| Bicycles have come a long way since the Penny | | | | most these days also have dual suspension. |
| Farthing, though the general concept hasn't actually | | | | Importantly they also have very low gear ratios so |
| changed that much since the 19th century. The main | | | | that riders are able to get up hills effectively. But on |
| difference now, you'll be pleased to know, is that | | | | the downside, full mountain bikes aren't really very |
| bikes are far more comfortable than they were back | | | | good for cycling on roads because the chunky tyres |
| then! It's difficult now to imagine a bicycle made out | | | | cause a lot of drag. |
| of wood, or solid rubber tyres, though I'm sure back | | | | If you're not into hurtling down a mountain, but |
| then bike manufacturers would not have dreamed a | | | | perhaps want to cycle on a few forest trails, and |
| bicycle would have its own suspension either! | | | | some roads, a hybrid bicycle is probably better for |
| One thing which is more difficult nowadays than it | | | | you. These are really a cross between a mountain |
| was in the 19th century is choosing the right bicycle. | | | | bike and the old fashioned utility bikes. It's built to be |
| Bike designs have really evolved, and rather than one | | | | more practical for a variety of uses - the chunky |
| bicycle fits all (as was the case back then), there's a | | | | tyres aren't so chunky that you get loads of drag, so |
| variety of different bikes available, suitable for | | | | they're ok on roads, yet they're chunky enough to |
| different purposes. | | | | handle tracks and light off-roading. Many of the |
| So how do you know what kind of bike will be best | | | | hybrids now come with front suspension forks, |
| for you? Well you first need to start by deciding on | | | | easing the shocks your wrists take if you're cycling |
| what you want yours for. | | | | on uneven ground. |
| If it's for a casual jaunt down the road, there's no | | | | Tourers, or touring bicycles, are very popular too. |
| point in buying a full suspension mountain bike! Equally, | | | | These are closest in design to a racing bicycle, but |
| a racing bike would be pointless for you too! So | | | | the frames are a little bulkier and heavier because |
| maybe we should look at what exactly is available on | | | | they're designed to be able to handle heavier loads. |
| the market... | | | | Tourers come with either straight handlebars or |
| The four major types of bicycle popular for sale | | | | dropped handlebars, depending on your preference, |
| today are racing bicycles, mountain bikes, tourers, | | | | plus an extensive gear range so that you can make it |
| and hybrids. Racing bikes are designed for speed and | | | | up hills, but also get a good speed going down hills |
| aerodynamics, and as such they have dropped | | | | too. The main feature of touring bicycles is their |
| handlebars, narrow tyres, and little in the way of | | | | pannier racks. These can be front or rear, or both, |
| extras so as to keep the weight down. These are | | | | mounted, and carry specially designed bicycle pannier |
| fine for cyclists who want to cover fair distances at | | | | bags. As the name of this bike suggests, it's designed |
| higher speeds, but would be no good for extended | | | | for touring i.e. going long distances. |
| cycling trips if all you're relying on is a bike. | | | | So those are the big four, and probably the most |
| Mountain bikes have really risen to popularity in the | | | | popular around the world for people who want a |
| last decade or so. Buying a full mountain bike is | | | | bicycle for leisure purposes. Alternatives include BMX |
| probably pointless unless you're intending to go | | | | bicycles, Cruiser bicycles, Tandems, Choppers, and |
| tearing up and down mountains! Mountain bikes have | | | | fold-up bikes. |
| very sturdy and chunky frames, chunky tyres, and | | | | |