Welcome to your comprehensive guide to the diverse world of bicycles! Whether you’re new to cycling or an experienced rider, understanding the different Kinds Of Bikes available is crucial for choosing the perfect one for your needs. We’ll demystify the main types of bicycles, helping you navigate the options and find the ideal bike for your adventures.
Bike Buying Guide: Matching Bikes to Activities
The best approach to buying a bicycle is to consider your primary activity. Are you looking for a reliable commute companion? Do you need a versatile bike that can handle both smooth roads and rugged dirt tracks? Or are you dreaming of donning lycra and experiencing the thrill of road racing at high speeds? While choosing a bike based purely on aesthetics is perfectly valid, understanding how different bikes are designed for specific purposes will greatly enhance your cycling experience.
Many beginners gravitate towards mountain bikes, perhaps due to their robust appearance. However, unless you specifically desire mountain biking or genuinely appreciate mountain bike characteristics, other types might be more suitable. At usabikers.net, we categorize kinds of bikes based on their intended activities, simplifying your selection process.
Exploring Various Types of Bikes
Let’s delve into each category to provide you with a clearer understanding of their functionalities and ideal uses.
Discover our extensive selection of bicycles in the UK and explore the exciting new bikes of 2025.
Alt text: An infographic showcasing various types of bikes including road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, and electric bikes.
ROAD BIKES
Purpose of Road Bikes
As the name clearly states, road bikes are specifically engineered for riding on paved roads. While technically any bike can be ridden on a road, road bikes are optimized for maximum efficiency and speed on tarmac surfaces. This specialization, however, makes them unsuitable for off-road terrains like mountain dirt tracks.
Intrigued by the nuances within road bikes? Explore our detailed road bike blog to discover the different styles available.
Alt text: A close-up shot of a Giant road bike with a focus on its lightweight frame and skinny tires, highlighting its road-optimized design.
Road bikes are meticulously designed to optimize road cycling performance. This includes frame geometry tailored for speed and efficiency, narrow tires to minimize rolling resistance, and lightweight components for enhanced agility. It’s important to note that road bikes with their slender tires cannot be converted into off-road bikes simply by swapping tires. Mountain bike tires are incompatible with road bike frames and wheels.
Defining characteristics of road bikes:
- Lightweight frames: Constructed from materials like aluminum or carbon fiber for optimal speed and agility.
- Skinny tires: Narrow tires minimize rolling resistance and maximize speed on smooth surfaces.
- Drop handlebars: Curved handlebars allow for multiple hand positions and a more aerodynamic riding posture.
- High gear ratio: Gearing systems designed for high-speed riding on flat roads and inclines.
- Aerodynamic riding position: Frame geometry encourages a forward-leaning posture to reduce wind resistance.
Proper sizing is crucial for road bikes. Refer to our comprehensive road bike size chart to find your perfect fit.
Road Bike Subcategories
- Endurance Road Bikes: Prioritize rider comfort, especially for long distances. Features a more upright riding position and often comes with wider tires for enhanced cushioning.
- Climber Road Bikes: Ultra-lightweight frames and aggressive geometry maximize efficiency and speed uphill. Sharp handling characteristics are designed for fast descents.
- Aero Road Bikes: Built for ultimate speed on flat terrain. Aerodynamically shaped frame tubes minimize wind resistance. Longer wheelbase provides stability at high velocities. Typically heavier than climber bikes due to the added material for aero shaping.
- All-Road Bikes (Anyroad): Versatile bikes capable of handling rougher surfaces like gravel paths. Wider tires and mounts for racks and fenders increase their adaptability for varied terrains.
Choose a road bike if: You prioritize speed and efficiency on paved roads for commuting, racing, fitness, or recreational riding.
Avoid road bikes if: You plan to ride off-road. Their narrow tires are ill-suited for anything other than tarmac, and icy conditions can also pose challenges.
Recommended road bikes:
Giant TCR Advanced 0 Di2 2025 Road Bike
Road Bike Price Range
Road bikes generally have a higher entry price compared to hybrid bikes. This is due to the integrated technology of brake and gear shifters. Aluminum frame road bikes with carbon forks typically start around £799. Full carbon frame and fork models begin at approximately £2000, with top-tier models exceeding £10,000.
