Whether on two wheels or four, bikes have played a particularly liberating part in human history, allowing people to cover ground quickly and tackle many different types of terrain. Whilst pedal power is still popular, particularly amongst those who want to reduce their carbon footprint, there are also many who prefer bikes with a beefy engine strapped on and lightning fast top speeds to rival the supercars of this world.

Bikes, which rely on the legwork of the rider alone, still come in several varieties. Road and racing bikes tend to have thin wheels, incredibly light frames and a riding position that keeps the user in the most aerodynamic arrangement to maximise speed over tarmac surfaces. Mountain bikes on the other hand have chunky frames coupled with suspension to soak up rocky terrain and deal with jumps. These are off road beasts that are used competitively across courses spanning some tough environments. BMX bikes are particularly popular amongst younger riders as their small form factor, single speed set up and manageable price makes them perfect for tricking in an urban environment or at skate parks. However, BMX along with mountain biking, is an off road pursuit in its origins, with purpose built dirt courses setting it up like motorcross but without the petrol power.

There are several types of bike to consider when looking at the motorised variety. From superbikes to scooters and mopeds there are options for people of all abilities and budgets. There are also quad bikes, which have four large wheels and are favoured by farmers who want a vehicle that is versatile and lets them cover uneven ground quickly. Whilst riding a standard pedal powered bike does not require a licence you will need to complete tests in order to qualify for a motorbike driving licence, with different licences granting you access to different road vehicles. However, driving on private land does not require this type of certification, which is why you can go on an adventure holiday and hop on a quad bike without getting caught in too much red tape.

The bike has a long history dating back to the 1800s. It can be traced back to Germany where a two wheeled means of personal conveyance called the draisine, or Dandy Horse, was invented in 1817. There has been evidence of people considering two wheeled bike-style contraptions over three hundred years earlier, although little remains of this early work.

As the bicycle was developed in the 19th century it went through several changes, with wheels added by some inventors and the much loved Penny-farthing design dreamed up by the 1880s, as impractical as it may seem today. By the dawn of the 20th century the idea of using a chain to drive the rear wheel, which is still used to this day, was becoming established and the particularly stiff, uncomfortable and unsafe rides offered by the early cycles were becoming a distant memory.

The arrival of the motorcar in the early decades of the last century almost made the bicycle obsolete and mass production of cars meant that people began to see bikes as toys for the children rather than as a mode of transport for adults. However, a resurgence in the popularity of bikes as road became crowded and mountain bikes becoming popular meant that from the early 1980s, the bike was back on track to become a household necessity.

BMX stands for Bicycle Motocross and it was a sport that grew to prominence in California during the mid-1970s before spreading to the rest of the world. Originally the races took place on dirt tracks before evolving to use purpose built courses and then the sport took on an entirely new form as the 80s and 90s progressed. Young innovators took their skills to the streets and eventually to the emptied swimming pools and custom vert ramps, which sprang up as freestyle BMX appeared on the global scene in tandem with skateboarding. Considered to be one of the top extreme sports, it is a regular feature of the X-Games in the U.S. and made it into the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games for the first time in recognition of its international impact.

The good thing about BMX bikes is that they are simplistic by design. Whilst mountain bikes can have incredibly complex components coupled with full suspension set ups and disc brakes, BMX bikes tend to keep things uncomplicated with a single speed set up that allows the rider to have 1:1 control over the wheels and often just a single brake on the rear wheel. A 20-inch frame is the typical size for BMX bikes, although they can vary to accommodate smaller or larger riders, just like any type of cycle. The saddle is usually kept in a low profile position and the rider is expected to stand in order to perform jumps, tricks and to get any momentum going.

Despite the relative simplicity of BMX bikes there are tons of extras and additional components that can be added. In fact, the whole BMX culture is based around customising your ride and making it personal. Even if you buy a bike off the shelf you should expect to be able to find extras and accessories, which will not only enhance its look but also add performance features. If you are going to get serious about carrying out tricks on a BMX, particularly grinding, then you might want to add some pegs. These can be attached to the wheels and give you a smooth surface which can help with grinding walls and rails as well as lip tricking, if you ever get to this advanced stage with your skills.

