When it comes to buying a bike, one often asks the question, “What kind of a bike should I buy?” The answer depends on what kind of riding you want to do. For serious off-road cycling, you need a sturdy mountain bike; for distance riding you need a fast, light and comfortable bike; for traveling you need a touring bike. You can even go in for a companion bike if you have to carry your child to school or spouse to work.

The choice is yours. Today, you have specialized bikes for specialized needs. Mountain bikes are usually heavy and have a higher rolling resistance. But they are the best to own if you live in a place with hills all around you. They run smoothly along single-tracks, along steep mountain trails and over rocks.

The racing bicycle is made using aluminum and dual carbon fiber chain and seat stays. It is lightweight with a raised seat to provide dynamic posture to the rider. The front and rear wheels are closely arranged for swift turning. For greater aerodynamic efficiency, the racing wheel has a triangular cross-section that forms a teardrop with the tire. The number of spokes in the wheel are few -- the reason being the need to reduce wind resistance and to add to overall efficiency. However, in the case of hill climbing bicycles, the traditional box-sectioned rim is used.

The rims of the racing bikes are made of aluminum, which is lightweight and can be easily molded. However, in some bicycles molded carbon fiber is used to make the rim. These rims are lighter as compared to aluminum rims but they easily crack and chip when the wheel punctures. That is why the riders prefer cheaper and heavier wheels for training.

Gears and chain drive have made cycling easier, and more fun. The two literally channel the energy that makes the bicycle move forwards. However, this was not always so. In the first bicycles the pedals were attached to the wheels, and cycling was not easy. It was only when the chain drive was developed that the bicycle got its modern look.

The cyclist could move the rear wheel forward by putting pressure on the pedals that were attached to the chain drive. The greater the pressure, the greater was the pull on the rear wheel. The chain drive also made it possible for the rider to sit between the two wheels and pedal comfortably. It also improved the balance of the cyclists.