Going to the websites of the big 3, the choice is overwhelming. The manufacturers will of course say, “We rely on our dealers” or some other stupid line. But they clearly haven’t thought out how a large bike selection can be confusing for a consumer. Look at Trek’s website with 18 categories to be selected from! What is the difference between a Cyclocross and Gravel bike anyways? Epic failure… but great background pix Trek!
Specialized’s website is much better then Trek’s since they group their 19 sub categories into 5 top level categories:
Even then, if you want to by a mountain bike, there are still have 7 sub categories to decide through. Giant has the same 5 top level categories as Specialized and similar subcategories:
There are more choices for bikes than there ever have been so while choice and variety are a great thing, it can also make deciding more difficult. This will attempt to help. The three main categories from the late 80’s that is still relevant today:
Road – Drop handle bars, 700c wheels, skinny tires, quick geometry, 1x or 2x gearing, no suspension
Hybrid – Straight bars, 700c wheels, medium width tires, more relaxed geometry, 1x, 2x, or 3x gearing, no suspension to front only.
Mountain – Straight bars, 27.5 or 29 inch wheels, fat tires with knobs, relaxed to very relaxed geometry, 1x or 2x gearing, front of fully suspended
Road bikes are really for athletic aggressive riding on asphalt. Don’t take these on a trail or fireroad, to the beach etc, just on the roads and dry roads at that! Think Tour de France and that’s what a road bike is for.
Subcategories would be
Adventure and Touring bikes which have disk brakes, more upright riding position, wider gearing, fatter tires, rack braze ons, so more mountain bikey basically.
Cyclocross – a type of race that utilizes these bikes which are basically Adventure and Touring type bikes but with higher end components, frames, and price, not sure of any other differences?
Triathlon – This type of race is exactly what these bikes are designed for. Not something an average biker would want to ride.
Regarding road bikes with drop bars. Drop bars are the most uncomfortable handlebars for everyday riding. The drops are good for sprinting, only something racers do. The brake/shift levers are way out in front so the biker has to bend over and reach or get off the saddle and reach. A poor design. The flat section has little leverage for steering since it is right next to the stem. There is not immediate access to shifting or braking when hands are placed here. Flat bars on the other hand have instant access to shifting and braking, and leverage for steering. They only have one hand position, but is this a problem? Not really. Consequently, if you do get a road bike, consider one with flat bars.
If you don’t have any bike, and you live in an urban or suburban area, I’d recommend a hybrid rigid bike that you can ride from your house to the grocery store, down a bike trail, and blah blah.
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