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Bicycling For Fun and Fitness
Different Kinds of Bikes
Bicycling has been a major pastime and it still hasn’t reached its peak. More
and more people are still jumping on the bandwagon of going “biking” for
different reasons.
Bicycles are technically defined as a vehicle. It has two wheels, a frame,
saddle, pedals and is human-powered. The “bike” as we all call it today, has
been integral in the modern history of many cultures all over the world. It is
also a symbol of fun, fitness and environment-consciousness today.
There are different types of bicycles that are available out there in the
markets today to cater to different people who are engaged in different biking
activities. Discussed below are the different kinds of bikes and what they are
used for:
Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes are primarily designed for the outdoors. There are a number of
different sub-types of mountain bikes such as cross country bikes, downhill
bikes and free-ride bikes. They are designed to be sturdy. These bikes have very
durable frames, handlebars that are designed to counter the sudden jolts while
riding and they usually have more than 20 gears. The most noticeable aspect of a
mountain bike is its suspension system. Mountain bikes should make the off-road
trip as comfortable as possible; therefore, they use high-quality suspension
systems, which uses gas shock, air and spring.
Utility Bikes
Utility bikes are perhaps the most common type of bike out there today. They are
usually plain and simple, but they are very important in function. They are used
primarily for running errands, shopping or commuting. More and more people are
using them to go about their daily routine because they are fairly convenient to
use and requires very minimal maintenance. Utility bikes are made with sturdy,
heavy frames and upright handlebars. They usually employ internal hub gearing.
These bikes usually have some other accessories that would help the owner do his
errands such as a basket in front of the handlebars; however, utility bikes are
not meant to be used in more specialized biking activities such as touring and
mountain biking.
Tour Bikes
These bikes, like the mountain bikes, are made to be sturdy. They are used as a
main transportation vehicle to tour long distances. Tour bikes should have the
capability of holding extra weight for baggage and should have good gearing
systems so as to efficiently transfer the energy of the driver for very long
trips.
Racing Bikes
What’s a good thing to do with a bike if you’re not into using it in everyday
life? Race with it! For those people who would want to experience the sheer
sound of the wind rushing against the bareness of their faces, they should try
getting a race bike. Of course, race bikes are not for everyone, but what the
heck? They are still things of beauty.
Racing bikes are primarily made for speed. Race bikes, unlike the other bikes
are made with ultra lightweight frames and are primarily stripped off every
accessory to maximize speed. They are usually equipped with a medium range
gearing system, which can range from 18 to 30 gears. There are different
sub-types of racing bikes such as time trial bikes and track bikes. All race
bikes are equipped with a frame that maximizes the aerodynamic capabilities of
the machine, therefore maximizing speed as well. Racing bikes are primarily used
for racing and nothing more. Most of these bikes don’t even have brake systems
in them.
Others
There are other types of bikes that are available out there in the market such
as the “audax” bikes which are used in brevet rides. There are also recumbent
bikes which employ a diamond frame. No, it’s not made of diamond, but the shape
and geometry of the frame resembles that of a diamond.
The different uses of bikes have been dealt with above, while discussing the
different kinds of bikes. Bikes are a universally accepted mode of
transportation. They are used in different professions as well such as in the
postal service. Cops have also adopted the use of bikes in patrolling certain
places, especially the crowded ones. The resurgence of the use of bikes in
police work has given the bike a more “macho” image.
They are also used for recreation. People use them to tour long distances to get
closer with nature. Other people take their bikes further and use them to
traverse mountains and hills. Other people also use the bikes to stroll in the
park.
Cycling has also become a fad in the fitness arena. As more and more people
become more conscious about their health, they look for and engage in low-impact
calorie-burning activities such as cycling.
Different bikes are made for different purposes, but always remember- a bike is
a bike, and they should be used to enjoy and relax!
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MSN
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Google
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Yahoo!
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