MOUNTAIN BIKES
Alt text: A mountain biker riding through a rocky trail, showcasing the rugged terrain mountain bikes are designed for.
Mountain bike subcategories:
- Hardtail mountain bikes
- Full suspension mountain bikes
- Electric mountain bikes
Purpose of Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes are specifically designed for mountainous terrain and off-road trail riding. They are characterized by their robust build, knobby tires for superior traction, and frame geometry optimized for handling challenging, uneven surfaces.
Defining characteristics of mountain bikes:
- Wide, knobby tires: Provide exceptional grip and traction on loose dirt, rocks, and roots.
- Wide range of gears: Enable riders to tackle steep inclines and varied terrains efficiently.
- Suspension systems:
- Hardtail: Front suspension fork only, rigid rear frame. Offers efficiency on climbs and is generally more affordable.
- Full suspension (Full-sus): Front and rear suspension. Provides enhanced cushioning for jumps, drops, and rough terrain, improving downhill performance but potentially sacrificing some uphill efficiency.
- Rigid: No suspension, suitable for smoother trails or riders prioritizing simplicity and efficiency.
Refer to our Guide to full suspension vs hardtail mountain bikes for a detailed comparison.
Hardtail mountain bikes are typically more budget-friendly and efficient on uphill climbs. Full suspension bikes excel on downhill sections but may be less efficient when climbing.
Choose a mountain bike if: You are passionate about mountain biking and primarily ride off-road trails.
Avoid mountain bikes if: Your cycling is mainly on paved roads, you prioritize speed on tarmac, cycle long distances on roads, or primarily ride around town.
Find your ideal size using our men’s sizing guide and women’s size guide.
Recommended mountain bikes:
Giant Trance X 1 2024 Mountain Bike
Mountain Bike Price Range
Aluminum hardtail mountain bikes start around £425 and typically come with coil-sprung forks. Higher-priced hardtails feature more responsive front suspension forks, with air-sprung forks becoming common on bikes over £1000, along with improved brakes and gearing.
Full suspension mountain bikes are significantly more expensive due to the complex suspension technology. Entry-level full-suspension MTBs start around £2000. As you invest more, you’ll find upgrades in suspension components (front and rear), smoother and more durable gearing, and more responsive brakes. Carbon frame MTBs typically start around £4000.
HYBRID/COMMUTER BIKES
Alt text: A cyclist riding a hybrid bike on a city street, showcasing its suitability for urban commuting and general-purpose riding.
Types of hybrid bikes:
- On-road hybrid bikes
- Off-road hybrid bikes
- Off-road hybrid bikes with front suspension forks
Purpose of Hybrid Bikes
Hybrid bikes, also known as commuter or city bikes, are designed as versatile blends of road bikes and mountain bikes. They offer a balance, allowing you to handle a variety of riding conditions. While they may not excel in specific disciplines like dedicated road or mountain bikes, they provide adaptability for diverse cycling needs.
Alt text: A Specialized Sirrus hybrid bike with flat handlebars and moderate tires, emphasizing its comfort and versatility.
What are hybrid bikes? Hybrid bikes are characterized by flat handlebars instead of drop bars. Some models include front suspension to absorb bumps on roads or trails, while others are rigid. They prioritize versatility and comfort, offering a comfortable riding position similar to mountain bikes but with smoother, narrower tires for efficiency on pavement. Tire options can be customized, allowing for more off-road oriented tires or slicker tires for commuting on tarmac, or a blend for mixed riding.
Choose a hybrid bike if: Your primary use is commuting, general riding around town, and occasional off-road or light trail excursions.
Avoid hybrid bikes if: You aim for high-speed road cycling in lycra or tackling challenging mountain bike trails with maximum dexterity.
Hybrid Bike Price Range
Reliable and safe hybrid bikes start around £500. Higher-priced models feature improved gears, brakes, and lighter frames. Carbon hybrid bikes are available, starting around £1500.
GRAVEL ROAD BIKES
Alt text: A Specialized Diverge gravel bike on a gravel road, highlighting its drop handlebars and wider tires suitable for mixed terrains.
Purpose of Gravel Bikes
Also known as gravel bikes (and sometimes adventure bikes or cyclocross bikes), these bikes draw inspiration from early road cyclists who adapted their bikes for winter training by swapping to knobbier tires. A gravel bike can be an excellent year-round option if you seek a fast road bike capable of handling off-road adventures. Explore the distinctions in our blog post on road bikes vs gravel bikes.
