The Ultimate Guide to Choosing your Bike Type

Making sense of the differences between the many bike types such as gravel, hybrid, comfort, and more

When I was young, things were so much simpler. There were basically two types of bikes – 10-speed bikes and, well, plain old ordinary ‘bikes’ for the rest of us.

Now, with a myriad of different types of bikes available – like road, cruisers, mountain, gravel, hybrid, etc – it can be very confusing. But by digging in just a little, you can make sense of the hullaballoo.

Learning the seemingly subtle differences between bike types can help you understand what’s best for you. It also highlights why modern bike choices are so much better for certain uses than the standard bikes of days-gone-by. Advancements are a good thing!

Here’s a breakdown of each type with a short description of what they are made for, as well as a list of the their main features to really drive home what sets them apart from each other.

Mountain Bike

Built for riding on rugged off-road and mountainous terrain including rocky trails, steep descents, and technical obstacles.

Distinguishing features:

• Sturdy frame to handle the bumps and jolts of trails
• Wide, knobby tires for traction on rough terrain
• Suspension system for shock absorption
• Straight, wide handlebars for increased leverage, control and agility on trails
• Upright riding position for easier shifting of weight and visibility of the trail ahead
• Multiple gears for both climbing steep inclines and for speed on flat areas
• Disc brakes for reliable stopping power on descents

Additional features can include:

• Tubeless tire compatibility for reduced puncture risk and the ability to run lower tire pressure to provide better grip and traction
• Dropper seatpost for on-the-fly saddle height adjustment, aiding in technical descents

A great example is the Specialized Rockhopper.

Road Bike

Designed for fast and efficient riding on smooth paved surfaces such as roads, pathways and highways.

Distinguishing features:

• Lightweight frame for speed and efficiency
• Narrow tires with minimal tread for reduced rolling resistance
• Drop handlebars for aerodynamic riding position
• Typically lacks suspension to enable maximum power transfer
• Geared towards high-speed riding on smooth, paved surfaces

Additional features can include:

• Frame design with integrated cables for improved aerodynamics and sleek appearance
• Carbon fiber fork for lightweight, responsive handling and vibration dampening

Gravel Bike

Designed for versatile off-road exploration such as gravel roads, dirt trails, and rough paths while maintaining comfort and efficiency for long-distance rides (sort of a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike).

Distinguishing features:

• Versatile frame with endurance-oriented geometry
• Wide tires with knobby tread for traction on a variety of surfaces including gravel, dirt and pavement
• Drop handlebars for multiple hand positions
• Typically equipped with disc brakes for all-weather stopping power
• Mounting points for racks and fenders for bike-packing and touring

Additional features can include:

• Additional frame mounts for extra water bottle cages or frame bags, enhancing carrying capacity on long rides
• Wide gear range with lower gearing for tackling steep gravel climbs while maintaining speed on descents

Hybrid Bike

Designed for urban commuting and recreational riding, offering a comfortable and efficient ride on both paved roads and light off-road trails (a bit less ‘mountain-y’ and more ‘road-y’ than a gravel bike).

Distinguishing features:

• Upright riding position with flat handlebars for comfort
• Medium-width tires suitable for both paved and light off-road riding
• Mounting points for racks and other accessories ideal for commuting or touring
• Wide range of gears to easily tackle various inclines and terrains with efficiency
• Comfortable saddle to provide support during short commutes and longer rides

Additional features can include:

• Mudguards and fenders for ‘cleaner’ urban commuting
• Built-in kickstand for convenient parking and easy storage during quick stops on city streets

Comfort Bike

Designed for short to moderate leisurely rides, recreational cycling, and commuting focused on a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Distinguishing features:

• Upright riding position for comfort
• Wide, padded saddle for cushioning
• Wide tires for stability and shock absorption
• Suspension fork to reduce the impact of bumps and vibrations
• Lighter weight than a mountain bike
• Typically lacks aggressive features for speed or technical terrain

Additional features can include:

• Suspension seat-post for enhanced shock absorption and comfort over bumps
• Gel-padded grips for reduced hand fatigue and increased comfort on longer rides

Cruiser Bike

Designed for laid-back short trips and relaxed casual biking in flat, scenic areas such as pathways, boardwalks, beach-fronts, or around town.

Distinguishing features:

• Classic, retro-style frame design
• Upright riding position with swept-back handlebars for a comfortable position
• Wide, balloon tires for a smooth ride
• Coaster brake for simplicity
• Typically lacks multiple gears or advanced features for simplicity

Additional features can include:

• Front basket or rack for carrying belongings, groceries, or other essentials while cruising around town
• Internal gearing hub for a clean aesthetic and low maintenance requirements

Commuter Bike

Designed for efficient and comfortable transportation during daily urban or suburban commutes.

Distinguishing features:

• Fenders and chain guards for clothing protection from dirt and grime
• Racks or baskets for carrying cargo
• Lights for night riding and reflectors for visibility in traffic
• Wide range of gears to accommodate varying grades/inclines
• More upright position for comfort and to better see the road and traffic ahead

Additional features can include:

• Integrated dynamo hub for powering lights without the need for batteries or recharging
• Theft deterrents such as quick-release wheel locks when parking in public spaces

Fat Tire Bike

Designed for riding on soft, unstable terrains like snow, sand, and mud, as well as providing a smooth and stable ride on rough trails, rocky paths, and urban streets with obstacles.

Distinguishing features:

• Extra wide tires for enhanced traction and improved stability
• Low Tire Pressure for shock absorption
• Flat or riser handlebars for better control and comfort
• Sturdy frame and fork made from materials like aluminum or steel
• Disc Brakes for reliable stopping power in all conditions
• A range of gears to handle various terrains

Additional features can include:

• Wide Pedals to provide better support and grip for the rider’s feet.
• Some models include front suspension forks for additional shock absorption.

Cyclocross Bike

A bike specially designed for cyclocross racing, which is off-road racing usually on closed circuits with a variety of terrains and obstacles:

Distinguishing features:

• Lightweight frame with aggressive geometry
• Wide tire clearance for mud shedding
• Drop handlebars for multiple hand positions
• Higher bottom bracket for clearance over obstacles
• Typically features cantilever or disc brakes for mud clearance and stopping power

Additional features can include:

• Wide top tube for shouldering the bike during obstacles on the cyclocross course
• Reinforced frame and components to withstand the rigors of cyclocross racing and off-road riding

I hope you now have a much clearer picture of the difference between bike types. The beauty of understanding the features of each is to help you decide what’s best for you.

Arming yourself with the above knowledge definitely helps when purchasing a bike, whether through a trip to your local bike shop or when perusing second hand bikes online using a classified ads site like 9 Bears. You’ll better know what you want and what features you are looking for.

Also be aware that you aren’t necessarily restricted to just these types – your local bike shop can often swap out some components if you feel that a particular seat, handle bar etc will suit your needs better. Take your ride and make it your own!

by: Cory Willins

Cory is a dynamic and passionate content writer, specializing in sports-related topics. With over a decade of experience in the field, Cory has established… read more