One look at city centres, forest roads and mountain trails and you see that the world of bikes is at least as colourful as the people who ride them. At INTERSPORT Rent you get exactly this variety. Here you will find E-bikes for long rides, children's bikes , mountain bikes, road bikes or classic trekking bikes. If you are not sure which type of bike is right for you, ask your local RENTertainer. They are our bike experts and may be able to tell you their favourite trail or the best place to jump into the water during the ride.
For this article, the RENTertainers have taken a look at all types of bikes, their special features, their characteristics and we are going to look at the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
The bike types at a glance
When considering the common types of bikes, you should always bear in mind that the boundaries between them are fluid and can change over time. New manufacturing techniques and materials enable innovative frame shapes and mobility solutions that have an impact on our riding behaviour, areas of use and needs.
Trekking bikes - all-rounders for everyday use
Trekking bikes are multi-talented, combining comfort, versatility and stability. They are suitable for everyday use as well as for leisure activities and longer tours. With full roadworthy equipment, including mudguards and pannier rack, they are also ideal companions for commuting to work. At the same time, the medium-width tires and robust frame construction also make it possible to ride on gravel paths. Whether for commuting, shopping, extended bike tours or cycling holidays - trekking bikes offer a balanced mix of functionality and sportiness.
If you don't know exactly whether you want to explore the city on two wheels or the surrounding countryside on a few tours during your holiday, a trekking bike is the perfect choice. Why not visit us or book your bike in advance?
Important features at a glance:
- Roadworthy equipment
- Many possibilities to carry stuff
- Upright sitting position
- Circuit with high bandwidth
Advantages and disadvantages of trekking bikes:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Very versatile | Not the fastest bike |
| Many mounting points for bags | |
| High comfort |
Road bikes and gravel bikes - when you need to go fast
Although both types look similar, they differ in their area of application:
- Road bikes are designed for maximum speed and efficiency on paved roads. In contrast to other sporty bikes, the riding position is also very aerodynamic.
- The Gravel Bike is especially impressive on gravel roads. The wider handlebars combined with the thicker tires provide more grip, control and comfort.
So if you're thinking about getting one of these, you might want to take a closer look at your planned tour. If necessary, the local RENTertainers can help you choose the right bike.
Important features at a glance:
- Narrow tires (road bike: 20-42 mm; gravel bike: 30-50+mm for low rolling resistance)
- Curved and narrow handlebars (drop bar) for an aerodynamic riding position
- Clipless pedals instead of flat pedals
- Gearstick and brake are usually on the same lever
Advantages and disadvantages of road bikes and gravel bikes:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Very light | Often not reoad-legal |
| High speed possible | Road bike: usually only really fun on paved roads |
| Ideal for travelling long distances quickly | Road bike: usually have no mounting points for bags |
| Gravel bike: off-road capability has its limits |
Mountain bikes – for trips over hill and dale
The mountain bike is a collective term for a variety of off-road bicycles. The group of mountain bikes is also divided into hardtails and full suspension bikes. A hardtail is a bike that has no integrated suspension for the rear triangle - everything is made from one piece. The frame of a full suspension bike, on the other hand, consists of several parts and is connected to each other via bearings. The additional suspension provided by the damper makes this kind of bike more off-road capable.
However, there are other types within the mountain bike category. The geometry and available suspension travel vary depending on the intended use. From MTBs with less suspension travel, which are designed for long pedalling distances, to bikes that are great for downhill riding but hardly ever uphill.
- Cross-country (120-140 mm suspension travel)
- All-mountain (140 mm suspension travel)
- Trail bike (150-160 mm suspension travel)
- Enduro (170-180 mm suspension travel)
- Downhill (190-120 mm suspension travel)
Important features at a glance:
- Wide handlebars for off-road control
- Wide tyres for more grip
- Circuit alá 1x12
- Suspension
- Hydraulic seatpost for more freedom of movement during the downhill
- Hydraulic disc brakes for more and more constant braking power
Advantages and disadvantages of mountain bikes:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Lots of control on various surfaces | Higher rolling resistance due to wide tyres |
| Suspension travel enables high comfort | Expensive |
E-bikes – more and more range
No other category has grown as much as e-bikes in recent years. Basically, these are all bicycles that have electric pedal assistance up to a speed of 25 km/h and a maximum of 250 watts. Although we have categorised the e-bike as a separate type of bike, we have to say that there are many bikes under the umbrella of the same name. There are trekking bikes as e-bikes, as well as mountain or city bikes with electric assistance. We have decided to look at this type separately to emphasise its special features.
If you want to rent a bike for your holiday, our RENTertainers will be happy to welcome you. You can also book the right e-bike from the comfort of your own home.
