By way of a quick overview, these are the major categories and their intended uses:

Mountain bikes

Mountain bikes are the fastest growing segment of the industry, with huge mass appeal. These bikes allow both experienced and beginning riders a chance to get out into nature, and handle varied terrain. The mountain bike has become synonymous with the “X Generation” and extreme sports. Many people like to feel part of that culture. For others not concerned with the “cool” factor, mountain bikes allow people who choose to not ride on the road an opportunity to have fun on two wheels. Mountain bikes are categorized and subcategorized into many specialties and sub-types:

• cross country,
  
• freeride,
• all-mountain,
  
• trail,
  
• downhill,
  
• single speed,
  
• 26” or 29”,
  
• full suspension, hardtail or rigid… and more!

Road Bikes

Road biking saw a huge popularity surge in the early 2000s when Lance Armstrong was dominating the Tour de France. Road bikes are fast and lightweight in nearly every price range and offer people a chance to cover longer distances than on a heavier mountain bike. They are only slightly less specialized than mountain bikes. Road bikes can be sub-classified into

• race,
  
• touring,
  
• time trial/triathlon and
  
• comfort road bikes.
  

Lifestyle Bikes

Lifestyle bikes:

• Hybrids,
• Cruiser bikes,
  
• City Bikes - the most versatile, do-it-all bikes for the average person

Niche Bikes

Niche bikes:

• Dirt Jump (DJ),
• BMX,
• Cyclo-cross bikes,
• Track bikes,
• Tricycles

Future articles will cover the specific types of bikes; for now, enjoy this exploration into the world of cycling and its culture of happiness and well-being!