What type of bikes

Cruisers usually have wide "balloon" tires, and handlebars that are even more upright, and in some cases, swept back compared to hybrid bikes. Most cruiser bikes are single-speed or 3-speed, and have the old-fashioned coaster brake where you pedal backwards to stop. They can be used for short-distance commuting and errands, as long as your route is fairly flat.

Some cruiser bike manufacturers make a wide array of colorful models available, to suit the fashion tastes of any bike afficionado. Flat-Foot Comfort Bicycles are a sub-category of cruiser bikes. They have an elongated frame design that pushes the pedals a few inches forward of the seat. This allows you to ride with the seat low enough so that you can place your feet flat on the ground when you are stopped, but you still get the full extension of your legs while pedaling.

All Electra Bicycle Company bikes have the flat-foot technology; some other manufacturers have created their own flat-foot designs. The term "city bike" doesn't really refer to a specific category of bikes; it's more of a general descriptive term.

They might also be called "commuter" or "urban" bikes, although many of the bikes listed on this page can be used quite well for riding and commuting in a city. However, there is a certain type of bike that some people have in mind when they use the term "city bike. A city bike might also have some or all of these features that make it more amenable to riding in regular clothes, as opposed to cycling-specific clothing:. A city bike might also have an internally-geared rear hub for ease of use and maintenance, and a built-in generator and lights for safety when riding after dark.

These bikes are also sometimes called "Dutch bikes," because of their resemblance to the everyday bikes used in Amsterdam and other bike-friendly European cities.

BMX Bicycles are popular with kids because of their small size, but they are used by adults and kids alike for various styles of trick and stunt riding. Folding Bicycles are ideal for those who need to travel with their bike, want a bike to keep on their boat or plane, or who live in small apartments and don't have a lot of storage space.

They're also good for commuters who need to take their bike on a bus or train for part of their commute, or who don't have a safe place to park their bike at work.

Most folding bikes have smaller wheels, which makes the bike a little less efficient and trickier to handle than a standard bike, but most folding bike fans feel the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Recumbent Bicycles have a long, low design and a full-size seat with a backrest. Recumbents are available in two-wheel and three-wheel designs.

Many recumbent riders feel that they are the most comfortable option available for bicycling. However, they are more difficult to pedal up hills, and they can be a challenge to carry from one place to another in a motor vehicle. Tandem Bicycles are "bicycles built for two. Adult Trikes are ideal for older folks who still want to get around under their own power, or those with balance issues or other special needs.

Car Racks. Gift Cards. So Many Choices When trying to decide on the best type of bike, think about these questions: Who do you ride with? What do they ride? What have you had in the past that you liked? What have you had in the past that you disliked?

Where would you like to ride your new bike? Road Bikes Road bicycles are designed to be ridden fast on smooth pavement. Get a road bike if: You want fast, efficient cycling on tarmac roads for commuting, competing, or for fun. Icy roads can also be a problem for road bikes. Defining characteristics: Wide, knobbly tyres for traction, and a wide range of gears to help you get up and over mountains or across fields.

Others have neither. Here's our Guide to full suspension vs hardtail. They give you the versatility to do a bit of everything. What you sacrifice in terms of speciality, you gain by being able to do what you want, when you want.

Defining characteristics: Hybrid bikes have flat handlebars instead of drop handlebars. Defining characteristics: The easiest to spot is the drop handlebars like a road bike, instead of the flat handlebars of a hybrid. A cross bike has more of a road bike feel than a hybrid does. They also fit neatly into a car or hall cupboard.

Defining characteristics: A folding frame and small wheels; a more upright geometry. Electric bikes are, as the name suggests, part electric. Under UK legislation, the motor has to stop helping you once you hit Height of seat While straddling the bike, make sure your feet can touch the ground when you stop.

Also measure the length of your leg from the bottom of your foot to your groin. If the seat is higher than the measurement, the bike is most likely too tall for you. A used motorcycle may be less expensive, but could cost more in repairs and maintenance in the long run. Check out the table below for more information that can help you choose between a new and used motorcycle. Motorcycle carrier: these are specialized trucking companies that only ship motorcycles and will have the most experience handling bikes.

They usually offer the best insurance coverage, as well. Auto transport companies: These firms ship vehicles either in open or closed trailers. Agents and carriers: Although some agents have their own fleet of trucks, many others will act like brokers and simply find a third party to transport your motorcycle for you.

This can save you time finding a specialized carrier, but if the agent or broker recommends a commercial carrier be sure the company has the right equipment to ship your bike safely. Should you get a new or used motorcycle? Pros of buying a used motorcycle Cons of buying a used motorcycle Less expensive. Unknown history. Lower insurance cost. While not always the case, a used bike may be less expensive to insure than a new one in the same style.

Click here for more information on insurance cost. Hidden costs. Upkeep costs may be higher, depending on the level of maintenance required. Good for practice. New riders are still learning and may not want to risk damaging a new bike. Lacks new technology. Used bikes may not have the latest safety features.

New bikes typically come with a warranty to protect against mechanical problems.