Getting To Know Types of Bicycles: Choose Based On Your Needs

Part 1# 

Why has cycling become a global trendsetter in the modern world?

Choose the bike that suits your terrain goal

Cycling is not just about pedaling. It’s also a lifestyle, fashion, and even a form of exploration. You can see riders on the road wearing bright colors with various designs. Yes, it’s not just for fashion but also for safety — at least to be seen easily by other riders or drivers and to avoid crashes.

A lot of gear has been created creatively. From helmets, jerseys, and arm sleeves to protect your hands from direct UV exposure that can damage your skin; sunglasses to protect from harsh sun or rain; gloves, to tight shorts with padding to protect your seat; and even shoes that come in many different types.

For professional riders, they usually use cleat shoes that attach to the pedals. These help increase acceleration and speed, making pedaling feel lighter and more efficient. For casual riders, regular lightweight sports shoes without cleats are also commonly used.

Every accessory is not just about style and appearance. Each one has a specific function for safety and health reasons.

Now let’s talk about the bikes

There are many types of bicycles. Starting with road bikes, mountain bikes/MTB, downhill bikes, and hybrid bikes—a combination of road bikes and MTB, also called gravel bikes.

There are also touring bikes for long-distance trips. These usually have racks in the front, back, or both to carry gear needed for long journeys. Things like spare clothes, fluorescent rain jackets, socks, sleeping bags, food, medicine, bike tools like a pump, tire patches, spare tubes, special tools, including a survival kit, and even a foldable tent for sleeping in the forest, for example.

Types of Bicycles Based on the Terrain

Bicycle types are made based on the terrain you will ride on. If you will ride in the city or on smooth asphalt roads, or even outside the city on similar road conditions, then a road bike is ideal—outside of special race tracks like a velodrome.

But if you will tackle rocky, muddy, sandy, wet, or even gravel roads, then a mountain bike (MTB) is the better choice.

But if you ride somewhere between those two extremes, then a cross-country bike, usually called "XC," is the most comfortable. XC bikes are great on smooth roads, in and out of villages, but can also handle grass fields, light mud, and some rocks or gravel.

For the same kind of terrain, people also use gravel or hybrid bikes. This is a new innovation — a combination of a road bike and an XC bike.

However, if you love high-adrenaline cycling, like going down hills, you need a special downhill bike. This type needs an extra-strong frame, tires, and shock absorbers.

And if you like doing stunts, jumps, and tricks like in a circus, you also need a special type and design. Things like 360° handlebar rotation, a frame without a seat, and no hand disc brakes but with a gyro/ultraff.

If you like traveling but didn't have the opportunity to bike, then a folding bike is your choice. It's easy to carry wherever you go. 

So, where do you want to ride? Choose the right bike that fits your terrain and your goal.

My 350 km Birthday Ride : Age is Just a Number, and Cycling is a Choice

 

March 14th, 2022. Late at night, alone in Bekasi. The clock pointed to 11:45 pm. It was high time I got some sleep. But I still couldn't close my eyes for even a minute. I had no idea why. 

Since my wife had left home to stay in Bandung and help our daughter give birth, I had been living alone. And being lonely is another story. 

What came to my mind was, "Tomorrow I have to do something! Something different, not just a usual day! It must be something special that will last forever in my memories, that I can proudly tell my grandsons someday." I thought about it more than twice: Could I cycle about 200 km to Bandung alone? But why? And for what? To prove myself? No, of course not.

That’s what came and fought in my mind. Early the next morning, I took my old 'Trek' and started slowly, heading outside.

Yes, I had decided to take a long ride. An adventure tour. Unsupported. Just me, alone!  

It’s not only nice to hear, but it was also truly a challenging trip! Time was on my side; yes, it was. March 15th, the day I was born. I had reached sixty years old!  

But what had I done? What proud achievements have I had until now?

Even though I had done many things, in this personal historic moment, I needed a mark to remember. There was no reason not to do it.

Because I still had strong hands and legs, good health and mind, and a proportional body shape. That spirit kept me pedaling far away from home. I had to push myself beyond the boundaries. The road was relatively flat, sometimes hilly, and rolling. I saw so many things along the way.

At the pit stops, there were vendors selling everything: meals, food, drinks, or just a place to relax with coffee. Whenever the speedometer on my handlebar showed a certain number of kilometers, I pulled aside to take a break. I felt very tired when I had to pass through 'Hutan Pinus' with its steep and winding road.

It drained all my power and energy. I felt exhausted. Should I go back and enjoy precious time with a few good friends? The feeling of tiredness really made me want to return home. Every time my resolve wavered, I pictured myself and spurred myself onward. I had promised myself: no matter what challenges lay ahead, I would face them head-on. After climbing such a steep hill at Hutan Pinus, I got my reward.

                                packing

Yes, there’s always a gift when you succeed. It was the beautiful scenery.

I lay down on the grass under a big tree. I felt tired and needed to recover, and it had been worth it.

So, once I hit the flat road again, I took a break every 20–30 km. Then, after more than 5 breaks, I finally reached Bandung, my homeland.

My family looked surprised. They didn’t even believe I had arrived there... by bike!  

Even I couldn't believe myself. How could such a tiny vehicle carry me hundreds of kilometers from home? They knew this was a precious moment, so we had a simple celebration together.

We hugged and laughed. Now, I am going to be 65. The next morning, I returned to Bekasi via Purwakarta. If I had a chance to do it again, I would.

But I would prefer going to other destinations rather than the same place I’ve seen before. Bali, Lombok, Labuan Bajo... they’re all on my mind. Every touring experience has taught me one thing:

No big problem or great obstacle can beat you or define you, unless you make your mind as big as the obstacle.

If you think you can, then you will. I believe it. Now, at 65, I prefer to be one of the sprightly seniors rather than lying bedridden in a hospital bed. Age is just a number. And cycling is just a choice!