Welcome to your comprehensive guide to understanding Bike Types. If you’re new to cycling or even an experienced rider looking to broaden your horizons, navigating the world of bicycles can be confusing. This guide will demystify the main categories of bikes, helping you find the perfect ride for your needs and adventures. Consider this your ultimate bike types resource, whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned cyclist!
Bike Buying Guide: Matching Bike Types to Activities
The most effective way to choose a bicycle is to align it with your intended activities. While aesthetics are important, focusing on functionality will ensure you get the most enjoyment and performance from your bike. Are you primarily commuting to work? Do you crave a bike that can handle both smooth roads and rugged trails? Or are you dreaming of speed and pushing your limits in road racing?
Many newcomers to cycling often gravitate towards mountain bikes, perhaps due to their rugged appearance or familiarity. However, unless you specifically desire mountain biking or genuinely prefer mountain bike characteristics, it’s not the default choice for all cycling. At usabikers.net, we categorize different bike types based on their primary applications:
Exploring Different Bike Types
Let’s delve into each bike type to give you a clearer understanding of their purposes and features.
We offer a wide selection of bicycles in the UK, including the latest bikes of 2025.
ROAD BIKES
Purpose of Road Bikes
Road bikes, as the name suggests, are specifically engineered for paved roads. While technically any bike can be ridden on a road, road bikes are optimized for maximum efficiency and speed on tarmac. This specialization, however, makes them unsuitable for off-road terrains like mountain trails.
Interested in exploring the nuances within road bikes? Our blog post on road bike styles dives deeper into this topic.
Road bikes are designed to maximize a cyclist’s road experience through specific frame geometry, narrow tire widths, and lightweight components. It’s crucial to understand that a road bike with skinny tires cannot be converted into an off-road bike simply by changing to wider, knobby tires. Mountain bike tires are incompatible with road bike frames and forks.
Defining Characteristics of Road Bikes: Road bikes are typically characterized by lightweight frames, narrow, smooth tires, drop handlebars (curving downwards), high gear ratios for speed, and an aerodynamic riding posture. Proper sizing is critical for road bike comfort and efficiency; refer to our road bike size chart for guidance.
Road Bike Subtypes
- Endurance Road Bikes: Designed for comfort over long distances, endurance bikes feature a more upright riding position and often come with wider tires for enhanced comfort and stability.
- Climbers Race Bikes: These bikes prioritize lightweight construction and an aggressive riding position for maximum efficiency and speed uphill. They also offer sharp handling for fast descents.
- Aero Road Bikes: Built for flat-out speed, aero bikes utilize aerodynamic tube shapes to minimize wind resistance. A longer wheelbase provides stability at high speeds. However, the aerodynamic shaping adds material and thus slightly more weight compared to climber bikes.
- All-Road/Gravel-Capable Road Bikes: These versatile bikes bridge the gap between road and gravel, capable of handling rougher surfaces like gravel tracks. Wider tires and mounts for racks and fenders make them adaptable for various terrains and purposes.
Choose a Road Bike If: You prioritize fast and efficient cycling on paved roads for commuting, racing, fitness, or recreational riding.
Avoid a Road Bike If: You plan to ride off-road. Their narrow tires and frame design are not suited for anything other than smooth tarmac. Icy roads can also be challenging for road bikes due to limited traction.
Recommended Road Bikes:
Giant TCR Advanced 0 Di2 2025 Road Bike
Road Bike Price Range
Road bikes generally start at a higher price point compared to hybrid bikes, primarily due to the integrated brake and gear shifter technology. Entry-level road bikes with aluminum frames and carbon forks begin around £799. Full carbon frames and forks start from approximately £2000, with high-end models exceeding £10,000.
MOUNTAIN BIKES
Mountain Bike Subtypes:
- Hardtail Mountain Bikes
- Full Suspension Mountain Bikes
- Electric Mountain Bikes
Purpose of Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes are built to conquer mountains and off-road trails. Their robust construction, knobby tires, and frame geometry are optimized for challenging, uneven terrain.
