| Currently there are many types of bicycles available. | | | | standard bicycle. |
| Even so, the standard safety bicycle design developed | | | | Low rider bicycles are normally home-built, |
| in the 1800's is the basis of our current bicycle designs. | | | | extraordinary customized bikes. They have normally |
| The types of bicycle most commonly used today are | | | | got an old-school curled banana seat with a extremely |
| mountain bikes, cruisers, touring bicycles, racing bikes, | | | | tall sissy bar. Ape-hangers are the norm for |
| BMX's and utility bikes. The class a bicycle falls in | | | | handlebars, giving the bicycle a "chopper" look & |
| hinges on a number of elements; style of construction, | | | | feel. They're normally chromed to the limit and have |
| number of passengers, gearing and propulsion. | | | | glittery, high spoke-count wheels. |
| Mountain bicycles were intended for trail and mountain | | | | Recumbent bikes & trikes are designed so that |
| riding where the terrain is tough. The frames are | | | | the rider is reclining back in a low-statured position. Also |
| constructed to resist the rough treatment of riding in | | | | commonly referred to as 'bents. The seat supports the |
| natural settings. In addition, special tires and gearing | | | | passengers back and the legs are extended forward |
| make it easier for riders to get the power they require | | | | to the pedals. The seat and pedals are usually at the |
| to keep moving. | | | | same height. Tires used on recumbents are commonly |
| BMX bicycles are another unique style. These cycles | | | | smaller and farther apart than they are on an upright |
| usually have little 16 - 24 inch traction treaded tires. | | | | bike. Recumbents can be guided using either over- or |
| They are small framed, making them easier to | | | | under- seat steering. |
| maneuver and much faster. BMX bikes are usually | | | | There are other types of human powered vehicles |
| used for racing and even for doing fantastic tricks. | | | | referred to as "bikes" too. Though they are not |
| Racing cycles are designed for road cycling and they | | | | technically regarded as bicycles, they work on the |
| are all about speed. They're light weight and have | | | | same general principles. They include unicycles, |
| excellent handling. Racing bicycles use drop handlebars, | | | | tricycles and quadracycles. Fun to ride, no doubt, none |
| positioned lower than the saddle. This puts the riders | | | | of these styles are used very often. |
| body in the best possible aerodynamic posture. The | | | | Despite the multitude of bicycles that are commercially |
| closeness of the derailleur gear ratios permit the rider | | | | available, there are always those that want to |
| to pedal at the most effective cadence. | | | | construct their own. Building a bicycle, trike, or tandem |
| Touring bikes are unique in that they have racks | | | | at home is fun and not awful hard. In fact, nearly |
| mounted on them to carry the riders gear. These | | | | anybody with a can-do attitude, a a couple of tools |
| racks are attached to the frame of the bicycle in front | | | | and some simple instruction could build a decent |
| and back. The wheel base is also longer than on a | | | | bicycle. |
| standard bike, which makes it able to carry more | | | | Bike building can be done in a shed or garage and it's |
| weight. Also, features such as wider tires and | | | | an excellent small project. For individuals that want a |
| additional water bottle mounts are commonly | | | | custom-made bike without the custom built cost it's an |
| incorporated. | | | | excellent choice. The bicycle you make could bring |
| Tandem bicycles carry two or more passengers at | | | | back a old-time style or lead the pack into the future |
| once. Tandem refers to the way the seats of the | | | | of bike construction. |
| bicycle are set up, and not to the number of | | | | Whether you decide to ride a factory built bicycle or a |
| passengers it will carry. All the passengers of a | | | | unique custom bike, the important thing is to get out |
| tandem bike pedal, providing power. In most tandem | | | | there and ride! Next time, we'll discuss the important |
| set ups, the front rider controls the steering just like in a | | | | topic of bicycle safety. |