Updated 17 October 2026
Bicycles come in different types depending on the terrain, riding style and purpose they are designed for. Some are best suited to paved roads and fast training rides, while others are built for gravel roads, forest trails or everyday journeys around town.
Most of us, however, ride on more than one type of surface. A single route may include tarmac, gravel and woodland paths. That is why choosing a bike involves understanding not only the different categories but also what sets them apart.
Mountain Bikes (MTB)
Mountain bikes, commonly known as MTBs, are designed for uneven ground, forest trails and more demanding off-road routes. They typically feature wider tyres for better traction, a stable frame and geometry suited to riding over rough terrain.
Mountain bikes are generally divided into two main types based on their suspension:
- Hardtail. A hardtail has a suspension fork at the front and a rigid rear triangle. It is a popular choice for forest tracks, less demanding off-road trails and sporty riding.
- Full Suspension. These bikes have a front suspension fork and rear suspension with a shock absorber. This setup helps maintain tyre contact with the ground and improves control over rocks, roots and other uneven surfaces.
Mountain bikes can also be used for everyday journeys, although their tyres and construction generally make them less efficient on tarmac than road bikes or some hybrid models.
Road Bikes
Road bikes are designed for fast, efficient riding on paved roads. They typically have relatively lightweight frames, a lower, sportier riding position, drop handlebars and tyres designed to roll efficiently on firm surfaces.
These bikes are suitable for training, racing and longer road rides. Not all road bikes are the same, however. Some focus on aerodynamics and outright speed, while others offer a more relaxed riding position and greater comfort over long distances.
Gravel Bikes
Gravel bikes are designed for riding on both paved roads and gravel tracks, as well as easier forest trails. At first glance, they resemble road bikes, but they generally provide more clearance for wider tyres and have geometry suited to mixed surfaces.
Gravel bikes are a good choice for riders who do not want to stay on tarmac. They are used for regular training rides, long-distance cycling, gravel racing and adventure riding. Some models also feature additional mounting points for bags and other touring equipment.
A gravel bike is not simply a substitute for a mountain bike. Its frame design, tyres and suspension characteristics limit its capabilities on demanding technical MTB trails.
Hybrid Bikes
Hybrid bikes combine features suited to everyday cycling and a variety of road surfaces. They typically have flat handlebars, a comfortable riding position and tyres suitable for paved roads and easier gravel tracks.
A hybrid bike can be a good choice for commuting, recreational exercise or cycling along dedicated bike paths. Compared with a road bike, it often provides a more upright riding position, while on smoother surfaces it may be more efficient than a mountain bike.
Hybrid bikes are not designed for every type of off-road terrain. If most of your rides involve demanding forest trails, a mountain bike is generally a better choice.
City Bikes
City bikes are designed with everyday comfort and practicality in mind. They often feature an upright riding position, easy handling and equipment suited to daily use.
Depending on the model, a city bike may come with mudguards, a rear rack, lights or a chain guard. These features are useful for commuting, shopping and other shorter journeys around town.
City bikes are primarily intended for convenient everyday transport rather than competitive cycling or demanding off-road riding.
Triathlon Bikes
Triathlon bikes are designed for athletes who want to complete the cycling leg of a triathlon efficiently. Their construction focuses on aerodynamics and maintaining higher speeds, usually on smooth paved roads.
These bikes feature aerodynamic handlebar extensions that allow riders to adopt a lower body position, along with geometry designed for a performance-oriented riding posture. Some models also include integrated hydration and nutrition storage systems.
Triathlon bikes are similar to time trial (TT) bikes, but their design and permitted use depend on the rules of the particular competition. As highly specialised sports bikes, they are generally less practical for everyday cycling than other types of bicycles.
Electric Bikes
Electric bikes have a motor and battery that provide additional assistance while pedalling. This assistance is particularly useful on climbs, longer journeys or whenever you want to ride with less physical effort.
An electric bike is not a single bicycle type. Electric assistance is available on city, hybrid, gravel, mountain and other bikes. It is therefore worth choosing a bike based on where you plan to ride before comparing motor systems, battery capacity and components.
On conventional pedal-assist electric bikes, the motor provides assistance only while you are pedalling. In the European Union, standard EPAC electric bikes have assistance limited to 25 km/h and a maximum continuous rated motor power of 250 W.
Kids' Bikes
Children's bikes vary in wheel size, frame geometry, weight and handling. When choosing one, it is important to consider not just the child's age but also their height, inside leg measurement and cycling experience.
Balance bikes are often a good starting point for younger children, helping them develop their sense of balance. They can then progress to pedal bikes. As children grow, larger models become suitable, with wheel sizes ranging from 14 or 16 inches to 20, 24, 26 or 27.5 inches, depending on the bike's design.
Children should be able to reach the handlebars and brake levers comfortably, and the bike should not be too large or heavy. Buying an oversized bike in the hope that it will last longer can make it harder for a child to control safely.
BMX Bikes
BMX bikes are designed for specific cycling disciplines, including tricks, skatepark riding, street riding and BMX racing. They feature compact frames, agile handling and components suited to their intended use.
Freestyle BMX bikes are generally used for jumps and tricks, while BMX race bikes are designed for speed on dedicated tracks. Their geometry and components differ, so it is important to choose a bike that matches the type of riding you intend to do.
How to Choose the Right Type of Bike
Before choosing a particular model, think about where you will ride most often. If you mainly ride on paved roads and speed matters, a road bike is worth considering. For routes combining tarmac and gravel, a gravel or hybrid bike may be suitable. Mountain bikes are better suited to more demanding forest trails, while city and hybrid bikes are practical choices for everyday urban travel.
It is also important to consider your preferred riding position, bike size and whether you need electric assistance. Once you have identified the right type of bike, comparing individual models becomes much easier.
You can explore and compare different types of bicycles in the Velonova bike collection.
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