What Type of Bike Should You Buy? 15 Types to Pick From

Download Article

The different kinds of bicycles & what each one is best for

Co-authored by Samantha Fulton, BA

Last Updated: September 8, 2026 Fact Checked

Download Article

For Different Surfaces

|

For Different Speeds & Distances

|

Specialty Bikes

|

Choosing a Bike

|

Video

If you’re trying to decide which kind of bike you need, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover different types of bikes based on categories like which surface and which speed and distance they’re designed for. Plus, we’ll provide tips on how to choose the right bike, so keep reading!

What are some different types of bicycles?

Download Image

An image of the different types of bikes and what terrain and conditions they’re best for.

Different types of bikes include road bikes for paved surfaces, mountain bikes for rough terrain, touring bikes for long-distance, and cruiser bikes for leisure. Bikes can be sorted by the surface they’re designed for, what speed or distance they can go, or special features (like tandem bikes, for two riders).

Section 1 of 4:

Types of Bikes for Different Surfaces

Download Article

1
Road bike Road bikes are designed for paved surfaces. They have lightweight aluminum or carbon frames and tend to have light tire rims to help with aerodynamics. They’ve got smooth tires to reduce resistance and curved drop handlebars for better positioning.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Best for: Quick commutes, fitness and exercise, group rides
2
Mountain bike Mountain bikes are designed for off-road cycling (mountain biking, as the name implies). These bikes have wider tires than road bikes with more durability and a knobby tread pattern for traction. They feature flat handlebars that allow you to stay upright when making an uphill climb.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Best for: Rough and unpaved terrain like dirt trails, steep hills
Advertisement
3
Gravel bike Gravel bikes are like the all-terrain vehicle of bicycles. They have wide tires with more traction, making them comfortable to ride on rough roads and trails. Plus, they have drop bars and light enough tires that you can still take your gravel bike for a spin on paved roads. Most gravel bikes also have extra mounting points, so you can carry bags and water bottles for long trips.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Best for: Exploration, varying terrains, commuting, bikepacking
4
Fat bike Fat bikes have tires that are 3.8 inches (9.65 cm) or wider. They’re designed to navigate difficult terrain that a regular road or mountain bike might not be able to. This includes snow, sand, and mud. Their design allows them to stay maneuverable and nimble, despite the extra weight. They’re a bit slower, but the aim of a fat bike is stability.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Best for: Tricky terrains and bumpy/rough paths, extra comfort and stability
5
Hybrid bike A hybrid bike is a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike. It has the light frame and efficient wheels of a road bike, with the tough build, flat handlebars, and wide gear range of a mountain bike. This means your hybrid bike will be able to handle varied terrain, including city streets or dirt tracks, all while keeping you comfortable.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Best for: Everyday commutes, recreational riding, light train exploration

Section 2 of 4:

Types of Bikes for Different Speeds & Distances

Download Article

1
Single-speed bike Single-speed bikes have no gears, or only one gear ratio. This simple setup makes them lighter, easier to maintain, and ideal for everyday city use. Single-speed bikes are able to coast or freewheel when you stop pedaling, making your commute a breeze.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Best for: Short and flat commutes, new cyclers who don’t want to deal with gears
2
Triathlon bike Triathlon bikes are designed for aerodynamics for triathlon racing. They have a forward-positioned saddle and lower bars than a classic road bike. They can climb, descend, and accelerate quickly. The key feature of a triathlon bike is that it positions the rider to move at a faster speed than the road bike but with the same level of effort.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Best for: Triathlon courses and similar terrains (typically flat and straight)
3
Touring bike Touring bikes are designed specifically for durability and stability on long-distance trips, often with heavy gear. They typically have drop handlebars for a more comfortable position. Plus, they have a longer wheelbase with more distance between the front and rear wheel for added stability, so you can carry your heavy loads.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Best for: Long-distance bike travel, multi-day road trips, carrying heavy cargo loads
4
Electric bike Electric bikes are just like regular bikes, except they have a built-in electric motor and a rechargeable battery. This allows you to travel further without getting as tired as you would on a normal bike. They usually have multiple modes, allowing you to opt for pedal-only, pedal-assist, or electric-only, depending on which effort level you want.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Best for: Easier daily travel, replacing short drives, riding further and on steeper terrain without using as much energy
5
Cruiser bike Cruiser bikes are designed for relaxing and comfortable rides. They have wide tires, are generally low-speed, and are used for leisure in places like the beach. They have wide seats and are constructed for relaxed, upright riding. These bikes are all about enjoying the scenery and having a pleasant coast to wherever you’re going.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Best for: Daily exercise, running errands, leisure rides

Section 3 of 4:

Types of Specialty Bikes

Download Article

1
BMX bike BMX is short for bicycle motocross. These bikes have small frames, short wheelbases, and robust construction, making them perfect for extreme sports and stunt riding. They’re designed for agility and maneuverability.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Best for: Skate parks, dirt tracks, urban landscapes
2
Tandem bike Tandem bikes are designed for two riders to pedal together on the same bicycle. They have two sets of pedals, two saddles, and typically two handlebars. The front rider steers, brakes, and shifts gears, while the back rider pedals and maintains balance. Tandem bikes are perfect for a fun bonding activity outdoors.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Best for: Recreational and leisure riding, short trips, building teamwork
3
Recumbent bike Recumbent bikes have a laid-back, reclined seating position. They feature a broad seat with a backrest, which makes riding more comfortable. The pedals are positioned in front of you to help distribute weight and reduce pressure on your joints and lower back. This is ideal for those who have mobility challenges or are recovering from an injury.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Best for: Rehabilitation, low-impact cardio workouts, back and joint support
4
Folding bike Folding bikes, as their name implies, can be folded into a compact form. This allows for easy transportation and storage. These bikes are portable so you can take them on public transportation, and they’re easy to store at work or in your home so you don’t have to lock your bike on a rack. They have small wheels, which can make them maneuverable with a lower center of gravity—perfect for beginner cyclers.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- Best for: City living, world travel, group rides
5
Electric cargo bike Electric cargo bikes make it easier to run errands without a car. These bikes have an electric motor and rechargeable battery, just like regular electric bikes. Plus, they have built-in space for carrying loads like groceries or luggage.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- Best for: Car-free lifestyle, toting heavy loads, food delivery

Section 4 of 4:

How to Choose the Right Bike

Download Article

1
Consider the terrain you’ll be riding on. The right bike for you will work on the type of surfaces you’re riding on. Are you using your bike for flat, paved roads? Go with a road or single-speed bike. Do you want to do some off-roading? Consider a hybrid or mountain bike!^{[16]
X
Research source}
- You’ll also want to factor in whether you’re riding on steep or flat terrain, so you can get a bike with a gear system to support your rides!
2
Decide what type of rides you’ll use the bike for. If you’re doing leisure rides, you’ll need a different bike than you would for long-distance cycling. Consider what purpose you need your bike to serve before choosing one. For instance, if your priority is comfort, try a cruiser. If you want to do some longer, overnight trips, consider a touring bike.^{[17]
X
Research source}
3
Get the right fit. Bikes are not one size fits all, so make sure you get a frame that fits your body. For a bike with a diamond frame, you can gauge fit by standing over the bike—the top bar of the frame should be about 1-2 inches (3-5 cm) from your body.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- When in doubt, ask a professional. Go to a bike store and ask to be measured to make sure you get the correct size.
4
Go for a test ride. Try out a couple different bikes before deciding. If you’re feeling super uncomfortable during a test ride, odds are you need to try a different bike. Test out different scenarios, like braking, different inclines, and riding over uneven pavement.^{[19]
X
Research source}