Gravel bikes are available in men’s and women’s frames. For women-specific frames, explore Liv Gravel bikes.
Cyclocross bikes are specifically designed for off-road racing on designated courses, while adventure bikes are built for bikepacking, featuring wider handlebars and more frame mounts for luggage. For steel gravel bike enthusiasts, consider Genesis Gravel bikes.
Alt text: A close-up of a gravel bike’s drop handlebars and tire clearance, emphasizing its road bike-like features with off-road capabilities.
Defining characteristics of gravel bikes:
- Drop handlebars: Similar to road bikes, offering multiple hand positions and aerodynamic efficiency.
- Tire clearance: Accommodates wider, knobbier tires and mudguards, similar to hybrid bikes.
- Road bike feel: Maintains a more road bike-like riding experience compared to hybrids.
Choose a gravel bike if: You desire a road bike with drop handlebars but want the versatility to explore occasional off-road trails.
Avoid gravel bikes if: You need a dedicated high-speed road bike, a rugged mountain bike, or prefer the flat handlebars of a hybrid.
Gravel Bike Price Range
Similar to road bikes, gravel bikes typically start at a higher price point than basic bikes. Aluminum frame gravel bikes with carbon forks begin around £799. Full carbon frame and fork models start at approximately £2000, with high-end models exceeding £10,000.
FOLDING BIKES
Alt text: A Brompton folding bike in its folded state, demonstrating its compact size and portability for storage and transport.
Purpose of Folding Bikes
Folding bikes prioritize convenience and practicality. They are designed to fold into a compact form, making them ideal for storage under a desk at work or in small living spaces. Perfect for commuters with limited storage at home or work, or those concerned about bike theft.
Folding bikes, with brands like Brompton leading the market, are engineered to collapse into a small size for easy storage and transport. They are excellent for combining cycling with public transport, fitting neatly in cars or storage cupboards.
Alt text: A Brompton folding bike in its riding configuration, showcasing its upright riding position and compact wheel size.
Defining characteristics of folding bikes:
- Folding frame: Engineered to collapse into a compact size.
- Small wheels: Typically feature smaller wheels (e.g., 16 or 20 inches) to facilitate folding.
- Upright riding position: Designed for comfortable, practical riding in urban environments.
Choose a folding bike if: You want to incorporate cycling into your commute but have a long distance, or you need a bike but have limited storage space.
Avoid folding bikes if: You plan to ride off-road or prioritize high-speed cycling.
Folding Bike Price Range
Quality folding bikes start around £850 for brands like Tern. Brompton folding bikes begin at approximately £1500 for C-line models (steel frame and forks), while top-of-the-range T-Line models with titanium frames and forks start around £4250.
ELECTRIC BIKES (E-BIKES)
Alt text: A person riding an electric bike uphill, emphasizing the assistance provided by the electric motor for easier cycling.
Types of electric bikes:
Purpose of Electric Bikes
Simply put, electric bikes make cycling easier, whether for commuting, road riding, or mountain biking. The electric assistance reduces effort, making cycling more accessible and enjoyable. You can now find a wide range of folding electric bikes as well.
Electric bikes are bicycles equipped with a battery and motor. This adds weight compared to non-electric bikes, but significantly reduces cycling effort, especially on hills. Most e-bikes offer varying levels of assist, allowing you to adjust the amount of motor support and still get exercise.
Alt text: A Kalkhoff electric hybrid bike, showcasing its integrated battery and motor system within a commuter-style frame.
When you pedal, the motor provides a boost, simulating a strong tailwind, enabling you to maintain a steady pace with less exertion. (UK regulations limit motor assistance to 15.5mph, preventing excessively high speeds from motor power alone). Popular e-bike types include hybrid electric bikes, electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) favored for downhill enjoyment with less uphill effort, and now diverse options like folding electric bikes, electric road bikes, and electric cargo bikes. Learn more about the best electric bikes.
Defining characteristics of electric bikes:
- Battery and motor: Integrated electric system provides pedal assistance.
- Hybrid, mountain, road, or folding bike base: E-bike technology is applied to various bike types.
Choose an electric bike if: You want to cover greater distances with less effort.
