Bicycle Types

Bicycle Types By function:
Utility bicycles are designed for commuting, shopping and running errands. They employ middle or heavy weight frames and tires, often have internal hub gearing, and a variety of helpful accessories. The riding position is usually upright. Mountain bicycles are designed for off-road cycling, and include other sub-types of off-road bicycles such as Cross Country (i.e."XC"), Downhill , and Freeride bicycles. All mountain bicycles feature sturdy, highly durable frames and wheels, wide-gauge treaded tyres, and cross-wise handlebars to help the rider resist sudden jolts. Some mountain bicycles feature various types of suspension systems (e.g. coiled spring, air or gas shock), and hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes. Mountain bicycle gearing is very wide-ranging, from very low ratios to high ratios, typically with 16 to 30 gears.
Racing bicycles are designed for speed, and include road, time trial, and track bicycles. They have lightweight frames and components with minimal accessories, dropped handlebars to allow for an aerodynamic riding position, narrow high-pressure tires for minimal rolling resistance and multiple gears. Racing bicycles have a relatively narrow gear range, and typically varies from medium to very high ratios, distributed across 18, 20, 27 or 30 gears. The more closely spaced gear ratios allow racers to choose a gear which will enable them to ride at their optimum pedaling cadence for maximum efficiency.
Time trial bicycles are similar to road bicycles but are differentiated by a more aggressive frame geometry that throws the rider into a more compact (i.e "aero") riding position. They also feature aerodynamic frames, wheels, and handlebars.
Track bicycles, intended for indoor or outdoor cycle tracks or velodromes, are exceptionally simple compared with road bikes. They have a single gear ratio, a fixed drivetrain (i.e. no freewheel), no brakes, and are minimally adorned with other components that would otherwise be typical for a racing bicycle. Messenger bikes are typically used for urgent deliveries of letters and small packages between businesses in big cities with heavily congested traffic. While any bike can be used, messenger bikes often resemble track bicycles (especially in the USA), having either a fixed or singlespeed freewheel drivetrain.

Touring bicycle:
A touring bicycle is a bicycle either specially designed for, or modified to handle bicycle touring. What makes a touring bike different from other bicycles is its superior ability to carry gear on racks mounted to the front and rear of the bicycle frame. Other commonly found differences are a longer wheel base with sturdier wheels for carrying more weight, mudguard/fender mounting points, triple water bottle mounts and a frameset that allows for wider tires.

Road tourers:
The classic touring bicycle is the road tourer. Modern road tourers are usually built around 700C (622mm) wheels which have rims the same diameter as a racing bicycle but typically the touring bike will have wider rims and more clearance in the frame for wider tires. This is the classic touring bike. Prior to the 1980s many touring bikes were built with 27" wheels which had rims with a slightly larger diameter (630mm). Note that 27" wheels are still occasionally used, but are generally found on older bikes. Some companies have attempted to popularize the 26" mountain bike wheel size for touring bikes, whether for off-road or on-road use. Others have followed and offer 26"-wheeled touring bikes alongside conventional 700C machines. Claimed advantages of the slightly smaller wheel include additional strength, worldwide tire availability, and lighter weight. Some touring bicycles are built around 26" (or 650C) wheels in smaller sizes and 700C wheels in larger sizes as the larger wheel can compromise touring geometry in a small frame. In practice most 26" tires are made for mountain bikes so are too wide, heavy and deeply treaded to be useful on a road touring bike. Few light narrow tires are available for 26" wheels, which negates any weight advantage from the smaller rim and shorter spokes. Riders leaving areas such as western Europe and North America, where cycle equipment is readily and widely available, nevertheless often prefer 26-inch wheels because mountain-bike sizes are often more easily obtained in the Third World and even in eastern Europe. The difference in rolling resistance between sizes and widths is debated; theoretically a 26" fat tire (say 38mm width) has less rolling resistance than a narrow 700C tire if the air pressure is the same, due to lower casing deformation, but the larger 700c tire will roll better on rough roads, is lighter and has less aerodynamic drag, and in practice is run at a higher pressure.

