| There are many different kinds of bicycles. Most | | | | Racing bicycles. A racing bike is much lighter than |
| people have a standard picture of a bicycle in their | | | | other bicycles and is built for speed. It will usually have |
| mind, but there are actually quite a few varieties. The | | | | very thin, high-pressure tires to minimize resistance and |
| word "bicycle" necessarily means two wheels, but | | | | many gears to optimize the riders' effort output. Within |
| there are many different wheel arrangements, the | | | | racing bicycles, there are two other categories: time |
| most common being unicycles and tricycles. There are | | | | trial bikes and track bikes. Time trial bikes are similar to |
| also bikes that are meant for more than one rider, | | | | road bikes or racing bikes, except that they are |
| which are called tandem bicycles. There was once a | | | | constructed so that the rider is in an extremely |
| bicycle constructed for 40 riders. Even within the | | | | aerodynamic position. Track bikes are meant for use |
| somewhat standard two-wheel, one-passenger | | | | on specific bicycle tracks or velodromes, and are |
| category, there are still some significant differences. | | | | bare-bones (with only one gear and no brakes). |
| Some of the various categories of bicycles include: | | | | Touring bicycles. Touring bikes are meant for long |
| Utility bicycles. A utility bicycle is built for comfort, as it is | | | | journeys, so they are built for comfort. Because they |
| often wide, heavy, and may have a basket. It is a | | | | are designed for traveling over long distances, they are |
| "traditional" bicycle in that many people have a picture | | | | sometimes equipped with racks for luggage and large |
| of this in their mind when they think of a bike. It is | | | | bags. |
| meant for general recreation, errand running, etc. | | | | Recumbent bicycles. Recumbent bicycles are different |
| Mountain bicycles. A mountain bike is designed for | | | | from the others because the rider is seated in an |
| off-road or trail riding. They are typically very durable | | | | almost reclining position instead of the more traditional |
| frames, often fairly wide, and have thick, wide-gauge | | | | "upright" style. They are designed for the utmost rider |
| tires for enhanced traction. They may also have some | | | | comfort and minimal wind resistance. Because the |
| form of suspension to help the rider react to rough | | | | supine position of the rider can be more comfortable, |
| terrain. | | | | they are also well-suited for longer distances. |