TfN: What are the Different Types of Cycles Available?

Beyond the basic design of a cycle (it has a frame, two wheels, a handlebar, pedals, a chain and gears) I don't know much about cycles, and lately I've been trying to remedy that. After all in a cycling event I should at least be able to recognise the basic cycles. If not in practice, at least in theory :D

So here's the dope...

Cycles are classified into types based on various factors like - function, number of riders, construction or frame type, gearing, etc. and each cycle can appear on more than one list. Since this means a lot of different lists I figured I'd try to understand the types of cycles based on the function they are created for.

Cycles in the function category are broadly of two types - road and mountain bikes. There are also other types like Freight bicycles that are designed for transporting large or heavy loads, Railbikes that ride on rails, etc.

Road Cycles are built for traveling at speed on paved roads. They have a lightweight construction and narrow, high-pressure tires that are smooth to decrease rolling resistance. Some of the types of road bikes are:

• Touring bicycles: designed for touring hence robust, comfortable, and capable of carrying heavy loads.


• Hybrid bicycles: designed for a variety of recreational and utility purposes.


• Utility bicycles: designed for utility cycling like commuting and running errands.

Mountain Bikes (MTB) are made for off-road cycling like traversing rocks and washouts, steep declines, dirt trails, logging roads, and other unpaved environments. To handle the stresses of this kind of off-road terrain mountain bikes usually use wide, knobby tires for good traction and shock absorption. Most bikes also come with front and rear suspension. Mountain bikes can be classified into four categories based on suspension:

• Rigid: A frame with a rigid fork and fixed rear, no suspension.


• Hardtail: A frame with a front suspension fork and no rear suspension.


• Soft tail: A frame with small amount of rear suspension, activated by flex of the frame instead of pivots.


• Dual or full suspension: A front suspension fork and rear suspension with a rear shock and linkage that allow the rear wheel to move on pivots.

They are also designed and categorised based on different styles of mountain biking like Cross country(XC) bikes, Trail Bikes, Enduro/all-mountain(AM) bikes and Freeride bikes.

What all of this tells me is that there is going to be a large variety of road and mountain cycles at TfN. And my chances of recognising a cycle are slim. With all my reading just guessing whether its a road or mountain bike correctly will be cool. :P

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