From a purely aesthetic point of view, altering the grips on the handlebar of your BMX is probably the easiest and cheapest modification you can make. Different colours and designs are available and you can slip on these rubber items quickly. Customisation can extend to tyres, wheels and spokes and it is possible to build a bike yourself from scratch, although it is recommended to get a ready set up model because this will be just as cheap and save you all of the work.

If you plan to take BMX riding seriously on dirt courses or street set ups then you will also need to invest in safety gear. A helmet is a must for all bike riding but your knees and elbows can take serious damage on a regular basis so pads are a good buy. For racing, a helmet that covers not just the top of your head but your entire face and chin is good, with crossover options available, which will suit both BMX and mountain bike fanatics.

Kids love cycling as much as, if not perhaps, more than adults because it gives them a sense of independence and freedom, allowing them to have healthy fun with their parents or head out with their friends once they are old enough to play unsupervised. There are many different types of kids’ bike available and because youngsters want to get the same kind of kit as their elders, the variety and quality in today’s market is unrivalled. The only issue may be that you are given a little too much choice.

When your kids are very young you will need to get them a bike which they can use to learn all of the necessary skills that make riding a natural process rather than a wobbly nightmare. Training bikes tend to come with two stabilisers, which help create a base from which kids can develop their skills. The stabilisers can be removed at a later date, at which point things can get a little trickier and you should expect to see some falls, but attentive tutorship and a can do attitude will see them through until they are confident enough to cycle without any extra wheels or parental support. Basic kids’ bikes tend to come complete with a chain guard to make sure nothing gets tangled and compliance with European Cycle Safety Standards is always worth looking out for when choosing a first bike.

When your children grow a little older and can ride with confidence then there are a number of different bike brands and styles that they can pick. Typically, these can fall into the category of a mountain bike or a BMX. The former can range wildly in price, with bargain options available or much more serious, expensive models aimed at those who want to compete in races also on the market. The latter tend to be inexpensive thanks to their lack of gears and simple set up but kids who are going to get serious about BMX as a sport can also find high end kids’ bikes of this kind. In general, a mountain bike is considered to be a better all-rounder and good over long distances but if your child is insistent on picking up a BMX then there are quality products that will perform well as long as you check the specifications and shop around.

Safety is a very important aspect of riding a bike and this is particularly true with children. As such, it is essential that you get them the basics to make sure that they are not put in harm’s way. A helmet is highly recommended and although you cannot completely prevent bumps and grazes as they are growing up you might also want to invest in other safety accessories like knee and elbow pads. Visibility is another important aspect when riding a bike and you can get high visibility jackets designed for children so that if they are riding to and from school or around the local area they are not difficult to detect.

Quad bikes are a familiar sight in the more rural areas of the UK as farmers choose to use them in daily tasks whilst others buy them to have some off road fun. By law you are required to have a driving licence, insurance and registration plate if you want to take a quad bike onto UK roads, which is something that many people choose to do, but safety concerns and high profile crashes have put something of a black mark against quad bikes in the public eye. That does not mean that in the right hands and conditions, they can’t be great fun, but that care should be taken and appropriate safety gear worn to reduce the risk of injury.

Four-wheeled motor powered vehicles based on bike components have been around for almost 120 years but it was not until the 1970s that the quad bike as we know it today began to be bought in the UK. Japanese firm Honda took its biking expertise to produce trikes and quad bikes with many other rivals following suit, creating a vibrant market that is full of choice.

Quad bikes come in a number of sizes, styles and performance brackets. There are quad bikes designed specifically for children whilst larger, more powerful options are better suited to adult riders. Nowadays, these recreational vehicles are usually aimed at those who want to have fun, so if you are seeking a quad bike designed for hard work then you will need to look for models specialising in utility operations.

When it comes to engine sizes quad bikes can slot into many different categories and as you might expect with bigger engines, this involves higher prices and greater speeds. Mini quad bikes sporting 49cc engines can hit around 35 miles per hour and usually carry a maximum rider weight, which means these are better suited to youngsters rather than adults. For the top of the line sports models the engine size can increase to 360cc or more and at this level of the market, you can expect to find plenty of high-tech gadgets and premium quality materials onboard to further justify the price. For a solid mid-range adult vehicle, an engine size of 180cc is to be expected which will help you balance performance with your budget.