Defining Characteristics of Mountain Bikes: Mountain bikes feature wide, knobby tires for superior traction on loose surfaces and a wide range of gears to tackle steep inclines and varied terrain. Suspension is a key element; some mountain bikes have front suspension only (hardtail), while others have both front and rear suspension (full suspension) for absorbing impacts from jumps and drops. Some basic models may have no suspension. Refer to our guide on full suspension vs hardtail mountain bikes for a detailed comparison.
Hardtail mountain bikes are typically more affordable and efficient for uphill riding, whereas full suspension bikes prioritize downhill performance at the expense of some uphill efficiency.
Choose a Mountain Bike If: Your primary cycling activity is mountain biking or off-road trail riding.
Avoid a Mountain Bike If: You mainly ride on paved roads, prioritize speed on tarmac, cycle long distances on roads, or primarily ride around town.
Need help with sizing? See our men’s mountain bike sizing guide and women’s mountain bike 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 include a coil-sprung suspension fork. As you invest more in a hardtail, you’ll find progressively better and more responsive front suspension forks, with air-sprung forks becoming common on bikes over £1000. Higher-priced hardtails also feature improved brakes and gearing.
Full suspension mountain bikes command a significantly higher starting price due to the added technology. Entry-level full-suspension MTBs begin in the region of £2000. As you increase your budget, you’ll gain access to superior suspension components (front and rear), smoother and more robust gearing, and more responsive and powerful brakes. Carbon frames become an option at higher price points, starting around £4000.
HYBRID/COMMUTER BIKES
Types of Hybrid Bikes:
- On-Road Hybrid Bikes
- Off-Road Hybrid Bikes
- Front Suspension Hybrid Bikes
Purpose of Hybrid Bikes
Hybrid bikes, also known as commuter or city bikes, are versatile bike types that blend features from road bikes and mountain bikes. They offer a balance of capabilities, sacrificing specialization for adaptability.
What are hybrid bikes? Hybrid bikes are characterized by flat handlebars instead of drop handlebars. Some models include front suspension to absorb bumps on roads or trails, while others are rigid. Designed for versatility and comfort, they offer a comfortable riding position similar to mountain bikes but with smoother, narrower tires. Tire versatility is a key feature; you can switch to more off-road oriented tires for trail riding or slicker tires for efficient commuting on tarmac, or choose something in between.
Choose a Hybrid Bike If: Your primary use is commuting, city riding, and occasional off-road or light trail riding.
Avoid a Hybrid Bike If: You aim for high-speed road cycling in full lycra or tackling challenging mountain bike trails with maximum dexterity.
Hybrid Bike Price Range
Reliable and safe hybrid bikes start around £500. Investing more will get you upgrades like better gears, brakes, and lighter frames. Carbon hybrid bikes are available, starting around £1500.
GRAVEL ROAD BIKES
Purpose of Gravel Bikes
Also known as Gravel Bikes (and sometimes adventure bikes or cyclocross bikes), these bike types are inspired by the early days of road cycling, where riders adapted their road bikes for off-season training on varied terrain. A gravel bike is an excellent year-round option if you want a fast road bike that can also handle off-road adventures. Our blog compares road bikes vs gravel bikes in detail.
Gravel bikes are available in men’s and women’s specific frames. For women’s specific options, explore Liv Gravel bikes.
Cyclocross bikes are a subtype designed for racing on specific off-road courses, while adventure bikes are geared towards bikepacking, featuring wider handlebars and more frame mounts for luggage. For steel gravel bike options, consider Genesis Gravel bikes.
Defining Characteristics of Gravel Bikes: The most distinctive feature is drop handlebars, similar to road bikes, rather than the flat handlebars of hybrids. Like hybrids, gravel bikes offer ample tire clearance for wider, knobby tires and mudguards. However, gravel bikes retain more of a road bike feel compared to hybrids.
Choose a Gravel Bike If: You prefer drop handlebars and want a road bike that can confidently handle occasional off-road excursions.
Avoid a Gravel Bike 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
Gravel bikes, like road bikes, typically start at a higher price point than more basic bike types. Entry-level gravel bikes with aluminum frames and carbon forks start around £799. Full carbon frames and forks begin at approximately £2000, with top-tier models reaching upwards of £10,000.
FOLDING BIKES
Purpose of Folding Bikes
Folding bikes prioritize convenience and practicality. They are designed to fold into a compact size for easy storage under a desk at work, in a corner at home, or for transport on public transit. Ideal for those with limited storage space or concerns about bike theft.
