What types of bikes are there?

The Netherlands is a true cycling country, and nowhere else in the world will you find a greater variety and range of different types of bikes. When you buy a bike, your budget is of course important, but so is the way you plan to use the bike. But what types of bikes actually exist, and what are their main characteristics? In this article we list all the different types and styles of bikes for you.

Women’s bikes

Definition of a women’s bike: a bike without a horizontal top tube, so women can ride it while wearing skirts. Often used together with a so‑called skirt saddle.

Most (online) bike shops offer a wide range of women’s bikes. Almost every reputable bike brand has women’s models in its line-up.

Men’s bikes

Definition of a men’s bike: a bike with a horizontal frame tube.

Along with women’s bikes, men’s bikes are the most important products in the collections of the various bike brands and bike shops.

Omafietsen

Definition of an omafiets: an omafiets, also called an opoefiets, is a specific type of simple women’s bike. You recognise it by the frame with a straight down tube and a single, upward-curving top tube, which are connected roughly in the middle with a small tube (the so‑called mannetje). This is also called a ladies’ curve. This frame style has been around since the 19th century. The name refers to the bike’s old-fashioned look.

The omafiets is available in most shops and is especially popular among younger riders, often combined with a crate on the front.

Opafietsen

Definition of an opafiets: the male version of the omafiets, but with a horizontal top tube.

Kids’ bikes

Definition of a kids’ bike: a bike intended for riders from about 1 up to roughly 14 years old. For toddlers, bikes with a wheel inch size of 14 are suitable, and for preschoolers kids’ bikes up to a wheel size of 20 inches. From around age 7 to about 14, children are ready for a youth bike, which has wheels from 20 to 26 inches.

Folding bikes

Definition of a folding bike: a bike with small wheels and a hinged frame so it can be folded quickly and easily into a compact, portable size. Popular with commuters because it’s easy to take on public transport.

Mountain bikes

Definition of a mountain bike: a sturdy bike with wider, knobbly tyres that lets you ride on unpaved paths and rough terrain, usually without mudguards.

There is a huge range of different types of mountain bikes, so it’s wise to get proper advice. If you’ll only be using it off-road, you need to look for different features than if you mainly want to ride it sportively on paved roads.

Road bikes

Definition of a road bike: a bike designed for speed and performance. Optimised for riding fast on the track, on the road or on rough terrain.

With road bikes it’s much the same as with mountain bikes: make sure you get good advice from an expert about the right frame size, saddle, gears and so on. There is a huge variety of types and styles of road bikes on the market, usually sold by specialist bike shops.

E-bikes

Definition of an electric bike: an electric bike is a bicycle powered by an electric motor, with or without additional pedalling power from the rider. An electric bike with full independent drive is often called an E‑bike and is short for electric bike.

The electric bike is becoming more and more popular. It used to be especially favoured by older riders, because pedal assist makes it easy to ride longer distances quickly. These days, however, you’ll also find electric mountain bikes, electric cargo bikes and electric speed bikes, which are particularly popular with a younger audience.

Cargo bikes

Definition of a cargo bike (bakfiets): a three-wheeled bike fitted with a cargo box.

These bikes are now very popular in urban areas for transporting several children. Another term you may see is cargobike. They’re available with two front wheels or a single front wheel, and also as an electric cargo bike for extra pedal assist.

Transport bikes

Definition of a transport bike: a transport bike is designed specifically for carrying goods, usually recognisable by the front carrier rack and a strong frame.

Transport bikes have become very popular in recent years, thanks to their tough, sturdy looks and the fact that they can handle some rough use. They often come with a double top tube.

City bikes

Definition of a city bike: a city bike is a comfortable, robust bicycle that’s ideal for daily use for going to school, commuting to work or doing the shopping.

Transport bikes are often also referred to as city bikes. A city bike usually has a slightly longer wheelbase, large 28‑inch wheels and a strongly forward-curved front fork. The standard equipment in this category can vary widely. City bikes can have coaster brakes, drum brakes or rim brakes, and they are at least fitted with a chain guard, coat guard, lights and a sturdy rear carrier. They’re available with and without gears. They’re built to take a knock and strong enough to carry a child seat and luggage. Because of their strength and the more robust materials, city bikes are often heavier.

Tandems

Definition of a tandem: a two-person bike designed to be propelled by two or more riders.

On most models the riders sit one behind the other. By pedalling, they power the chain together, with the pedals linked by a second chain. These days, tandems are available from many online bike shops.

Hybrid bikes

Definition of a hybrid bike: a bike that can be used for several purposes, both sporty and comfortable.

A bike that can be ridden by both women and men is sometimes also called a hybrid bike. Generally, though, the term means that the bike can be used for multiple purposes: as a sporty bike and for comfortable everyday riding. There are different kinds of hybrid bikes, such as cross-hybrid bikes, fitness bikes and trekking bikes.

Crossover bikes

Definition of crossover bikes: also called cross-hybrid bikes, combining elements of a mountain bike and a road bike.

Cross-hybrid bikes are sporty and have front suspension, but you don’t sit as far forward as on a road bike. A cross-hybrid bike is practical and comfortable, and suitable both for asphalt and paved roads and for unpaved tracks and forest paths.

Recumbent bikes

Definition of a recumbent bike: a bike where the pedals are in front of the rider and the rider is in a more reclined position.

A recumbent bike really is something for enthusiasts and you don’t see them very often on public roads. Because of the reclined position, the low height and the small frontal area, air resistance is significantly lower than on a conventional upright bike, which makes it possible to reach high speeds.

Mama bikes / mother bikes

Definition of a mama bike: also called a mother bike. A mama bike is a women’s bike designed for mothers to easily and safely transport children and is characterised by a low step-through frame, steering lock and sturdy kickstand.

BMX / dirt bikes

Definition of a cross bike: a sturdy bike with small wheels, made for rough riding and performing all kinds of tricks. The best-known type is, of course, BMX.