Bicycle Types
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Types of Bikes
Fixed Gear
Fixed gear bikes, sometimes called "fixies," are bicycles with a single speed drivetrain with the rear sprocket (i.e., the cog) attached directly to the hub without a freewheel. Because of the lack of a freewheel mechanism, it is not possible to coast on a fixed gear bike; whenever the rear wheel is rotating, the cranks and pedals rotate and vice versa. The main benefits of "fixies" are that they are typically lightweight and durable, and the lack of gears, dérailleurs and sometimes brakes means that they require minimal maintenance.
There are two primary types of fixed gear bikes. Track bikes are fixed gear bicycles intended for the velodrome but sometimes ridden by enthusiasts on the street. Since velodromes prohibit brake usage (dangerous!), many track bikes will not accept brakes. Some manufacturers, whether motivated by the knowledge that their bikes will be used on the street or by desire to keep the cost down on a particular model, will include the ability to add brakes to their bikes. Fixed gear conversions are generally older road bikes with a fixed rear wheel instead of the standard multi-speed freewheeling cluster. Conversions are all the rage among certain groups.
Currently a variety of bike manufacturers make fixies for the general public, but one can also convert most road bikes for as little as $50. For more information on converting a fixed gear look to Sheldon Brown's fixed gear tutorials.
Fixed gear bicycles are also known to be the only acceptable form of transportation among hipsters. Unfortunately because of this riding a fixed gear bicycle will have the adverse effect of people perceiving you as a hipster.
Freak
Folding
This could be a bicycle of any particular style that happens to fold. The folding works by having a pivot-point near, or at a central part of, the frame. This is usually the downtube, toptube, or sometimes both, depending on the size of the bicycle you're dealing with. Many folding frames have a single tube instead of both down- and toptubes, with the pivot on this single tube. There is also a bracket point to keep the unfolded bike rideable. The fold is usually kept in place by means of an allen-screw or a quick-release.
Folding bikes are useful for their ability to be easily taken on mass transit, as well as the ability to be stored in a smaller space. For this reason, they make good commuting bikes for people who either use multiple transportation modes (bike/car, bike/bus, bike/train) or who need to stash their bike in an office or cubicle.
Hybrid
A hybrid bike, sometimes called a cross bike, combines some of the qualities of road and mountain bikes. It is designed for primarily (or solely) pavement riding, with a more upright posture and either flat or riser handlebars. The purpose of this style was to make a bike that was comfortably upright while being efficient on the road. There is also a subcategory of Hybrid known as Comfort Bikes, with the aim more on comfort and less on efficiency.
Hybrids are popular among recreational riders and commuters due to the combination of comfort and efficiency. The upright posture lets the rider see what's going on. These bikes also usually have eyelets for mounting fenders and racks.
Mountain (or MTB)
Mountain bikes are designed for off-road riding. Frame styles can be generally categorized as either hardtail or full suspension. In recent years, designs have become very specialized for various types of riding. There are also mountain bike races and competitions to match each style. These include: downhill, cross country, dirt jumping, and trials.
Recumbent
Road
Cyclocross
Cyclocross bikes are designed for high speed use off-road, typically in the form of cyclocross racing, although many people use cyclocross bikes for commuting and touring because of their relaxed geometry, durable design, and larger, more comfortable tires. Cyclocross bikes closely resemble a typical road bike except they usually have cantilever brakes, and larger (often knobby) tires.
Track
Tricycle
By definition, tricycles (or "trikes") are not bicycles, as they have three wheels instead of two. They are, however, made by bicycle manufacturers and distributed through bike shops. There are two types of tricycles: those made for children, and those made for adults.
Kid trikes are typically made as toys, since children tend to outgrow them very quickly. Some manufacturers (Trek, for one) make trikes that are constructed better and made to last longer. Big Wheels also fit this category.
Adult trikes are designed for people who are unable to balance a two-wheeled bike, on-site industrial/warehouse transportation, pedicab service, utility and load carrying, and for novelty as found in beach path rental shops.
Cruiser
Vintage
This could be any bike that is over 20 years old, and should not be considered as a "type" of bicycle per se, but more of a description of the age of the bicycle. Vintage bicycles may also be referred to as antique bicycles, especially if they have components (e.g. spoon brakes, wooden rims) or build features that are no longer used in production bicycles.