Randonneur or Audax bicycles are designed for randonnées or brevet rides, and fall in between racing bicycles and those intended for touring.
Recumbent bicycles, which are sometimes referred to as Bents in the USA, are designed to maximise comfort and minimise wind resistance. Whereas most of the other types of bicycle in this section are designed around a ‘diamond frame’ geometry, where the pedals and chainset are located at the bottom of the bicycle and handlebars are at the front, recumbent bicycles (recumbents) generally use a boom and rear triangle combination with the pedals and chainset located at the front of the boom and the handlebars are located either over seat or nderseat in the centre.
BMX bicycles are designed for stunts and tricks. They are very advanced and may even be made of titanium to make the parts lightweight and strong. BMX is popular worldwide, and there are plenty of paid professionals and stores to go with it.
"Cruiser bicycles" are heavy framed balloon tired bicycles. They are also called beach bikes or boulevardiers and are designed for comfortable travel over a variety of terrain. Cruisers were the bicycle standard from the 30's until the 50's. Recently they have returned to popularity. The traditional cruiser is single-speed with coaster brakes, but modern cruisers come with 3 or seven speeds, the latter with rim brakes. Aluminum frames have recently been used in Cruiser construction, cutting the weight in half.


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Bicycle Types By number of riders:


The tandem bicycle or twin is a form of bicycle (occasionally, a tricycle) designed to be ridden by more than one person. The term tandem refers to the seating arrangement (fore to aft, not side-by-side) instead of the number of riders. Patents related to tandem bicycles date from the late 1800s. Modern technology has improved component and frame designs, and many tandems are as well-built as modern high-end road and off-road bikes. While a tandem has double the pedalling power with only slightly more frictional loss in the drivetrain, it has about the same wind resistance as a single bike. High performance tandems may weigh less than twice as much as a single bike, so the power to weight ratio can be slightly better than that of a single bike and rider. Tandems can reach relatively high speeds, especially downhill and on flat to rolling terrain. They are not necessarily slower on climbs, but are perceived as such, in part due the need for a high level of coordination between the riders, especially if the physical abilities of the two riders are very different, requiring a compromise on cadence. On conventional tandems, the front rider steers the bicycle and is known as the captain, pilot, or steersman; the rear rider only pedals and is known as the stoker, navigator, or rear admiral. On most tandems the two sets of cranks are mechanically linked by a timing chain and turn at the same rate.

A triplet has three riders; a quadruplet has four.
The largest multi-bike had 40 riders.
In most of these types the riders ride one behind the other (referred to as tandem seating). Exceptions are "The Companion", or "Sociable," a side-by-side two-person bike (that converted to a single-rider) built by the Punnett Cycle Mfg. Co. in Rochester, N. Y. in the 1890s. Another bicycle, the "Conference Bike", rented to tourists in Berlin carries seven people seated in a circle.

Bicycle Types By general construction:
The ordinary, high wheel or penny-farthing was the first true bicycle with which actual speed and distance could be achieved in a practical manner. Larger and larger wheels, up to 1.5m (60") in diameter, were built to enable higher speeds. The classically oversized penny-farthing wheel refers to the British penny and farthing coins of the time; the former being much larger than the latter so that the side view of the bicycle resembled two such coins placed next to one another. Based on the original French Boneshaker, James Starley and others produced bicycles with front wheel of ever increasing size, starting about 1870. In 1878 Albert Pope began manufacturing the Columbia bicycle just outside of Boston, thus starting their nearly two decade-long heyday in America. Although the trend was relatively short-lived, the penny-farthing bicycle has since become a prominent historical symbol of the late Victorian era. Its brief popularity also coincided with the birth of cycling as a sport.


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On an upright bicycle the rider sits astride the saddle. This is the most common type.

A recumbent bicycle is a bicycle which places the rider in a seated or supine position (rarely, in a prone position). Recumbents hold the world speed record for a bicycle and were banned from international racing in 1934. The back of the rider is supported, and the rider's legs extend forward to pedals that are at about the same height as the seat. Steering is either above- or over-seat steering (ASS or OSS) using a handlebar in front of the rider, or under-seat steering (USS) using a handlebar under the seat. The wheels are often smaller and/or farther apart than on an upright bicycle. Records of recumbent designs go back to the early days of cycling, but recumbent use was not widespread until the late 20th century. Recumbent riders hold world speed records for unpaced, human-powered vehicles. Tricycles form a substantial part of the recumbent market (far more so than they do for uprights); the generic term "trike" tends to be applied to these as well.

A Pedersen bicycle has a bridge truss frame.

