If you are planning on buying or renting a bike when you are inexperienced at cycling, you may be a little confused about all the different types to choose from. Here are the six major bicycle types to get you going.
Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes have wide tyres with lots of tread so that they can be ridden over obstacles and loose dirt. Designed for off-road environments, these bikes have thick durable frames and flat handlebars. They are less efficient when riding on roads and pavements, and are superb for rough terrain.
Road Bikes
Road bikes are designed for smooth man-made surfaces and prioritise weight and speed. As a result, they are thin, light-weight and have skinny tyres. They can be quickly identified by their down-turned handlebars and its rider being more ‘hunched over’. Road bikes can be ridden off-road but are liable to get damaged due to their fragility.
Hybrid Bikes
Hybrid bikes are a type that lies somewhere in between the characteristics of a mountain and road bike. While not as fast or as lightweight as a road bike, they nonetheless are suited to riding off-road and offer a greater degree of comfort.
Commuting Bike
Commuting bikes are designed with all the features that a person may need while riding to work and back every day. Designed for functionality rather than performance, a commuting bike boasts useful amenities such as rear racks, bags, locks, fenders and lights.
Fixed Gear/Track Bike
A track bike is a vehicle that is designed for speed and is like a road bike but with only a single gear. This means that the rider cannot freewheel and can brake by backpedalling.
BMX
A BMX is a small bike that is designed for adults and can be used to perform tricks. BMX stands for Bicycle Motor Cross and they are single speed.
Hooked On Cycling
What better way is there to savour the stunning sights of Britain and continental Europe than getting on two wheels and pedalling? Hooked On Cycling’s aim is to facilitate cycling holidays across the world so that you can concentrate on cycling rather than the organisation.
We can take care of all your accommodation and luggage so that you can enjoy the experience of what the natural world has to offer. Family-run hotels, bed and breakfasts and farms, you can rely on Hooked On Cycling to organise a charming and comfortable place to sleep, eat and relax after a satisfying day in the saddle. You are welcome to bring your own bikes on the holiday but we offer a range of rental bikes to choose from if you wish.
We are a West Lothian-based company, who have steadily built up a fantastic reputation as a company you can rely on to minimise the stress of a holiday while maximising its enjoyment.
If you like what you hear and would like to know more, why not contact us today? Give us a call on (0)1506 635 399 or send us an email via info@hookedoncycling.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you soon.