Quad bikes did not always have the option of automatic gearboxes but this is becoming far more common even on entry-level products. This is one thing that will definitely be a benefit for amateur riders as it lets you concentrate on the terrain ahead without having to plan gear changes. Other extra features, which you might not consider, include whether or not a quad bike has headlamps as this can restrict its usability to daylight hours, so always check carefully to make sure you are getting the right type for your needs.

If you are buying a new quad bike it is sensible to find out if it is road legal in the UK. In most cases this will be the case, but bear in mind that you will need to register it and get insurance and tax before you can hit the high street.

Scooters & Mopeds

Scooters and mopeds sit at the softer end of the motorcycle spectrum, not designed for those who are intent on speed but rather for consumers who want style, comfort and a way to get around that is quicker than walking and cheaper than owning a car. Let us take a brief look at the differences between the two and the types of vehicle you might find within this category.

Scooters

A scooter can be easily identified from other motorcycles because of its small wheels and flat floorboard which allows the rider to sit with their feet in front rather than astride the vehicle as is the case with other types of two wheeled transport. The inception of scooters can be traced back to around 1915 and following the First World War, the availability and number of manufacturers working on this motorcycle derivative blossomed. Suspension, multiple gears and a shield to protect the driver’s legs were eventually added.

By the 1960s the design of scooters had become even more refined and the Italian manufacturer Piaggio created the seminal Vespa scooter, which subsequently informed and influenced those that would follow as well as becoming intricately linked with the culture of the time. By the time the 1980s rolled around a slew of Japanese manufacturers were invading the western market with scooters, some of which could support more than one rider.

The scooter has become particularly popular amongst those living in cramped urbanised areas because of its superior economy and small size. Budget prices also mean that scooters have become the standard mode of transport in developing areas where cars are too expensive to run.

Mopeds

Mopeds are not entirely detached from scooters but they definitely sit in a distinct section of the market. They also date back to the beginning of the last century but bring in more influences from the early bicycles, with the name hinting at the fact that many original models used pedals as a means to provide extra power and get the motor started. Originally the motor was there to supplement the pedal power and not the other way around and mopeds have held onto the status of a cheap, simple runaround, with most models featuring small engines and restricted speeds. They are great for local use and not too dangerous given the limited protection they offer.

Larger wheels and the lack of a footplate mark out mopeds from their scooter siblings, but in most cases they can be considered in the same breath. The one other significant thing they perhaps lack is the vintage style or urban chic which is attached to scooters, but this does make them much more suitable for new riders who can scuff and scrape their rugged exteriors without worrying about doing expensive damage.
Choosing between a moped and a scooter can be relatively difficult, but given that both possess many of the same basic features in terms of power it can largely be down to personal preference. Mopeds are arguably more masculine, although the rakish European style scooters are stylish for any gender.

Motorbikes have become a massively popular mode of transport for hundreds of millions of people around the world. Whilst in the western hemisphere they are largely seen as recreational given the relative affluence of the populace and car ownership, people in developing areas in the east and south are far more used to keeping motorbikes as a cheap, efficient and compact way to get around quickly. Motorbikes have been around for centuries, with the earliest powered bikes using steam, until the end of the 19th century brought with it petrol-powered bikes that became much more popular after the end of World War I.

Motorbikes have been manufactured in all shapes and sizes over the years and the market has diversified into the broad spectrum of designs that can be seen today. Here is a quick look at the different types of motor powered cycles on the market and what they have to offer a dedicated rider.
Scooters and Mopeds

These two low-powered motorbike types are typically suited to urban areas thanks to their limited speeds, small size and inexpensive running costs. They have had a place in pop culture over the years with the Italian Vespa inspiring a generation of youngsters in the middle of the 20th century and bikes used to determine the distinctions between Mods and Rockers. Although this cultural divide is no longer defined the young in the west and those living in developing nations still stick with scooters and mopeds to gain some independence and freedom.

Big Bikes

This is the type of motorbike that is designed for cruising long distances rather than an urban operation and is typified by the bikes produced by Harley-Davidson. Big engines, bigger noise and an excess of chrome is to be expected, although within this family of bikes there are also variations, so experts will be able to endlessly cite models and ranges which differ from the basic blueprint without losing any of the classic American charm and presence.