A folding bicycle or folder is a type of bicycle that incorporates a number of hinges or joints, which may be lockable, that permit it to be folded into a more compact size. Typically this works by folding one or more of the bicycle's components, most often the frame. Folding bicycles are popular in East Asia and the United Kingdom, but are less common in the United States. Their major advantage is that they can be folded up and taken on public transport and into buildings where conventional bicycles cannot. Thus, for mixed-mode commuting they need not be chained in the street or station. Folding also makes transporting a bicycle in an automobile easier. Folding bicycles often cost more than non-folding bicycles with the same performance-related features due to increased manufacturing complexity. As an alternative to folding, some bicycle models achieve similar results by separating into two or more parts for more compact storage or ease in transporting. This type of bicycle is sometimes grouped in the same category as folding bicycles but are also referred to as break-away, disassembleable, or separable bicycles. Bicycle infantry in the late 19th to early 20th century, and paratroopers in mid-century, were often issued folding bicycles. Most but by no means all folders have wheels of 20 inch (51 cm) diameter or less, and many small wheel bicycles do not fold.

Moulton is an English bicycle manufacturer. The company was founded in 1962 by Dr Alex Moulton, who designed the suspension system for the BMC Mini motorcar. Moulton bicyles are noted for unconventional frame design, small wheels, and front and rear suspension. A misconception about Moultons is that they fold in the manner of more recent designs by manufacturers such as Brompton or Dahon. This is not true, though the Moulton design paved the way for such designs and various Moultons over the years have been made in separable versions allowing relatively easy dismantling for transportation or storage. Mass-appeal versions such as the Standard and Deluxe were complemented by Speed versions used in competition. Thus although Moultons are often included in the folding bicycle category along with small wheel folders, small wheel bicycles would be a more technically correct term covering all such bicycles.

An exercise bicycle remains stationary; it is used for exercise rather than propulsion.
An electric bicycle is primarily propelled by the rider; although this is assisted by the use of an electric motor, usually located in the hub of the front or rear wheel. The electric motor is powered by a battery which is secured to the frame. These are available in various technologies including Lead Acid, Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride, Lithium Ion and Lithium Polymer. Many of these are not classed as a motor vehicle, but as a bicycle if they comply with UK and European regulations.
A staircycle has pedals arranged in a stair master fashion instead of circular. There is no seat as it is designed to be used upright much like a stairmaster.

Bicycle Types By gearing:
Internal hub gearing is most common in European utility bicycles, usually ranging from three-speed bicycles to five and seven speed options. But hub gears with eight and fourteen speeds are available as well.
Shaft-driven bicycles (chainless bicycles) use a driveshaft rather than a chain to power the rear wheel. These are often used as commuter bikes because they eliminate inconveniences associated with chains and pant-legs, but they are less efficient than chain-driven bicycles. Shaft-driven bicycles usually employ internal hub gearing.
Derailleur gears, featured on most racing and touring bicycles, offering from 5 to 30 speeds.
Single-speed bicycles and Fixed-gear bicycles have only one gear, and include all BMX bikes, children's bikes, crowded city messenger bikes, and many others. The fixed gear has no freewheel mechanism, so whenever the bike is in motion the pedals continue to spin. An advantage of this is the pedals can also be used to slow down.
Retro-Direct bicycles have two sprockets on the rear wheel. By back-pedalling, the secondary, usually lower, gear is engaged.

Bicycle Types Road racing:
Time trial bicycles are road bicycles with an aerodynamic features that are not permitted when the racers ride as a group, such as triathlon (foward pointing) bars and a disk rear wheel.
Track bicycles are ultra-simple, lightweight fixed-gear bikes with no brakes, designed for track cycling on purpose-built cycle tracks, often in velodromes.
Cyclo-cross bicycles are lightweight enough to be carried over obstacles, and robust enough to be cycled through mud.

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Bicycle Types XC mountain bike:
Down-hill racers are a specialized type of mountain bike with a very strong frame, altered geometry, and long travel suspension. They are designed for use only on downhill courses.
BMX (bicycle motocross) bicycles have small wheels and are used for BMX racing, as well as freestyle with tricks such as wheelies. Freestyle BMXers often ride dirt jumps and skatepark ramps, however there is street where a rider rides on obstacles found in many places that aren't supposed to be ridden on, such as stairs and rails.
Triathlon bicycles have seat posts that are closer to vertical than the seat posts on road racing bicycles. This concentrates the effort of cycling in the quadriceps muscles, sparing the other large muscles of the leg for the running segment of the race. Triathlon bicycles also have specialized handlebars known as triathlon bars or aero bars.
Bike trials riding is a form of off-road cycling derived from motorcycle trials where one slowly negotiates man-made and natural obstacles.
Freeride Bicycles in this category usually have very strong frames and dual-suspension with travel of 6 inches and up. They tend to have a shorter wheelbase than downhill bikes but otherwise have very similar geometry and components. Whereas downhill racers tend towards strong and light components, extreme freeriders tend not to worry about weight as much as strength of materials so it can withstand the huge drops and gaps that they typically perform.


