Choosing a bicycle for transportation - Part 3: The types of bicycles

Today we will talk about the different types of bicycles that are ideal for transportation. However, these suggestions are preferably meant for people who live into a city or in the suburbs, and not so much for someone who lives in a rural area, where the riding distances are longer and the shops and buildings are more sparse. 

However you are more than welcome to read this article about bicycle restrictions and also do not skip to read the first part of choosing a bicycle for transportation, where I'm referring to the different aspects that every new or future cyclist will have to take into account, as long as the second part, where I talk about the most important bicycle accessories every cyclist needs to have into his bike, either if he lives and rides into a city or in a rural area. 

The types of bicycles

The regular upright bicycle

This is the most common type of bicycle used for transportation into a city. It is really popular on all European countries, where you see everyone use it. Men or women. Young people or older people. 

(My bicycle falls into this category too.)

This type of bicycle has a lower top tube, which helps for mounting and unmounting with more ease in comparison to a bicycle with a diamond frame. Its wheels are usually 28'' inches in diameter and the tires are bald, with "rain" lines on them, so that the rain water is directed outwards. The handlebars are swept backwards towards the cyclist, which adds to the comfort, as the rider sits upright and relaxed. 

The frame is usually made from steel, chromoly or alloy.

This type of bicycle feels "good" while riding on busy roads. It is easy to handle because of the drawn back handlebars and gains/hold speed easily due to its bigger wheels. 

The folding bicycle

This type of bicycle feels as comfortable as a regular upright bicycle. It gains in popularity as the ideal bicycle on metropolises, due to the fact that you can simply unfold it and carry it as a bag, which is really convenient. 

The folding bicycle has an overall lower frame that helps also with mounting and unmounting. Its wheels are usually 20" inches in diameter (some bicycle brands come with 18" or 22" inches instead). The tires typically are also bald with a few "rain" lines. 

The frame is usually made from alloy (makes the bicycle lighter) but some brands like also to use steel for the frame building. 

This type of bicycle is being misjudged for being "slow" due to its smaller wheels. However that is far from the truth as with the use of gears this problem is solved and when you ride this bicycle in a city, you won't be any slower than any other bicycle. 

When we're talking about top speed, yes this bicycle is slower, but who is riding anyway on top speed into a city? No one!

(I really am considering myself to buy a folding bike as my second bicycle. Despite the fact that I live outside of the city.)

The trekking bicycle

This particular is a low frame trekking bicycle. One of the few and rare true lower ones!

This type of bicycle has either a diamond frame or a somewhat lower frame (more like a lower mixte's frame). Moreover, the drivetrain is positioned higher, so the mounting and the unmounting isn't that easy and has to be performed as if you ride a diamond frame bicycle, even with the "lowered" frame. (So be ready to pick your leg up and over for this part!)

Its wheels are usually 26" inches in diameter, with either bald or studded tires (like on a mountain bike) and also thicker.

The handlebars aren't swept backwards, but they are straight. The riding position isn't that upright. You have to bend over almost to a 45 degree angle. In some bicycles you might need to bend less or more, depending on the frame geometry.

In other words, the trekking bicycle is a bike that has the frame geometry of a mountain bicycle, straight handlebars, raised top bar, thicker tires and 26" inches wheels but with some characteristics of an upright bicycle. The saddle is set lower than the handlebars, although not enough. This bicycle also has a somewhat more upright position than on a typical mountain bike and a wider saddle.

Its frame is typically made from steel or alloy.

When you handle it, this bicycle isn't as obedient as a regular upright bicycle. To me it feels more aggressive, stiff and nervous and not comfortable for riding more than an hour long.

However this type of bicycle has its fans and it is popular among bicycle users.

(This type of bicycle is actually my least favorite of them all. Some people swear for it, but I personally find it uncomfortable.)

So these were the three types of bicycles that are considered ideal for transportation! 

I did not mention road bikes or mountain bikes, because they are not the "ideal" bikes, however if you like them (or already own them), you can use them, too. There is nothing wrong with that!

(Actually I personally find the road/mixte bicycle more comfortable for transportation than the trekking bicycle!)

You must try all types of bicycles yourself to figure out which one works better for you, but do not forget to take into account all the other advises and tips I shared on the two previous posts (again link for part one, link for part two).

Do not forget that bicycles are a personal choice. Do not imitate other people's actions and choices.

Try yourself and choose for yourself!

Bicycles are after all a trial and error method!