Bicycles

The NBDA is a non-profit organization supported by the membership of participating retailers and industry partners. Specialty bicycle retailers are the heart of the cycling industry, and the National Bicycle Dealers Association exists to strengthen these businesses through education, research, communication, and advocacy.

USA Cycling is the national governing body for the sport of cycling in the United States and oversees the disciplines of road, track, mountain bike, cyclocross, and BMX.

A young cyclist rides a BMX bike.

A recumbent bike is a bicycle that the rider propels from a seated position. The rider's back is supported and the rider's legs extend forward to pedals that are about the same height as the seat. Steering is located either above the seat or below the seat.

A road bicycle, also known as a road bike, is designed for road cycling. As such, the most important elements of a road bike are its weight and aerodynamic riding position. Road bikes combine drop handlebars and a raised seat for maximum aerodynamic efficiency. The lightweight frames on these bicycles are designed for road racing, bicycle touring, or track races, and the gears are closely spaced for pedaling at optimum cadence.

Mountain bikes are specifically designed for biking on dirt trails and other unpaved surfaces. Their tires are wider than those used for road bikes, and they have larger treads for better traction. The larger wheels are better able to scale obstacles, but larger tires also cause the bike to be less maneuverable.

With over 375 sanctioned tracks around the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, USA BMX serves as the sole sanctioning body for these tracks and its 70,000 members. USA BMX coordinates the national, regional, state, and local scheduling for all tracks and managed the 2012 U.S. Olympic BMX Trials (in conjunction with the United States Olympic Committee and USA Cycling).

BMX bikes are off-road sport bicycles used for racing and stunt riding. A BMX bicycle typically has 20 inch wheels and is built for racing on sandy or hilly tracks as well as performing tricks on flat ground, ramps, or obstacles (known as BMX freestyle).

The first piece of equipment required for distance touring is a touring bicycle. While many people choose mountain or all-terrain bikes, this type of bike is heavier, less comfortable, and slower than a traditional touring bike. Unless most of your trip will be off-road, go with a good touring bike that fits you correctly instead.

This bicycle-focused website comprises bicycle-related news and information, in the form of bicycle news headlines, summaries, and article references as well as page titles, descriptions, and links to informative cycling articles and captioned images.