Bike Cycling: Six Common Types of Bicycles
This breakdown of six major bicycle types, considering factors like scenario suitability and core configurations, provides consumers with a professional buying guide.
1.City Commuter Bikes
The core advantage of urban commuter bicycles lies in their durability and reliability. Our factory's commuter bicycles primarily use high-carbon steel or entry-level aluminum alloy frames. The former is low-cost and highly resilient, less prone to deformation from minor impacts; the latter is approximately 30% lighter than high-carbon steel, making long-distance riding less strenuous. Braking systems mainly consist of v-brakes or basic mechanical disc brakes, meeting the braking needs of flat urban roads. For everyday use, these bicycles also feature customizable and practical configurations: Detachable baskets, mudguards, and the option to add a safety seat.
2.Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes are suitable for outdoor cycling enthusiasts: Adaptable to complex terrain. Mountain bikes feature unique configurations: Wide 2.1-2.5 inch tires with deep block treads, enhancing grip on gravel and muddy surfaces and preventing slippage; frames are typically made of high-strength aluminum alloy or carbon fiber, paired with adjustable suspension forks to cushion impacts from rough terrain. The drivetrain of mainstream mountain bikes features 21-30 speed components, allowing for flexible gear ratio adjustments based on gradient, making uphill climbs easier.
3.Road Bikes
Road bikes are racing-grade bicycles specifically designed for speed. Lightweight design is a constant throughout: The frame uses a slim, streamlined structure, with carbon fiber comprising over 80% of the frame, keeping the overall weight between 7-9 kg; tires are narrow (23-28 mm) with high tire pressure (8-10 bar) to minimize rolling resistance. To enhance racing performance, road bikes are equipped with high-rigidity chainrings and multi-speed cassettes, and the braking system often uses hydraulic disc brakes, providing strong braking force and a light feel. Professional road bikes can reach speeds of over 40 km/h and are often used for road racing or long-distance sprinting. However, road bikes have shallow tire treads, making them unsuitable for muddy surfaces; they are better suited for flat roads or racetracks.
4.Folding Bikes
A folding bike can be easily folded down to suitcase size in 10 seconds. The core technology of folding bikes lies in the joint design at the folding point. High-strength alloy joints are used to ensure both stability and lightweight construction, resulting in a typical weight of 8-12 kg, making them easy to carry on the subway or fit in a car trunk. For short-distance riding, folding bikes often use small wheels and a simple drivetrain. Some models also offer adjustable seat height to accommodate riders of different heights.
5.Electric-Assisted Bikes
Electric-assisted bicycles balance riding experience with effortless riding. These models feature a built-in brushless motor that automatically provides assistance when the rider pedals. The level of assistance can be adjusted according to road conditions: Strong assistance for uphill riding or when carrying a heavy load, and weak assistance for flat roads. Factory-produced electric-assist bicycles are equipped with lithium batteries, offering a range of 50-100 kilometers, and a full charge takes 3-4 hours. The frame is made of aluminum alloy, and it features a waterproof motor and controller, allowing for normal use even in rainy weather.
6.Family Bikes
Family bicycles designed for family riding come in three types: Front-mounted, rear-seat, and trailer-mounted. Front-mounted bicycles are suitable for children aged 3-6. The seat is positioned in front of the parent for easy supervision; the rear-seat type is suitable for children aged 6-12 and is equipped with guardrails and seat belts; the trailer type can accommodate 1-2 children, has storage space, and can be used as an adult bicycle when disassembled. The frame of the parent-child bicycle must have a load-bearing capacity of over 150 kg, the seat is made of breathable sponge material, and the braking system has been upgraded to dual disc brakes to ensure the safety of parent-child riding.
All bikes images in this article are genuine product photos taken on-site by our company's professional photography team, accurately showcasing the exterior design and core configuration details of each model, without any post-processing compositing elements.
