Types of Bikes: Complete Guide to Different Bike Types

Choosing the right bike can be confusing, particularly with so many different types of bikes available. Road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, gravel bikes, touring bikes, folding bikes and electric bikes are all designed for different types of riding.

This guide to bike types explains the main types of bicycles, what they are designed for, where they work best and the type of cyclist they are most suitable for. Whether you’re looking for a bike for commuting, fitness, leisure cycling, touring, bikepacking or off-road adventures, this guide will help you understand the differences.

Bike Types at a Glance

Road Bikes

Road bikes are designed primarily for riding on paved roads. They normally have lightweight frames, relatively narrow tyres and drop handlebars, making them suitable for efficient riding over longer distances.

Road bikes are popular with cyclists who enjoy fitness riding, club rides, sportives, road racing and long-distance cycling. Modern road bikes are available in several designs, including lightweight climbing bikes, aerodynamic race bikes and more comfortable endurance road bikes.

Best for: road cycling, fitness, speed, sportives and long-distance rides.

Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes (MTBs) are designed for off-road cycling. They generally have wide, knobbly tyres, strong wheels, powerful brakes and suspension designed to improve control over rough terrain.

Mountain bikes range from simple hardtails with front suspension to full-suspension bikes designed for demanding trails. Cross-country, trail, enduro and downhill bikes all have different designs and are intended for different types of off-road riding.

Best for: mountain bike trails, forests, rough tracks and technical off-road riding.

Hybrid Bikes

Hybrid bikes combine characteristics of road bikes and mountain bikes. They usually have flat handlebars, medium-width tyres and a comfortable riding position.

A hybrid bike can be a practical choice for everyday cycling because it can handle roads, cycle paths and light off-road tracks. Many models have mounts for mudguards and pannier racks, making them particularly useful for commuting and utility cycling.

Best for: commuting, leisure cycling, cycle paths and general-purpose riding.

Gravel Bikes

Gravel bikes are designed for riding on a mixture of paved and unpaved surfaces. They generally use drop handlebars like road bikes but have greater tyre clearance and a more versatile geometry.

A gravel bike can be used for road cycling, gravel tracks, bridleways, towpaths and adventure rides. Many also have mounting points for bags, bottle cages and mudguards, making them popular for bikepacking.

Best for: mixed surfaces, gravel riding, adventure cycling and bikepacking.

Touring Bikes

Touring bikes are designed for carrying luggage over long distances. They typically have strong frames, stable handling, comfortable riding positions and mounting points for front and rear panniers.

Touring bikes are particularly suitable for cycle touring holidays and long-distance adventures where reliability and luggage carrying capacity are more important than outright speed.

Best for: cycle touring, long-distance rides, holidays and carrying luggage.

Folding Bikes

Folding bikes are designed to fold into a compact package for easier storage and transportation. They are particularly popular with commuters who combine cycling with train or bus journeys.

Their compact size also makes folding bikes useful for people living in flats, storing a bicycle in a small vehicle or taking a bike on public transport.

Best for: commuting, public transport, urban cycling and limited storage space.

Electric Bikes

Electric bikes (e-bikes) use a battery-powered motor to provide assistance while you pedal. There are now electric versions of many conventional bike types, including mountain bikes, road bikes, gravel bikes, hybrid bikes, folding bikes and touring bikes.

An e-bike can make hills and longer journeys easier and can be particularly useful for commuting or returning to cycling after a period away from the bike.

Explore our dedicated types of e-bikes guide for more information about the different types of electric bicycle.

Electric Mountain Bikes

Electric mountain bikes (e-MTBs) combine mountain bike components and geometry with a motor and battery system. They are available as hardtails and full-suspension bikes for different types of off-road riding.

Electric Hybrid Bikes

Electric hybrid bikes are designed for everyday riding, commuting and leisure cycling. Their upright riding position and practical features make them suitable for roads and cycle paths.