Folding bikes, particularly the renowned Brompton brand, are engineered to collapse into a small, manageable size. This makes them perfect for commuters who combine cycling with train or bus travel, or for anyone needing to store a bike in tight spaces like apartments or cars.
Defining Characteristics of Folding Bikes: Folding bikes feature frames that fold compactly, often utilizing small wheels. They typically offer a more upright riding position for comfort and maneuverability in urban environments.
Choose a Folding Bike If: You need a bike for commuting but face storage limitations or need to combine cycling with public transportation.
Avoid a Folding Bike 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, known for their premium design, start from approximately £1500 for C-line models (steel frame and forks) and £4250 for top-of-the-line T-Line models with titanium frames and forks.
ELECTRIC BIKES (E-BIKES)
Types of Electric Bikes:
Purpose of Electric Bikes
Electric bikes are designed to make cycling easier, whether for commuting, road riding, or mountain biking. The range of electric bike types now includes folding, road, hybrid, and mountain models.
Electric bikes are pedal-assist bicycles equipped with a battery and motor. While heavier than traditional bikes due to these components, they provide a significant boost to your pedaling power, particularly helpful on hills. Most e-bikes offer various levels of assistance, allowing you to adjust the level of effort required.
When you pedal, the motor engages, providing a boost that feels like a strong tailwind. This assistance allows you to maintain a steady pace and cover distances with less exertion. (Regulations in the UK limit motor assistance to a maximum speed of 15.5mph). Electric hybrid bikes are particularly popular, but electric mountain bikes are also favored by those who enjoy downhill riding but find uphill climbs challenging. The diverse range now includes folding electric bikes, electric road bikes, e-hybrids, and e-MTBs. Explore our guide to the best electric bikes for more information.
Defining Characteristics of Electric Bikes: An electric bike is essentially a hybrid, mountain, road, or folding bike frame equipped with a battery and motor system.
Choose an Electric Bike If: You want to cover longer distances with less effort or tackle hills with ease.
Avoid an Electric Bike If: You prioritize intense physical workouts and “feeling the burn.” For more e-bike information, see our E-bike Jargon Buster.
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 starting around £1500, while center-drive motor models typically begin at approximately £2000. Brompton electric folding bikes, which use a front hub motor, start from £2900. Electric cargo bikes start around £2700.
ELECTRIC CARGO BIKES
Purpose of Electric Cargo Bikes
Electric cargo bikes are designed as a car alternative, capable of transporting passengers, groceries, or deliveries. The electric motor assist is crucial for managing the extra weight.
Electric Cargo Bikes are gaining popularity as a sustainable transport solution, ideal for replacing car trips for errands, school runs, or deliveries. Brands like Tern, Riese & Muller, and Specialized E-Bikes offer a range of accessories to customize cargo bikes for specific needs.
Equipped with powerful Bosch motors and batteries, they provide effortless transport and extended range.
Defining Characteristics of Electric Cargo Bikes: Cargo bikes feature an extended front or rear platform for carrying cargo or passengers. A powerful motor and large battery are essential for handling heavy loads and providing ample range.
Choose a Cargo Bike If: You need a car alternative for transporting passengers or heavy cargo.
Avoid a Cargo Bike If: You don’t require significant cargo capacity. 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 is approximately £4500.
WOMEN’S BIKES
Purpose of Women’s Bikes
Women’s bikes are designed to enhance comfort and efficiency for women, considering differences in body proportions. Many manufacturers now favor unisex frames, but brands like Liv continue to offer female-specific geometry.
Ladies bikes are designed with smaller frame sizes and frame geometry tailored to women’s proportions. Step-through frames, originally designed for riders wearing skirts or dresses, are often featured, though step-through designs are now largely unisex. See our women’s bike size guide for sizing assistance.
We encourage riders of all genders to choose bikes based on fit and comfort. While we offer a range of women’s bikes, these models are not exclusively for women. Women can comfortably ride “men’s” bikes, and vice versa, if it suits their body and riding style.
Explore our blog on the best women’s road bikes.
Defining Characteristics of Women’s Bikes: Typically feature smaller and lighter frames with a shorter top tube (crossbar), wider women’s specific saddles, and often narrower handlebars with smaller diameter grips.