Sport Bikes & Superbikes

Superbikes put the emphasis on speed and handling above all else and whilst amateur riders regularly pick up high-speed racers it is also an area that is filled with professional racers who gain international renown for their skills on two wheels. Lightweight and middleweight bikes precede the superbikes which sit at the top of the ladder with 1000 cc engines and insane top speeds combined with death defying acceleration.

Dirt Bikes

Dirt bikes are just one of several motorbikes designed for off road use in events such as motorcross, trials and track racing. Fat tyres, serious suspension and plenty of ground clearance make these specialised bikes great fun across any terrain. Typically, these are designed for relatively short-range usage on purpose built tracks although road legal versions with bigger fuel capacities are available. With loud, high pitched barks emitted by this type of bike they are not the most civilised option on the market, but they are fine tuned to tackle a specific environment with real gusto.

Whilst it is theoretically possible to ride any type of bike on a road there are some, which are suited to this purpose and others that are more specialised for off road antics. As you might imagine road bikes fall into the first category and they have been developed to make sure that racing on tarmac surfaces at top speeds is possible. As a result, their low profile, thin wheels, aerodynamic frames and ride position which push the user forward to minimise drag make them very distinctive. They are not suitable for everyday use but for those who are serious about racing and exercise, they are a great accompaniment.

Fans of the Tour de France will know that road bikes are intrinsically linked to this daunting event. As you may know, the professional market means that there are plenty of racing bikes, which can cost many thousands of pounds and feature the type of cutting edge technology that can give professionals the edge. The good news for amateur riders is that not only can you easily buy exactly the same bike as might be used by champions like Lance Armstrong, you can also get much cheaper options. These will not leave you with a hole in your finances but can still provide you with high speed thrills on your own or as part of a cycling club.

A number of different components go into making road bikes. At the lower end of the market you will find that frames tend to be made of aluminium and some will come with integrated carbon components. As you raise your budget you will start to see a lot more carbon throughout the bike, as this is lighter and stronger than metallic alternatives.

Anyone who is familiar with mountain bikes will be aware that most possess multiple gears in order to provide versatile riding and traction across different terrains. Whilst there are road bikes with gears in certain situations you will find single speed road bikes, which provide direct control over the rear wheel without any intervening, alternating cogs to change the ratio. This is not universal across all road bikes and in many cases you will be better off choosing a multi-speed bike in order to enjoy a more flexible ride, but this is a good, cheap option for some.

Weight is an important consideration when you are looking at road bikes. Every extra ounce will require that you exert yourself a little bit harder and lose a little bit of speed so serious riders will want a bike which is as light as possible. This is also a concern in other cycling categories but if you want to compete on any level of significance you will need to check the vital statistics of a road bike carefully to see how it compares with other bikes of the same type.

A road bike is a no nonsense customer that will perform the task of road racing with aplomb, although it can be seen as lacking the versatility that might otherwise make it suitable for everyday use.

Bicycles have taken many forms but it was not until the second half of the 20th century that so many distinct styles became available as the bikes themselves were honed and specialised for specific sports. Mountain bikes grew out of developments in the 1970s when people started taking bikes off road and it was clear that road bikes could not cut it in the wilderness. Nowadays, mountain bikes are some of the most popular because although they are great for all-terrain riding they can also be tame enough to use each day in urban environments.

In general a mountain bike can be recognised by several key features. Good standover height and chunky tyres with plenty of grip allowing for traction on rough surfaces whilst thick, strong frames are required to take the type of punishment that is typically doled out when heading off road. Advanced gear systems are also indicative of a mountain bike with even the most basic models offering 12 to 18 different gear ratios and the top of the line bikes have 30 or more choices for riders who want real control over how a bike performs.

Many modern mountain bikes have suspension systems to complement their rugged construction. The front forks of mid range bikes will typically feature set ups that can use a combination of springs and air to soften the blows inflicted by rocky paths and jumps. Some bikes have full suspension on both the front fork and the rear shock, which gives an even greater degree of flexibility and performance whilst also offering riding comfort. You can usually adjust the suspension on advanced bikes manually, although high end products do let you alter this on the fly with handlebar mounted levers that can give you different levels of travel and increase traction as and when required.