Important features at a glance:
- Powerful hydraulic disc brakes for the extra weight of an e-bike
- Fixed or removable battery
- Handlebar or top tube controls
- Multiple modes: from eco to full power
Advantages and disadvantages of e-bikes:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| People come back to cycling who couldn't/wouldn't do it before. | Significantly heavier than a bike in the same category without a motor |
| Longer tours are possible | Needs more maintenance |
| Saves energy |
Children's bikes
Children's bikes are specifically designed to meet the needs of children, offering child-friendly geometry, lightweight construction and ease of use. Depending on the model, there is a low step-through, coaster brakes or closed chain cases to increase riding comfort. Bikes for kids are the ideal choice for first attempts at cycling, leisure activities or the trip to the lake - always adapted to the child's size and abilities.
Important features at a glance:
- Closed chain cases
- Simple construction
- Easy to operate brakes (with coaster brake depending on model)
Advantages and disadvantages of children's bikes:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Child-friendly handling | Children quickly outgrow their bikes |
| Low maintenance |
City bike - get from A to B safely
City bikes are the perfect choice for everyday use in the city and for short trips from place to place. They are characterised by an upright riding position, comfortable accessories and practical features such as mudguards, pannier racks and lights. The big advantage of city bikes is that they are equipped in accordance with road traffic regulations. Depending on the components, city bikes are also very low-maintenance, making them ideal for commuting to work, shopping or visiting friends in the city.
If you are planning a city trip, want to be flexible and are happy not to be stuck behind cars, then a city bike is just the right choice. Get advice from our RENTertainers on site and enjoy the laps around the block.
Important features at a glance:
- Equipped in accordance with the road traffic regulations
- Storage options (basket and/or pannier rack)
- Robust components
- Tires with high puncture protection
Advantages and disadvantages of city bikes:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Practical in everyday life | Do not reach maximum speeds |
| High comfort | Limited area of application |
Other types of bicycles
Of course, there are many more bikes out there. However, most of the following bikes only represent a small percentage of the bicycle market, which is why we have summarised them under "Other". These include, for example:
- Recumbent bike
- Cargo bikes
- Tandems
- Unicycles
- Trikes
- Fatbikes
Differences in bike types between men and women
In the INTERSPORT Rent shops, we often answer the question of whether there are actually differences between men's and women's bike models. The answer: yes, there are. Anatomical features play a decisive role in the development of a bicycle.
Ergonomics:
As men often have broader shoulders and a longer upper body, the frame construction is usually more elongated. Longer top tubes ensure a more comfortable position. The same applies to shoulder width, which is why the handlebars on men's bikes are usually wider.
Weight & stiffness:
The aim of the developers is always to achieve consistent performance for a model across all sizes. Because women tend to be lighter than men, less material is required in the construction of a bike frame for women in order to achieve the same stiffness. As a result, bikes for women are often lighter. The extra weight of men, on the other hand, has to be accomodated with more material and different construction methods.
How do you know what kind of bike you need?
If you don't yet have an idea which type of bike is right for you, don't worry. Our RENTertainers are not only masters of their trade, but are often out and about on the bikes themselves. Pop into one of the INTERSPORT Rent shops and ask which tours, trails and sightseeing hotspots are nearby that you can reach by pedalling.
The next step is to decide which activity is best for you and we will provide you with the right bike in the right size.
Frequently asked questions about the different bike types:
What type of bike for long tours?
The classic trekking bike is an all-rounder and a reliable partner for long trips. It has an upright riding position, plenty of mounting points, and a pannier rack. If you want a sportier ride, you can opt for a gravel bike. The more athletic riding position allows for faster speeds on a variety of surfaces.
Which types of bike are the fastest?
It all depends on how you want to get from point A to point B. On paved roads, you'll probably be fastest on a road bike. If you're climbing peaks and riding over hill and dale in the woods, a cross-country bike is your best bet. And if you want to set World Cup records in the bike park on your way down to the valley, a downhill bike is your best bet. Visit our INTERSPORT Rent shops and let our RENTertainers help you find the fastest bike.
Which bike for steep hills?
Among the (e-) mountain bikes, you will find a variety of bike types that are designed for off-road tours. The wide tyres in combination with wide handlebars provide a lot of control and safety. With a good gear ratio, even long tours with many metres of elevation gain are no problem. But trekking bikes are also a good option for easy tours on paved roads and gravel paths to get to the next mountain hut.
INTERSPORT Rent Tip
The RENTertainer recommends
No matter where your next holiday takes you - with rental bikes from INTERSPORT Rent, you always have the possibility to rent a bike for one or more days. Choose the type of bike you need according to the purpose of your holiday and enjoy independence on two wheels. Our range includes e-bikes for long tours as well as mountain bikes for a bit of action in the bike park. Our RENTertainers are looking forward to your visit.
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