Types of Bikes and Where You Should Ride Them

Whether purchasing a bike for the first time or simply acquiring a new one, the wide variety of choices can cause a lot of uncertainty and confusion. For help determining which one is the right fit, consider where you plan to use it.

Selecting the Right Type of Bike

Ask yourself, ‘Where am I going to ride this bike?’ It’s best to select a bicycle that is made for the type of terrain on which you will be spending most of your riding time. But keep in mind that if you plan on using it for multiple purposes, some bikes allow you to simply change the tires to accommodate the different type of terrain.

Standard bicycle styles:

• Road bikes: these are one of the most common types of bicycles. They are designed for pavement riding on the roadways. Road bikes are lighter in weight, built for speed on flat ground, and have a variety of riding positions available. They can be used for short and long trips, or even racing.
• Mountain/touring bikes: these types of bicycles are built for rougher terrain such as rocky trails, gravel or dirt roads. They usually have better braking systems, shock-absorbing features and lower gears to handle steep ground.
• Hybrid bikes: these bicycles can generally be used on either pavement or dirt roads. It’s sort of a compromise between a road bike and a mountain bike, as it works well for city riding but can take you on a trip through the park. They may also travel faster than mountain bikes.
• Cruiser: this is a recreational bike that has wide tires and seats with upright handlebars. It’s comfortable, handles easily and is a common bike for simply getting around town.
• Urban/commuting bikes: built for use on city streets, they are sturdy, with strong wheels and frame. Their upright positioning makes the bicyclist more visible to others who share the road, which is particularly important in heavy traffic.

What to Do If Injured in a Bicycle Accident

Some bike crashes happen because of mistakes the bicycle rider makes. But there are also circumstances in which someone else is at fault, like the driver of a vehicle. Whether someone is taking advantage of Denver’s bike-and-ride program on a bus or light rail system, commuting through downtown Denver by bicycle, or enjoying one of the many beautiful bike trails this city has to offer, if a vehicle strikes the rider then injury is likely to occur.

It’s important to seek immediate medical attention. Even if it appears that there is only minor physical harm, there could be underlying issues that aren’t noticeable. A bump on the head could actually be a concussion or a sore back could be a herniated disc.

The next thing you should do is seek legal counsel if the injuries are serious. It will be important to prove the other party’s negligence in order to file a claim for damages.

Bicycle accident claims can address:

• medical bills;
• lost wages; and
• pain and suffering.

Get in touch with D.J. Banovitz in Denver by calling 303-300-5060, or fill out our contact form to set up a consultation.