The differing specifications of mountain bikes has led to the creation of four definable groups, largely classified as a result of their suspension set ups. Fully rigid bikes have no suspension on front or rear whatsoever and hardtail bikes are identifiable by their suspension on the front fork but not at the rear. Softtail bikes are part way towards offering rear suspension but rather than a dedicated shock, they may possess a flexible frame arrangement. Full suspension bikes, also referred to as dual suspension models, have both front and rear suspension along with a clever frame that allows for independent movement of the rear wheel. These categories should help you choose the bike you want and as you may have assumed, the bikes with more intricate suspension tend to cost more than those with more basic arrangements.

Within these categories there are other types of mountain bike that have even more specialised uses. For example, trial bikes are designed to be used not just on off road courses but in specifically built facilities where tricking and jumping require that frames are tougher and suspension more forgiving than all-round bikes. Downhill mountain bikes require light frames and are set up to be used on downhill courses rather than across all terrain types. As such, they are slack and offer up to 200mm of travel in order to protect the rider and retain traction at speed. It is possible to go on at length about the many other different types of mountain bike, but this should get you started.

A recumbent bicycle is a bike that places the rider in a laid-back reclining position. Most recumbent riders choose this type of design for ergonomic reasons; the rider’s weight is distributed comfortably over a larger area, supported by back and buttocks. Most recumbent models also have an aerodynamic advantage; the reclined, legs-forward position of the rider’s body presents a smaller frontal profile.
Recumbents are available in a wide range of configurations, including: long to short wheelbase; large, small, or a mix of wheel sizes; overseat, underseat, or no-hands steering. Recumbents can be categorized by their wheelbase, wheel sizes, steering system, faired or unfaired, and front-wheel or rear-wheel drive.

Wheelbase

Bacchetta Corsa, a short wheelbase high racerLong wheelbase (LWB) models have the pedals located between the front and rear wheels; short wheelbase (SWB) models have the pedals in front of the front wheel; compact long wheelbase (CLWB) models have the pedals either very close to the front wheel or above it. Within these categories are variations, intermediate types, and even convertible designs (LWB to CLWB) – there is no “standard” recumbent.

Wheel Sizes

The rear wheel of a recumbent is usually behind the rider and may be any size, from around 16 inches (410 mm) to the 700c of an upright racing cycle. The front wheel is commonly smaller than the rear, although a number of recumbents feature dual 26-inch (ISO 559), ISO 571 (650c), or ISO 622 (700c) wheels. Notable among these are “highracers”, such as the Bacchetta Corsa and Strada or Volae Team, or the “LWB-style” RANS Stratus XP. Larger wheels generally have lower rolling resistance but a higher profile leading to higher air resistance. Highracer aficionados also claim that they are more stable, and although bicycle stability increases with the height of the center of gravity above the ground, the wide variety of recumbent designs makes such generalizations unreliable. Another advantage of both wheels being the same size is that the bike requires only one size of inner tube.

The pivoting-boom front-wheel drive Flevobike racer with 700c wheels (NL) Cruzbike Silvio (2009) A pivot-boom, front wheel-drive, 700C road bike (with rear rack).The most common arrangement is probably an ISO 559 (26-inch) rear wheel and an ISO 406 (20-inch) front wheel. The small front wheel and large rear wheel combination is used to keep the pedals and front wheel clear of each other, avoiding the problem called “heel strike” (where the rider’s heels catch the wheel in tight turns). A pivoting-boom front-wheel drive (PBFWD) configuration also overcomes heel strike since the pedals and front wheel turn together. PBFWD bikes may have dual 26-inch (660 mm) wheels or larger.

Recumbent Tour Cycling

A superb source of information on recumbent tour cycling is the bikepaths.org website.
Its owner, Charles DiBella has been bicycle touring independently with a Lightning Stealth recumbent for over ten years. On the website he aims to provide in-depth resource on recumbent bikes and tries his best to answer questions, and welcomes open dialog to discuss anything related to recumbent bikes or bicycle touring in general.