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By means of propulsion:
A Human-powered transport uses only human power
A pedal cycle, commonly known as a bicycle is driven by pedals.
A hand-cranked bicycle or handcycle is driven by a hand crank.
A rowing bicycle is driven by a rowing action using both arms and legs.
A Treadle bicycle is driven by a reciprocating, not rotary, motion of the feet.
A bucking bike (with one or more eccentric wheels)
A balance bicycle (a kind of velocipede) uses Flintstone power, or feet on the ground.
A motorized bicycle provides motor assistance. (Not to be confused with motorcycles or Electric motorcycles and scooters.)
A moped propels the rider with a motor, but includes bicycle pedals for human propulsion.
A Flywheel uses stored kinetic energy.

By rider position
Recumbent bicycle
Upright bicycle
Sideways bike.

Other Bicycle Types:
Chopper Bicycles are designed to get attention and provide a smooth ride. There are factory made chopper bicycles as well as one of a kind bicycles built by independent chopper bicycle designers.
The 2005 Giant Innova is an example of a hybrid bicycle. It has 27 speeds and disc brakes for wet-weather riding.Hybrid bicycles are a compromise between the mountain and racing style bicycles which replaced European-style utility bikes in North America in the early 1990s. They have a light frame, medium gauge wheels, and derailleur gearing, and feature straight or curved-back, touring handlebars for more upright riding.
Cruiser bicycles are designed for comfort, with curved back handlebars, padded seats, and balloon tires. Cruisers typically have minimal gearing and are often available for rental at beaches and parks which feature flat terrain.
Freight bicycles are designed for transporting large or heavy loads.

The cycle rickshaw, being a small-scale local means of transport, is also known by a variety of other names such as rickshaw, pedicab, bugbug, cyclo, or trishaw. Cycle rickshaws are human-powered, often used on a for hire basis, equipped with one or more seats for carrying passengers in addition to the driver. Cycle rickshaws are widely used in major cities around the world and are usually found in major urban centers, tourist attractions, and events that draw large crowds. Many cycle rickshaws have replaced less-efficient rickshaws that are pulled by a person on foot.

Velomobiles or bicycle cars provide enclosed pedal-powered transportation.
Clown bicycles are designed for comedic effect or stunt riding. Some types of clown bicycles are: bucking bike (with one or more eccentric wheels)
tall bike (often called an upside down bike, constructed so that the pedals, seat and handlebars are all higher than normal) -- other types of tall bikes are made by welding two or more bicycle frames on top of each other, and running additional chains from the pedals to the rear wheel.
Come-apart bike, (essentially a unicycle, plus a set of handlebars attached to forks and a wheel).
Clown bikes are also built that are directly geared, with no freewheeling, so that they may be pedaled backwards. Some are built very small but are otherwise normal.
Art bikes: Some bikes are built so that the frame appears to be made of junk or found objects: Bongo the Clown built several ridable parade bikes which were as much kinetic sculptures as transport.
Plastic bicycles were an attempt in the early 80s to introduce a bicycle made entirely out of plastic materials instead of metal.

A unicycle is not a bicycle, as it has only one wheel, but it is related.
The unicycle's history began before the invention of the bicycle. Comte De Sivrac first developed unicycles during the late 18th century. His device, called a celerifere, was a wooden horse that had a wheel joined by a wooden beam. Germany's Baron von Drais improved the design by adding a steering mechanism, introducing his Draisienne or "Hobby Horse" in 1818. Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a Scottish blacksmith, added cranks and pedals to the rear wheel in 1839, and called it the Velocipede. The first mass-produced riding machine, the Michaux Velocipede, was designed in 1863. In 1866, James Starley developed the penny-farthing, a bicycle with a very large front wheel and a small rear wheel. One theory of the advent of the unicycle is based on the popularity of the penny-farthing (or "Ordinary") during the late 19th century. Since the pedal and cranks were connected directly to the front axle, the rear wheel would go up in the air and the rider would be moved slightly forward. Many penny-farthing owners discovered they could dispense with the frame and just ride the front wheel and handlebars. Evidence for this theory of development can reportedly be found in pictures from the late 19th century showing unicycles with large wheels.
Over the years, unicycle enthusiasts have inspired manufacturers to create new designs, such as seatless ("ultimate wheel") and tall ("giraffe") unicycles. During the late 1980s some extreme sportsmen took an interest in the unicycle and off-road unicycling (MUni) was born.


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