Styles
At the Dutch Wheelman Bicycle Shop we aim to put you on the proper bike that meets your riding style. Whether it be a racing bike like Lance Armstrong’s or a cruiser to spin around the neighborhood, we can help you pick out the right bike for the riding you’re eager to do.This chart provides a brief introduction to the bicycle styles available from the Dutch Wheelman. After reading this we encourage you to stop by the shop for a test ride. We can assist you in your decision making and properly fit you with the right sized frame.
Style
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Description
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Road Race | Road Racing bikes are high performance bikes designed for riding on pavement. They are lightweight, aerodynamic, and utilize “skinny” tires for low rolling resistance. They are built to get you from point A to point B in the quickest possible time. Though we call them racing bikes, many are well suited for the average fitness rider who wants to explore many miles of country side in good comfort. Gearing varies as well, so hill country rides are now possible for anyone interested in a road bike. | |
Road Touring | Touring Bikes are similar to road racing bikes – the frames look alike and they have the same wheel size but they offer amenities that make day trips or longer treks possible. The tires are a little wider and more durable and the frame has a longer wheelbase, both creating a more comfortable ride. The frames also have “braise ons” or threaded eyelet’s so you can attach racks, packs, and saddle bags. | |
Hybrid | Hybrid bikes provide a cyclist with the best of both worlds – they ride well for day trips on pavement, yet can traverse a hard-packed trail with ease. These bikes have the same wheel size as road bikes, providing greater speed, yet the tires are wide offering more comfort and grip on loose surfaces. Hybrids are equipped with low and high gears, and the frames include braise-ons for mounting racks and saddlebags. | |
Mountain | Mountain bikes are very durable bikes intended for trail and mountain riding. The wheels are smaller than road wheels, but are much wider and have lugged tires for good grip on loose soil and better comfort over bumpy conditions. Mountain bikes have at least one shock absorber in the front, many have a second for the rear wheel. They also have incredibly low gears, making the most demanding hill path rideable. | |
Trail | Trail bikes are very similar to mountain bikes except they are not designed for heavy-duty riding. These are a good choice for college students, commuters, family riding, and the occasional rider that may choose to ride on the road one day and then a trail the next. | |
Comfort | These bikes feature a very upright position, with full adjustable handlebar position andsuspension in both the fork and seatpost. Ideal bicycle for the casual rider that likes the fat tire low gearing features of a mountain bike, but does not like to bend over. The tires are smooth for easy rolling on the road and the bikes come standard with a wider saddle. Truly built for comfort! | |
Cruisers | Cruisers are a great option for those wanting a comfortable bike for an evening spin around the neighborhood. They remain simple to operate, with few gears to shift and for some models still retain the old coaster brake. These are the bikes for people who just want what they had when they were a kid. | |
Tandem | Tandems, or “bicycles built for two” come in a variety of styles to meet you and your partners riding needs. There are road models, mountain bikes, tourers, and hybrids. Tandems add a whole new dimension to cycling as it provides an opportunity for you and one other to learn to ride as a team. | |
BMX | BMX, which stands for bicycle moto cross, is an out growth of the motorcycle dirt racing scene. These bikes are single geared machines with 20 inch wheels and usually have a hand brake. Designed for dirt racing, they are popular among young people as a general purpose bike. | |
Freestyle | Freestyle or trick bikes, look similar to their BMX cousins, but up close, the differences are readily apparent. With these bikes riders of all ages perform acrobatic stunts – spinning front wheels, riding backwards, or balancing on a set of foot pegs. Again, like the BMX, many ride these as all-purpose bikes, but they provide the rider who possesses a bit of coordination, a gymnastic devise to test their skills. | |
Juvenile | Juvenile bikes are designed for the youngest of riders aged 2 -10 years. The components and frames are designed for the small hands, legs, and arms of the young riders. Some may have hand brakes and shifters, but the designers keep the young rider in mind, making the bike easy to maneuver, shift, and stop. |