If you had a childhood like mine, you grew up with a big-box-store bike that you rode around your block or to your Grandma’s house, or like for us country folk, up and down your long driveway. Once I grew into my teen years, I became busy with school, work and other after school activities, leaving my bike to sit-sit-sit in the garage. I didn’t know anyone who biked for fitness or recreation as an adult, so I really had no outside influence to help me along.
If you’re in this boat now as an adult and think you may want to start riding again…we’re starting at the beginning today with the very basics. This post is primarily focused on biking for SPORT or FITNESS, even though there are plenty of ways to enjoy a bicycle ride recreationally. This is also the first in a series of posts, and in the subsequent posts we will take a deeper dive into some different types of biking.
Different types of biking, you say?
Yep, I say.
For the purposes of our series here, there are six types of biking ranging from three of the most popular, and then some more obscure/specialized types:
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- Road Cycling
- Gravel Riding
- Mountain Biking
- BMX
- Track Cycling
- Cyclocross
For the blog posts to follow, we are going to take a deeper dive into those top three, but below is a brief overview of all.
1. Road Cycling
Most are familiar with this one because: Tour de France. And in most places you can usually see some kitted out cyclists riding roadside, like these guys:
In general, road bicycles are characterized by being lightweight with thin frames, drop bar handlebars, and thin, bald tires. Gears on the bike allow for adjusting pedal resistance. They are designed to go ultra fast on asphalt or cement surfaces – their sleekness offers little air resistance, same with the drop handlebars that allow you to lean forward, and the bald tires offer as little friction as possible. If you’re into speed, this should be on your list to try.
2. Gravel Riding
Gravel riding is a relatively young sport in the cycling world. I think of this one as a cross between road biking and mountain biking, and it also has similarities to cyclocross. At first, a gravel bike looks similar to a road bike – thinner frame, multiple gears, thin tires and drop bars. However, a closer look reveals:
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- More rugged frames (and usually heavier because of that)
- Tires ARE wider than road tires, even though that may not be immediately apparent
- Tires have tread on them (aka not bald)
These bikes can take the beating of a rocky gravel road, but perhaps not the big rocks and rooty terrain of a mountain bike trail. This type of biking combines speed, endurance and grit. In the US, our gravel roads are in rural areas that can also provide some excellent scenery to enjoy on your ride.
3. Mountain Biking (MTBing)
Exactly what you think here – riding on trails up mountains, in the woods, through streams, etc. MTB trails range from an easy-rolling, cross country ride with minimal obstacles to mountain trails with lots of climbs and technical elements, like jumps or rock gardens. MTB trails can be all natural or include man-made obstacles. Trails are generally graded so you know the difficulty before you go, and what type of MTB you’ll need.
MTBs have multiple gears like our first two, and have wide, heavily treaded tires for extra grip while riding over rough terrain. MTBs are usually characterized by having some type of suspension, but there are three main MTB suspension options:
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- Hardtails (front suspension only)
- Full Suspension (front and rear suspension)
- Fully Rigid (no suspension, for those with masochistic tendencies)
There is something for everyone here, but thrill seekers will find their home on the MTB trails for sure.
4. BMX
Ever seen a grown person ride around on bike that looks like it was made for a kid? It was probably a BMX bike. They’re small, but they are BEASTS that are built to take a beating. Since most BMX riding is all about the skills, it usually happens at a skate park or pump track. Inevitably, falls happen, and you need a bike that can take it. Learning to control your falls is key, and will make this a fun option if you want to learn some skills and tricks.
5. Track Cycling
This one is all about speed and competition. As the name suggests, it takes place on an oval track with steep banked turns, and it can be either indoor or outdoor. The bikes used for track cycling have special frames and wheels designed to be aerodynamic, and they are single-speed fixed gear bikes. They do not coast – to move you have to pedal – and similarly, there are no brakes – you have to slow your pedaling to stop. You have to be able to get on a local track for this one, so make sure one is available before you invest! Most tracks have a 101 class you can take as well, and some have loaner bikes to give it a try.
6. Cyclocross
Cyclocross is another type of biking that is centered around racing. The bicycles are used are very similar to gravel bikes, except that the bikes are typically designed for more speed and efficiency while gravel bikes are designed for comfort on long haul rides. Cyclocross races consist of roped courses that travel over multiple types of terrain like grass and trails, and some obstacles that could be natural or manmade (like stairs that you have to carry your bike up, for example). Being able to get on and off your bike quickly is key. You’ll typically do multiple laps over the same course.
Believe it or not, I did try to reign in my usual tendency to dive into the weeds on explanations such as these. If you’re still with me…awesome. Feel free to send me an email or a message on social if you have questions before our next deeper dives into Road Cycling, Gravel Riding and MTBing.
Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re probably right.
Henry Ford