Bike categories?

[plantluvver]

I am confused about the current bike categories, and would like to know what they are.

Is there a more or less generally accepted classificaltion? It would help me zone in on my preferences.

I have heard so many different terms my eyes are glazing over. And some may just be descriptions and not actual categories.

Thanks,
Mary

[KnottedYet]

List out everything you want to do on your new bike. (road? race? trails? commute? cruise? dirt? tour? errands?)

Take the list to your local bike shop.

Give them the list, and ask them to show you what bikes in your price range will be able to do the things on your list.

Don't worry about names and categories. Worry about what the bike can do, and how you like it. (One person's hybrid is another person's cross-bike is another person's commuter is another person's comfort-bike. Names don't matter, only function and fit and true love matter.)

[Fredwina]

I would second KnottedYet's advice.

[bcipam]

Generally most shops deal in these general categories:

Road, sport and mountain

Road: For use on paved roads or bike trails. Generally have a specific trianglular geometry and uses thin, slick road tires. Road bikes range from very compact geometry (racing bikes) to touring bikes (longer wheelbase, more relaxed geometry) and can be made of a number of materials but most often steel, aluminum, carbon and titanium. Prices can be $500 - $15,000!

Sport: general category bikes. Includes hybrids. Can be used on road or on easy trail/fire roads. Not really for serious riding or long distances (OK I realize people do use them for serious riding - it's just not the best choice). If your plan is to do rides under 20 miles around a bike path or on a rail trail, this type of bike will work for you.

mountain: mountain bikes have its share of hybrids (this is really a huge wide category) as well but generally mountain bikes are:

rigid - no suspension - the favorite of those that enjoy singlespeeds (no gearing. There are road singlespeeds and "fixies" as well) and hard core riding.

hard tail - front suspension only. Very adequate on most trails, singletrack and even hard core stuff although not great for downhill (see below). HT's are lighter than full suspension bikes which means they climb well and are generally less expensive than fullies but not always.

full-suspension - has a front suspension fork and rear shock. Fullies can take alot of jiggle out of the trail and can be used on most trails, singletrack, fireroads etc. Can be "cross-country" or "all-mountain".

downhill rigs: Large heavy bikes with huge front forks and long travel shocks. Push them up hill and ride them down steep stuff.

Also included in the mountain category are cyclo-cross bikes - bikes made specially for trail and paved road.

* * *

Anyway its hard to really discuss all the types of bikes so easily. But I always tell people this - decide what you want to do. Do you want to ride road or ride trail and buy the best bike for the money that is built for what you want to do. Yes I realize hybrid bikes are cheaper and can do both, but plan on upgrading in the future to either a road or mountain bike if you stay with and want to grow in the sport.

[Kalidurga]

Actually, I would take cyclocross out of the mountain category- and I would highly recommend a 'cross bike for someone who rides a variety of terrain. After realizing that my hybrid was holding me back on pavement, I traded it in for a 'cross and immediately extended my ride length (on both dirt and paved roads) by almost 10 miles. The one issue I'm dealing with is that having only two chainrings up front makes uphills harder, but that just means I need to increase my leg strength. With a little customization, a 'cross bike can be an excellent all-round bike. It's definitely a category that deserves attention.

For more detail:

The Case for 'Cross

Wikipedia: Cyclocross bicycles

(Sorry if this sounds like a testimonial. I'm just so infatuated with my new baby!)

[bcipam]

I included cross bikes in the mountain category cuase I didn't want people to think they are like comfort/hybrid bikes. Far from it. Cross bikes are designed for a very specific purpose - generally for serious rides on paved road and trail. I see alot of cross bikes doing the fireroads up in the mountain. Gearing is generally alittle lower end (ie more granny than racing) than road or hybrid bikes and geometry is quite different from hybrid bikes ( it is more agressive like a road bike). But if someone rides rail trails or old roads, a cross bike is perfect!

[mimitabby]

Actually, I would take cyclocross out of the mountain category- and I would highly recommend a 'cross bike for someone who rides a variety of terrain. After realizing that my hybrid was holding me back on pavement, I traded it in for a 'cross and immediately extended my ride length (on both dirt and paved roads) by almost 10 miles. The one issue I'm dealing with is that having only two chainrings up front makes uphills harder, but that just means I need to increase my leg strength. With a little customization, a 'cross bike can be an excellent all-round bike. It's definitely a category that deserves attention.

For more detail:

The Case for 'Cross

Wikipedia: Cyclocross bicycles

(Sorry if this sounds like a testimonial. I'm just so infatuated with my new baby!)

No, this is great, tell me more. I have never heard of these. Do they all have roadbike handlebars too?
What kind of bike (brand, make, model) do you have?