Choose a Women’s Bike If: It provides the best combination of fit, comfort, and style for you.
Avoid a Women’s Bike If: The geometry doesn’t align with your comfort preferences or riding style.
TOURING BIKES
Purpose of Touring Bikes
Touring bikes are road bike derivatives adapted for carrying loads over long distances. Designed for extended rides, they prioritize stability, practicality, and rider comfort over pure performance. They are equipped to accommodate pannier racks, mudguards, and slightly wider tires. Steel frames are often favored for their comfort and durability.
Defining Characteristics of Touring Bikes: Touring bikes can have drop or flat handlebars, wider tires, and ample clearance for mudguards and panniers. Geometry is designed for long-distance comfort with a more relaxed riding position.
Consider a Touring Bike If: You plan to undertake long-distance cycling trips, want a robust commuter capable of touring, or need to carry significant loads.
Don’t Consider a Touring Bike If: Your needs are better met by a road bike, mountain bike, hybrid bike, or gravel bike.
Touring Bike Price Range
Quality steel frame flat-bar touring bikes typically start around £1000. Prices increase based on the grade of steel used and handlebar configuration.
KIDS BIKES
Purpose of Kids Bikes
Kids bikes are specifically designed for children. Whether you need a balance bike for a toddler, a junior mountain bike for an older child, or a road bike for a teenager, there’s a wide range of options available. A common question is: What size bike does my child need?
Defining Characteristics of Kids Bikes: Kids bikes are smaller in size with components designed for smaller hands and bodies.
Choose a Kid’s Bike If: You are buying for a child who wants to cycle!
Avoid a Kid’s Bike If: A small adult bike might be a better fit for a very tall child or small adult.
Kids Bike Price Range
While budget-friendly kids bikes exist, we prioritize lightweight and high-quality bikes that children will enjoy riding. Our kids bike range starts around £270, varying based on the child’s age and size.
Single Speed Bikes
Purpose of Single Speed Bikes
Single speed bikes offer simplicity and fitness benefits.
A single speed bike has one gear ratio, with a single chainring and cog. It allows freewheeling downhill. The primary advantage is minimal maintenance, as there are no gears to adjust, resulting in longer chain and cog lifespan due to reduced wear. This makes them excellent commuter or leisure bikes, especially in winter conditions with salt and moisture. Read our full blog on single speed bikes for more details.
The Genesis Flyer is a great example – affordable, robust, low-maintenance, and capable of accepting mudguards and racks.
Bonus Fact: The key difference between a single speed and a ‘fixie’ is that a single speed freewheels, while a fixie does not.
Fat Bikes
Fat bikes are a mountain bike subtype featuring extra-wide tires, typically 3.8″ wide or more. The increased tire width provides exceptional traction on loose surfaces like sand and snow, enabling cycling in conditions where other bikes struggle. Most fat bikes are hardtails, but full suspension fat bikes are also available.
Triathlon Bikes
Triathlon bikes, also known as TT (Time Trial) bikes, are designed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency on paved roads. They feature narrow road tires, aerodynamic frames, and TT bars, optimizing rider position for speed. You’ll see professional cyclists using these in time trial stages of races like the Tour de France.
Tandem Bikes
A tandem bike is built for two riders. Ideal for cycling with a partner or sharing the workload over long distances, tandems can achieve higher speeds than solo riders (assuming equal effort from both riders).
BMX Bikes
BMX (Bicycle Motocross) bikes are designed for racing on dirt tracks with jumps and berms. They are also popular for stunts, tricks, and bike park riding. BMXs feature small wheels and compact frames for maximum maneuverability and responsiveness.
Tricycles
Tricycles have three wheels, providing enhanced stability for riders who struggle with balance on two wheels or have mobility limitations. 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 cycling experience with a laid-back, reclined riding position. Some models position the rider almost flat on their back. Recumbents 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, meaning no freewheeling, and lack brakes; speed regulation is achieved through leg resistance. Track cycling is a thrilling and highly recommended cycling discipline.
Choosing the right bike type is essential for enjoying cycling to the fullest. Consider your primary riding activities, terrain, and desired riding style to select the bicycle that best suits your needs. Happy riding!
