Road Bicycles
In the 1970s all bicycles were road bicycles. They are distinguished by narrow tires (approximately 1 inch), usually 700 centimeter (approximately 27 inch) wheels, and drop handlebars. They are intended for use on paved roads or trails. The narrow tires reduce rolling friction, and the drop handlebars put the rider in a position that minimizes air resistance. The frames are strong but lightweight. Most have at least 21 speeds (3 sprockets front, 7 rear).

There are several sub-groups within the road bicycle category:

Racing
This is the largest group in the road category, aimed at those who like to go fast, whether it’s in a race or just in a pace line with friends.

• Triathlon Bicycles: Very similar to road racing bicycles, but with a little more emphasis on reducing aerodynamic drag, slightly less on weight.
• Touring Bicycles: Designed to carry your camping or other gear as you travel around Indiana or across the North American continent.
• Sport Bicycles: These are a compromise between racing & touring bicycles.
• Cyclo-cross Bicycles: In cyclo-cross racing you have to do some off-road riding. Therefore the tires are a little wider (32 centimeters or 1.25 inches).
• Track Bicycles: These are very specialized bicycles and are only suitable for riding on a velodrome. They are direct drive (no gears) and have no brakes.
• Recumbent Bicycles look like lawn chairs on wheels. This puts the rider in a much different position, which many people find more comfortable. If riding a traditional bicycle causes pain in your wrists, neck, or rear end, perhaps you should consider a recumbent bicycle.
  

Mountain Bicycles
In the 1980s mountain bicycles revolutionized the bicycling industry. No longer were cyclists restricted to riding on roads. Mountain bicycles have to be rugged to stand up to off-road riding. They have wider (approximately 2 inch), knobby tires. Wheels are slightly smaller (26 inch) than on road bicycles. Mountain bicycles have at least 21 gears, and they include lower gears than would be found on a road bicycle, due to the increased resistance from off-road riding. Many models have shocks on the front and/or rear to reduce the shocks that riders will feel when going over obstacles on off-road trails. The handlebars on mountain bicycles allow the rider to remain in a more upright position than the drop handlebars of road bicycles, making it easier to see obstacles (like tree roots) on the trail.

Police Bicycles
Many police departments are now placing officers on bicycles, which have a couple of advantages over squad cars. Bicycles allow officers to interact more with the law-abiding public, and stealthily approach those who violate the law. Fuji has a nice selection of Police Bicycles, which are slightly modified mountain bicycles.

Cross-Bicycles
Cross-bicycles are a compromise between road and mountain bicycles. Many people who do not have any plans to ride off-road, like the upright handlebars and low gears of mountain bicycles. Cross-bicycles have 700 centimeter wheels (same size as road bicycles) and tires which are about 1.5 inches wide (midway between road and mountain bicycles) and smooth. They have the upright handlebars and low gears of mountain bicycles. Cross-bicycles are not as fast on roads as road bicycles, nor as rugged as mountain bicycles. They are good for riding on rough roads or for occasional off-road riding.

Leisure Bicycles
Leisure bicycles are designed for those who take relatively short rides around the neighborhood on roads or paved trails. They have 26-inch wheels and wide (1.5-2 inches), smooth tires. For comfort, they also have upright handlebars and wide seats. Most have a shock on the seat post. Leisure bicycles usually come with 7 or 21 gears.

Beach Cruisers
Beach cruisers are designed for those who like the classic bicycle styles of the 1950s. They have 26-inch wheels and wide (2 inches) whitewall tires. For comfort, they have wide seats and upright handlebars. In the 1950s, bicycles like these came with 1 or 3 gears. Today they come with 1 or 7 speeds.

BMX Bicycles
BMX bicycles are very popular with young riders. They come in three types:

• BMX Racing:
  These bicycles are the type you would find kids racing on the BMX track at Lake Sullivan. They are built to be rugged, but also have to be lightweight for racing. They have 36-spoke wheels for strength, knobby tires for traction on dirt, and a single hand-brake for the rear wheel.
• BMX Freestyle:
  These bicycles are used for performing a variety of tricks. They are built to be extra rugged, and have 48-spoke wheels for extreme strength. The tires are smooth, since they are used only on pavement. The handlebars can spin completely around, and the frame has 2 or 4 pegs which the rider can stand on while performing tricks. Freestyle bicycles have hand-brakes for both wheels.
• BMX Jumping:
  These bicycles have to be even more rugged to withstand repeated impact with the ground. They have 48-spoke wheels, plus heavier-duty frames and axles. The tires are knobby, since they are used on dirt, and have a single hand-brake for the rear wheel.

Why You Should Not Buy a Bicycle at a Department Store

Many bicycles are sold each year at department stores. To the untrained eye, they look no different than those sold at bicycle shops, and sell for much less. There are several reasons you should not buy your bicycle from a department store:

The frame must be the right size for the rider. Most department stores do not have an assortment of frame sizes for adult bicycles, and they don't have experienced salespeople to make sure you get the proper size bicycle.
Department store bicycles either come un-assembled or are assembled by contract employees who are paid by the bicycle. If you put it together yourself, you will need special tools like cone wrenches to assemble & adjust it.
The components are low-quality, especially the bearings. They wear out quickly, and when the bearings go bad they can also damage the hubs.
Their resale value is almost nil, while used quality bicycles are generally worth about half of their original selling price.
A good bicycle just makes cycling more fun. It's not so enjoyable when you have to pedal down hills to keep up with your friends who are coasting on good bicycles. After your initial purchase of a bicycle, helmet and a few other accessories, cycling is a very inexpensive hobby that one can enjoy between the ages of 8 and 80. You don't have to pay extra each time you go out for a ride. Compare this to green fees each time you go golfing. Don't skimp when buying your first bicycle. You might become frustrated with cycling and give it up, and that would truly be a loss.

Helpful Links:
Bicycles 2 Go
Bicycle World