Avoid electric bikes if: You prioritize intense physical exertion and “feeling the burn” for fitness gains. Consult our E-bike Jargon Buster for more e-bike information.
Recommended electric bikes:
Gazelle Ultimate C5 HMB 2024 625Wh Low-Step Electric Bike
Liv Rove E+ 2023 Women’s Electric Bike
Electric Bike Price Range
Electric bike prices vary based on motor type. Front or rear hub motor e-bikes can be found around £1500, while center-driven motor models start around £2000. Brompton electric folding bikes with front hub motors start from £2900. Electric cargo bikes begin around £2700.
ELECTRIC CARGO BIKES
Alt text: A Riese & Muller electric cargo bike with a front cargo box, demonstrating its capacity for carrying goods and passengers.
Purpose of Electric Cargo Bikes
Electric cargo bikes serve as a car replacement, designed for transporting passengers, groceries, or deliveries. The electric motor assists in carrying heavy loads, making cargo transport practical by bike.
Alt text: A Tern electric cargo bike with child seats and panniers, highlighting its versatility for family transport and everyday errands.
Electric cargo bikes are gaining popularity as a sustainable transport solution, capable of replacing car trips. They are used for grocery shopping, school runs, and delivery services. Brands like Tern, Riese & Muller, and Specialized E Bikes offer models with various accessories to customize them for specific cargo needs.
Equipped with powerful Bosch motors and batteries, they provide effortless transport and extended range for carrying heavy loads.
Defining characteristics of electric cargo bikes:
- Cargo bed: Extended front or rear platform for carrying cargo or passengers.
- Powerful motor: Designed to handle heavy loads and varied terrain.
- Large battery: Provides extended range for longer journeys and cargo transport.
Choose a cargo bike if: You want a car alternative for transporting passengers or heavy loads.
Avoid cargo bikes if: You don’t regularly need to carry significant cargo. In that case, a standard electric bike might be more suitable.
Recommended electric cargo bikes:
Tern GSD S10 LR Electric Cargo Bike
Electric Cargo Bike Price Range
Electric cargo bikes start around £2700, with prices increasing for more powerful motors and larger batteries for extended range. The average price for an electric cargo bike is approximately £4500.
WOMEN’S BIKES
Purpose of Women’s Bikes
Women’s bikes are designed for enhanced comfort and efficiency for female riders, considering differences in bodily proportions. While many manufacturers now favor unisex frames, brands like Liv continue to offer female-specific geometry.
Ladies bikes are designed with smaller frame sizes and frame geometry tailored to women. Step-through frames, originally designed for riders in dresses or skirts, are common, though now considered unisex. Consult our women’s bike size guide.
Alt text: A Liv women’s road bike, showcasing its frame geometry and color scheme designed with female riders in mind.
We encourage all riders to choose bikes based on fit and comfort, regardless of gender. We offer a range of women’s bikes, but women are not limited to these models. Women can choose men’s bikes, and men can opt for women’s bikes if they provide a better fit and riding experience.
Read our blog on the best women’s road bikes.
Defining characteristics of women’s bikes:
- Smaller and lighter frames: Typically with a shorter top tube (crossbar).
- Women’s saddle: Wider and shorter for enhanced comfort.
- Narrower handlebars: Often with smaller diameter grips.
Choose a women’s bike if: It offers the best combination of fit, comfort, and style for you.
Avoid women’s bikes if: The geometry doesn’t align with your riding preferences or body type.
TOURING BIKES
Alt text: A Genesis touring bike equipped with panniers and mudguards, demonstrating its readiness for long-distance cycling and carrying gear.
Purpose of Touring Bikes
Touring bikes are road bikes adapted for carrying loads over long distances. They prioritize stability, practicality, and rider comfort over outright performance, making them ideal for multi-day adventures. They are equipped with pannier racks, mudguards, and slightly wider tires. Steel frames are common for comfort and durability.
Alt text: A close-up of a touring bike’s frame, emphasizing its robust construction and mounts for racks and fenders.
Defining characteristics of touring bikes:
- Drop bar or flat bar options: Handlebar styles vary to suit rider preference.
- Wider tires: Provide comfort and stability on varied road surfaces.
- Mudguard and pannier mounts: Enable carrying luggage and protection from weather.
