Dutch bike
On a Dutch bike you sit comfortably. Your posture is upright, almost vertical (90° back angle to the horizontal). Handlebars and grips are very close to the upper body.
Advantage:
The strain on the arms and hands is very low.
Disadvantage:
The weight rests exclusively on the rump.
City bike
The city bike offers a good overview in traffic. You sit with your upper body slightly inclined (approx. 60 to 70° back angle to the horizontal). All city bikes have high handlebars.
Advantage:
The upright seat gives a good overview in traffic. The force can be applied solidly to the pedal when you start off.
Disadvantage:
The high seat quickly causes the spine to slump. The arms are often stretched out towards the high handlebars. The result: tense shoulders and aching hands.
Trekking bike
The trekking bike is particularly suitable for longer rides. The upper body is clearly inclined here (30 to 60° back angle to the horizontal). The distance between handlebar and saddle is relatively large.
Advantage:
The shoulders, neck and hands perform more of the support work and thus promote a varied cycling style. The back, spine and rump are relieved from strain, which is especially important on longer rides. The force can be transferred well from the whole body to the pedals.
Disadvantage:
The muscles need to be trained for this greater strain.
Mountainbike
With a mountainbike you can ride in a sporty and powerful way on any terrain. You usually sit in an inclined position (15 to 30° back angle to the horizontal). The handlebars are usually very wide (up to 800mm).
Advantage:
Optimal power transmission.
Full control over your bike.
Disadvantage:
Not ideal in everyday traffic, permanently performance-oriented body tension.
Requires highly developed muscle areas. Back, legs, shoulders, abdomen!
Gravel/racing bike
With a racing or gravel bike you ride at high speed and energetically. You sit in a strongly inclined position (15 to 30° back angle to the horizontal). The saddle is higher than the handlebars.
Advantage:
Optimal power transmission.
Aerodynamic - low air resistance.
Disadvantage:
Not ideal in everyday traffic, permanent performance-oriented body tension.
Requires highly developed muscle areas. Back, legs, shoulders, abdomen!
Children's / youth bike
Children's and youth bikes have to fulfil many criteria. On the one hand sporty and fast for leisure activities, on the other hand comfortable and efficient for everyday use. This can only be achieved through a perfect fit and the right bicycle size.
