What Makes Specialty Bikes Special?
Bicycles are not the informal riding mechanisms that they used to be. You can think of them as your preferred method of child transportation, cruising the streets with your friends until you had to go home for dinner. Today, the old hobby has become much more than just a hobby. For many people, it is a sport. There are many different types of professional sports and each rider requires a very specific design to allow for the type of riding they do. Here are some of the most popular forms of horseback riding and what sets each type apart.
BMX
BMX is one of the most popular types of extreme riding. The sport is divided into different categories, including gravel, ramp, racing, street, and plain. Each of these subcategories has its own specialized bikes, but in general, there are a few things to look for. First of all, look for a frame that is made from a chrome alloy. This is a metal that most good BMX frames are made of. It is a lightweight material that is also more durable than steel. These are especially important for jump riders as they allow the frame to withstand the impact of hard landings. Another important aspect to consider is the size of the bike. A few inches of tube size can make a big difference to your riding feel.
Mountain
This category is also divided into certain subcategories that require specialized bikes. These include trail, all mountain, cross country, dirt jump, and freeride. Each has its own special parts, but there are a few main factors that make up a solid mountain bike. One of the main differences in the construction of this riding style is the suspension. The two main options for the rear suspension are full suspension and rigid. A hardtail bike only includes suspension on the front wheel only. This is typical for beginner mountain bikes as it is a cheaper option and gets the rider used to the feeling of suspension. Full suspension means that there is suspension on the front and rear wheels. These bikes tend to be more expensive, but allow for greater comfort and better control downhill.
Road
Road driving is an extremely popular type of cycling that, for some, is a primary form of transportation. With events like the Tour de France, it has also become a popular world sport. So what components make up a good specialty road bike? First of all, the size of the wheels can be an important factor. The wheels and tires on these cycles are usually very narrow. This allows less friction with the ground, allowing riders to go much faster than riders with wider wheels. Another defining factor of road bikes, unlike mountain bikes, is that they have no suspension. They are almost always made of lightweight material, such as aluminum or carbon fiber. All of these factors allow for a fast and comfortable ride.
Whether you’re trying to get off the road, navigate a city, or just go on a cruise, there are special bikes for you!