Electric Road and Gravel Bikes

Electric road and gravel bikes provide pedal assistance while retaining many of the characteristics of conventional drop-bar bikes. They can be useful for longer rides, hills and mixed-surface adventures.

Electric Folding Bikes

Electric folding bikes combine the compact design of a folding bicycle with electric assistance. They are particularly useful for urban commuting and journeys involving public transport.

Commuter Bikes

Commuter bikes are designed for practical everyday transportation. A commuter bike may be a hybrid, road bike, folding bike or purpose-built city bike depending on the rider’s needs.

Useful commuter features can include mudguards, pannier racks, integrated lights, comfortable saddles and puncture-resistant tyres.

Best for: travelling to work, everyday transport and urban cycling.

Cargo Bikes

Cargo bikes are designed to carry people, shopping, children, pets or other equipment. They are available in several designs, including longtail and front-loading cargo bikes.

For some everyday journeys, a cargo bike can provide a practical alternative to using a car, particularly for local trips and shopping.

Best for: carrying loads, family transport, shopping and urban journeys.

BMX Bikes

BMX bikes are small, strong bicycles designed for BMX racing, freestyle riding and tricks. Different BMX designs are suited to racing, street riding, dirt jumps and skateparks.

Best for: BMX racing, tricks, jumps and freestyle riding.

Fat Bikes

Fat bikes have extremely wide tyres that can be run at relatively low pressures. The additional tyre width provides flotation and grip on surfaces such as sand, snow and loose trails.

Best for: sand, snow, loose surfaces and unusual off-road conditions.

Other Types of Bikes

There are many specialist bicycle designs for particular types of riding. These include:

• Cyclocross bikes – designed for cyclocross racing and muddy off-road courses.
• Time trial bikes – designed for aerodynamic performance against the clock.
• Tandem bikes – designed for two riders cycling together.
• Track bikes – designed specifically for cycling on velodromes.
• Fixed-gear bikes – use a drivetrain where the rear wheel and pedals rotate together.
• Downhill bikes – specialised mountain bikes designed for fast descents on steep terrain.
• Enduro bikes – designed for demanding mountain trails involving both climbing and descending.
• Kids’ bikes – bicycles designed around the size, proportions and abilities of younger riders.

Which Type of Bike Should I Choose?

The right bike depends mainly on where you intend to ride and what you want the bike to do. Think about the surfaces you regularly ride, the distance of your journeys, whether you need to carry luggage and how much off-road riding you expect to do.

• Mainly roads and fitness: consider a road bike.
• Roads, cycle paths and everyday riding: consider a hybrid bike.
• Rough trails and off-road riding: consider a mountain bike.
• Road and gravel riding: consider a gravel bike.
• Long-distance holidays with luggage: consider a touring bike.
• Commuting with limited storage: consider a folding bike.
• Hills, longer journeys or easier cycling: consider an electric bike.
• Carrying children or large loads: consider a cargo bike.

There isn’t one bike that is ideal for every type of cycling. Different bicycle designs involve different compromises between speed, comfort, weight, practicality and off-road capability. Cycling UK also recommends choosing a bike around the type of riding you actually intend to do.

Find Bikes, Cycling Equipment and Bike Shops

Once you’ve decided which type of bike suits your needs, explore the Savvy Cycling bike shop and cycling directory to find UK bike shops and cycling-related businesses.

You can also browse our UK cycling routes and bike trails, electric bike guides and cycling products and accessories.

Bike Types FAQs

What are the main types of bikes?

The main types include road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, gravel bikes, touring bikes, folding bikes, electric bikes, cargo bikes and BMX bikes. There are also many specialist designs for racing, touring and particular types of off-road riding.

What is the best type of bike for commuting?

Hybrid, commuter, folding and electric bikes can all be suitable for commuting. The best option depends on the distance, terrain, storage requirements and whether you use public transport during your journey.

What is the difference between a road bike and a hybrid bike?

Road bikes are designed primarily for efficient riding on paved roads and normally have drop handlebars and narro