What Bike?
If you're looking to buy your first bike, then there is a lot to consider.
There are so many to choose from – all different shapes, sizes and styles – it can be difficult to know where to begin.
Luckily, we have some experts in our team, that know all about the different bikes and they have provided a quick summary of some of the more popular types of bike!
Remember when riding on the road, you need a bike that fits you, with working brakes, pumped-up tyres, lights, reflectors and the saddle and handlebars adjusted to the right height for you.
The Mountain Bike
Endurance, Balance and Handling Skills!
Designed for off-road riding, there are lots of different types of mountain bike, including 'cross country' (sometimes known as XC), 'downhill' and 'freeride'. All mountain bikes are sturdy, with tough frames and wheels, special tyres and crosswise handlebars to make it easier to steer. They also have lots of gears – normally between 16 and 28 – from very low to mid ratios. Many mountain bikes also have suspension systems as well, to make your ride smoother.
Mountain biking is a sport which consists of riding bicycles off-road, often over rough terrain, using specially adapted mountain bikes or hybrid/cross road bikes. Mountain bikes share similarities with other bikes, but incorporate features designed to enhance durability and performance in rough terrain.
Mountain biking can generally be broken down into multiple categories: XC Cross Country, Trail Riding, AM All Mountain, DH Downhill, FR Freeride, Urban Trials/Street Riding and DJ Dirt Jumping. The vast majority of mountain biking falls into the recreational XC and Trail Riding categories.
The Road Racing Bike
Speed, Lightweight and Lots of Gears
Designed for speed and road races, racing bikes have lightweight frames and very few extra features. The handlebars tend to point down so you can sit in a position that makes you even faster. These bikes also have narrow tyres and lots of gears – from mid to very high ratios – across 18 to 30 gears. The gears are all very close to allow racers to shift as quickly as possible to keep their speed up.
The Hybrid or City
A Racing and Mountain Bike Mix!
Hybrid or City bikes are a cross between a racing bike and a mountain bike. They are one of the best kinds of bike for regular riding as they are comfortable, are simple to ride and quick! They are also normally very cool to look at, which makes them the perfect choice for most people.
The BMX
Stunts, Tricks and Dirt Track Racing!
BMX bicycles are available several distinct model types:
- Race
- Freestyle (park,street,vert)
- Dirt jumping
- Flatland
BMX bikes were originally made for 'Bicycle Motocross' and are designed to perform all kinds of stunts and tricks. They are also ideal for racing on dirt tracks with lots of hills. They have a single gear ratio with a freewheel and tend to have a smaller frame and wheels than other bikes. They also have wider tyres with big, thick treads.
As a form of leisure activity or sport BMX is very popular. Enthusiastic people, especially you guys and many older teenagers will often attend BMX and skate parks and centres and sometimes compete in organised competitions!
BMX Riders are part of Cycle Southend's Bike Crew, with some of the best flatland riders peforming at many events and activitiy days throughout Southend. Check out the Events and Activities section of this website for more details.
The Trials Bike
No Seat, Amazing Brakes and No Gears!
These very specialised and different looking bikes are used for a specific bike riding discipline in which professional riders attempt to pass through an obstacle course without setting foot to ground. Derived from motorcycle trials, it originated in Spain and is said to have been invented by the father of Ot Pi, a world champion motorcycle trials rider. Pi's father had wanted his son to learn motorcycle trials by practising on an ordinary push bike.
Trials riding is an extreme test of bicycle handling skills, over all kinds of obstacles, both natural and man-made. It now has a strong following worldwide, though it is still primarily a European sport.
Skills taken from trials riding can be used practically on any bicycle for balance, for example controlled braking and track standing, or balancing on the bike without putting a foot down.
Competition trial bikes are characterised by powerful brakes, wide handlebars, lightweight parts, single-speed low gearing, low tyre pressures with a thick rear tire, distinctive frame geometry and, typically, a lack of seat!
