mud
build-up
- Many models feature front suspension
systems built into the fork, and rear
suspension is also becoming more common. Suspension increases
comfort and improves control over rough ground.
BMX Bike
- BMX bikes are designed to be ridden and raced over prepared obstacle
courses (usually through woods or around a dirt track), and are
patterned after motorcycle motocross
- BMX bikes look similar to mountain bikes, but have smaller wheels
and frames
Freestyle Bike
- Freestyle frames are small and sturdy, and closely resemble their
BMX brethren
- Features may include front and rear pegs (which riders can stand on
while performing tricks), and a rotor that allows the handlebars to
spin 360 degrees without the brake cables getting tangled or broken
Chopper Bike
- Motorcycle-inspired styling.
- Often include a wide rear tire, a large padded seat and extended
handlebars.
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Road or Hybrid Bike
- Road bikes
- Road bikes have light frames, drop or racing style handlebars,
and narrow, high-pressure tires
- They are designed for speed, efficiency, and long distance
- Sport and touring bikes
sub-categories of road bikes
- Sport and touring bikes have the same features as road bikes,
and may also offer three chain rings (granny gears) for easy
pedaling, as well as special frame fittings for fenders and
racks
- Hybrid bikes
cross bikes
- Hybrid bikes combine the features of mountain and road bikes
- Like mountain bikes, they have a wide gear ratio and upright
handlebars
- Like road bikes, they also have narrower tires suited to
riding on pavement
- Hybrids are good for casual road riding, commuting, and for
riding on smooth dirt roads or trails.
- They are not as fast as traditional road bikes, and cannot
handle rough terrain as well as mountain bikes
- Comfort bikes
- Comfort bikes feature upright handlebars and wide, padded
seats
- They also have wide, smooth-riding tires, hand or coaster
brakes, and are great for cruising around parks and beaches
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