- Comfort-oriented geometry: Relaxed riding position for long-distance comfort.
Consider touring bikes if: You plan long-distance cycling trips, want a robust commuter with touring capabilities, or need to carry significant loads on your bike.
Don’t consider touring bikes if: Other bike types like road, mountain, hybrid, or gravel bikes better align with your primary cycling needs.
Touring Bike Price Range
Quality steel frame flat-bar touring bikes typically start around £1000. Prices increase based on steel grade, handlebar configuration, and component level.
KIDS BIKES
Alt text: Children riding Specialized kids’ bikes, showcasing different sizes and styles for various age groups.
Purpose of Kids Bikes
Kids bikes are designed specifically for children. From balance bikes for toddlers to junior mountain bikes and road bikes for older children, there are options for all ages and cycling interests. A common question is: What size bike does my child need?
Alt text: A Frog kids’ bike, highlighting its lightweight frame and components designed for children.
Defining characteristics of kids bikes:
- Small size: Frames and components scaled down for children’s proportions.
- Components for smaller hands: Brakes and shifters designed for easy operation by children.
Choose a kid’s bike if: You are buying a bike for a child!
Don’t choose a kid’s bike if: A small adult bike might be a better fit for a smaller adult rider.
Kids Bike Price Range
While cheaper kids’ bikes are available, we recommend investing in lightweight, quality bikes that are enjoyable for children to ride. Our kids’ bikes start around £270, depending on the child’s age and required size.
SINGLE SPEED BIKES
Alt text: A Genesis Flyer single-speed bike, showcasing its minimalist design and suitability for urban riding.
Purpose of Single Speed Bikes
Single speed bikes offer simplicity and fitness-focused riding.
Alt text: A side view of a single-speed bike, emphasizing its clean lines and lack of gears.
A single speed bike has one gear ratio, with a single chainring and cog. It allows freewheeling downhill. The primary advantage is minimal maintenance due to the absence of gears, resulting in longer chain and cog lifespan. This makes them excellent commuter bikes or leisure bikes, particularly in winter conditions with salt and moisture. Read our full blog on single speed bikes.
The Genesis Flyer is a great example of an affordable, robust, and low-maintenance single speed bike that can accommodate mudguards and racks.
Bonus fact: The key difference between a single speed and a ‘fixie’ is that a single speed allows freewheeling, while a fixie does not, requiring constant pedaling.
FAT BIKES
Fat bikes are a type of mountain bike with significantly wider tires, typically 3.8″ or wider. This extra width provides exceptional traction on loose surfaces like sand and snow, enabling cycling in challenging conditions. Most fat bikes are hardtails, though full suspension fat bikes also exist.
TRIATHLON BIKES
Alt text: A Giant Trinity triathlon bike, highlighting its aerodynamic frame, TT bars, and design for maximizing speed in triathlons.
Triathlon bikes, also known as TT (time trial) bikes, are designed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency on paved surfaces. They feature skinny road tires, aerodynamic frames, and TT bars, optimizing rider position for speed in time trials and triathlons, as seen in Tour de France time trial stages.
TANDEM BIKES
A tandem bike is built for two riders. Ideal for cycling with a partner or sharing effort over long distances, tandems can be significantly faster than individual bikes (assuming equal rider contribution).
BMX BIKES
BMX bikes, short for Bicycle Motocross, originated for racing on dirt tracks with jumps and corners. They are also popular for stunts, tricks, and bike park riding. BMX bikes feature small wheels and compact frames for maximum maneuverability and responsiveness.
TRICYCLES
Alt text: A recumbent tricycle, showcasing its three-wheel stability and laid-back riding position for comfortable cycling.
Tricycles have three wheels, providing enhanced stability for riders with balance concerns. They are also suitable for individuals with injuries or impairments that affect bike mounting/dismounting or balance maintenance at lower speeds.
RECUMBENT BIKES
Recumbent bikes offer a unique, laid-back riding position, often with the rider nearly flat on their back. They are beneficial for riders seeking to minimize pressure on the lower back, shoulders, wrists, or hands.
TRACK BIKES
For track cycling enthusiasts, track bikes are designed for indoor velodrome circuits. They are fixed gear (no freewheeling) and brakeless, with speed regulation achieved through leg control. Track cycling is a highly engaging and enjoyable discipline.
