Different Categories of Bikes
According to a study by Grand View Research in 2021, the market value of bicycles in the market was $59.33 billion, By 2030, the value will increase at an 8.2 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR). According to Statista, manufacturers produce 364,000 bicycles and sell 47,670 each day. Bicycles come in various categories, including road bikes, mountain bikes, touring bikes, cyclocross bikes, and bicycle motocross.
Road bikes have slender tires and downward handlebars. They date back to 1817, when a German inventor, Karl Von Drais, designed the “swiftwalker,” a steel-framed bicycle that suits paved surfaces. Now, manufacturers produce these bikes with aluminum or titanium. Road bikes typically travel at high speed with minimal effort, and their forward-leaning structure sets riders at an aerodynamic angle.
In addition, these bikes weigh 8 to 11kg, and they are well-suited for fitness riding, daily commuting, and long-distance riding. With an average cost of $2,475, some examples of road bikes include Trek Domane AL 2 2021, Cannondale Synapse 2020, and Vitus Razor Claris 2021.
Next, mountain bikes possess knobby tires, 26 or 29 inches in width, rendering them useful in terrains with loose dirt or other obstacles like tree roots or large rocks. And manufacturers use aluminum, steel, or carbon fiber to produce the bikes. As a bike designed for off-road cycling, mountain bikes have low gear for ascending steep grades. They weigh approximately 29 pounds, and one can ride them on single tracks, mountain trails, and other unpaved areas. Mountain bikes cost between $400 to $800, and they have subclasses such as trail bikes, cross country, fat, downhill, and all-mountain bikes.
Touring bikes consist of steel frames, long wheelbases, and mudguards. Owing to the panniers set on their rear racks or foot, these bikes are well suited for carrying luggage such as weather gear, tent, or cooking gear. In addition, their firm panniers and extended wheelbase permit bikers to gain more stability.
Touring bikes can have wide knobby tires, making them well suited for gravel roads. In addition, their disc brakes improve stopping power, especially in non-paved areas. Salsa Cutthroat Apex 1, Co-op Cycles ADV 2.3, and Surly Long Haul Trucker are a few examples of touring bikes.
The cyclocross is a racing event that Daniel Gousseau, a French cyclist, started in 1902. And bikers use cyclocross bikes in this event. With their sturdy structure, these bikes are well suited for dirt trails with several obstacles such as gravel, mud, and rocks. Cyclocross bikes possess semi-knobby tires, making them fit for any challenge specific terrains may bring. They weigh between 15 to 25kg, and some examples of them include- Cannondale SuperX Force eTap AXS, Specialized S-Works Crux, and Trek Boone 6 Disc.
Finally, BMX, also known as bicycle motor cross, is best suited for short dirt tracks as a single-speed bike. These bikes have an average weight of 10.7kg, and their 20-inch wheels and smallish frames allow bikers to perform acrobatics such as tricks and jumps. Some examples of BMX bikes are Mafiabikes Kush 2, Mongoose Logo, and Kink Liberty.
