10 Speed Bicycle Types

In the 70's, a geared racing-style bike was called a "ten-speed" because it came with two chain rings in the front and five gears in the rear cassette. Two times five equals ten possible gearing combinations: ten speeds. With the advent of more advanced gearing options like three-chain-ring crank sets and eleven-gear cassettes, "ten-speed" has fallen out of style in cycling parlance in favor of the general term "road bike."

Commuter Bikes

A commuter bike can use any kind of bicycle frame, but choosing a road frame offers a commuter minimal wind resistance and maximum speed. Commuter bikes are differentiated more by their accessories than components (the parts that make the bike move) and geometry (what the frame looks like). A commuter bike may have fenders, pannier (bag) racks, lights, flat-resistant tires and a mount for a lock. When buying (or converting) a commuter bike, choose something sturdy but inexpensive in case you have to replace it after theft or an accident. Also, consider using a flat handlebar that puts you in an upright position. You will catch more wind, but you will also catch motorists' eyes.

Touring Bikes

Touring bikes are made for transcontinental rides. They are built with reliability and comfort in mind, but also to withstand all kinds of riding conditions. They have sealed bearings, space for fenders and rack mounts, more speeds than most other bike breeds and three bottle mounts. The longer wheelbase of a touring bike gives it more stable handling, even when loaded down with baggage.

Racing Bikes

Racing bikes are built primarily to be lightweight. A racing setup sacrifices comfort for speed by placing the rider in an aggressive, horizontal riding position. Any road bike used for racing must meet Union Cicliste International (UCI) regulations for weight, geometry and dimensions.

Time Trial Bikes

Since a rider cannot "draft" (sit in the slipstream of another rider) in a time trial, aerodynamics are the primary concern in time trial ("TT") bike design. Rather than curled "drop" style handlebars, a TT bike has "bull horns" which are cut off at the brake levers, and "aero bars" where the rider places her hands and elbows. Aero bars close her shoulders and place her in a low, horizontal position, minimizing frontal surface area. TT bikes also position the saddle further forward, have a shorter top tube to reduce the reach to the aero bars and may have aerodynamic wedge-shaped frame tubing. TT bikes used in triathlons don't have to adhere to UCI guidelines, so may have a steeper seat post angle and frame designs prohibited by the UCI.

Women's Specific Bikes

Many manufacturers offer bicycles with a women's specific design (WSD). Modifications may include narrower handlebars to accommodate a woman's narrow shoulders. A women's saddle is wider to accommodate female hips and has a cutout to minimize pressure on the genitalia. Some manufacturers shorten the top tube for a woman's torso, relax the head tube angle to keep the front wheel and feet from overlapping and install smaller brake levers and shifters that fit smaller hands.

References

• Team Estrogen's explanation of WSD Bikes
• Paul Dorn's Bike Commuting Tips
• Commuting/Touring Bicycles

Resources

• UCI's Cycling Regulations (see page 56 for bicycle regulations)