The Heart of Cycling in Worcestershire

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Types of pedal power
Someone once said that it would be unfair if one couldn't have a bike of each type - or maybe a different one for each day of the week!
With so many different types of bikes out there, we are spoilt for choice.
If you want a new bike - check out your local bike shop, try a few for size and think about what you really want to do with your bike. See Shops & Service for more details.
Meanwhile here is a top line look at the basic types.

Commuter bike or "Town bike"

Upright for good visibility in traffic with gears and brakes within easy reach, kitted out with mudguards, chainguard and probably puncture resistant tyres and dynamo lights for reliability.

Flat barred road bike

Fairly recent incarnation. Fast on the roads with 700c wheels and narrow tyres, mountain bike style handlebars and controls for ease of use. The sporty leisure choice. You'll need to kit it out with accessories of your choice.

Recumbent

Want speed and ultimate comfort? A recumbent is the way to go. Lower down than a regular bike, but you get given more room on the roads. Ride all day with big smiles, lots of models available. Say goodbye to sore saddles, back ache, neck ache........and very fast.

Mountain bike

Three main types: Rigid-no suspension. Hardtail-front suspension forks. Full suspension-front suspension forks and rear suspension swingarm. Designed for off-road use but much like a Land-Rover Discovery only 5% get serious. Lots of technical variety and a myriad of choice. Be very aware of cheap imitations, there are some bad cheap ones out there and dealers flogging old models too expensive. Get advice and shop around. Great fun but don't think you'll get to work fast with great big knobbly tyres.

Singlespeed

The ESSENCE of biking. No gears, no suspension, just purity. Go and try one - superb fun. Great for getting back to basics when you just want something simple and reliable. Warning - can be addictive!

Road bike

The one for budding pros. Lots of choice, plenty of innovative technology particularly with frame materials. Seek advice. Very very important to be fitted correctly. Fast, light and responsive. Avoid riding to work unless you've got a long commute. If you want to join Evesham wheelers this is for you. Lots of history and pose value.

Velomobile

Want a weatherproof and fast pedal power solution. Try one of these, packed with the latest technology (including sat nav on some models!). Aerodynamic, fast, cruise at 30mph with "ease". For more information see www.velovision.co.uk

Folding bike

Brilliant solution for integrating with other forms of transport like the bus and train. Very versatile and a lot nicer to ride than you may think. Most manufacturers have a folding bike in their range now, try Brompton and Dahon for a practical UK solution.

BMX

The bike of choice for anyone interested in tricks, street cruising and messing about. Often not taken seriously and seen as a kids bike only - far from it. It takes real skill to do some of the stuff BMX riders get up to. Lots of variants in design to suit the requirments of dirt, freestyle, flatland and airborne antics.

Cruiser

The bike of choice for cruising and posing, if you don't think a bike is cool then get one of these. Loads of style, comfort and chrome. Very easy to ride around town, stop at a cafe and chat. Not good for distance, but that's no reason not to get one.

Tourer

Loading up for a cycle holiday- then this is for you. Stable handling to carry loads, slower, and not as sprightly as a road bike but makes a lot of sense to a lot of people. 25 years ago this was probably the most popular type of bike for UK leisure riders.

Tandem

Tandems are fantastic fun. For two people with differing abilities they are the definitive solution. Available in road and mountain designs with the latest technology. Mega tourers or leisure versions available. Seek expertise when buying. Want to give one a go without buying? see Tandeming for more info. You won't be dissapointed.

Triplet

Something for the whole family. Stick a trailer bike on the back, a "long vehicle" sign and anything is possible. see Tandeming for more info. You won't be dissapointed. Who can forget The Goodies?

Electric bike

Dodgy knees? Electric bikes are a great commuter and shopping solution, pedal on the flats and go electric for Tolladine and Newtown road hills. A lot heavier than a normal bike but this is for ease not speed.