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There are a number of different styles of bikes. Your desired style of riding is a major factor in determining which type of bike to choose. The information below will hopefully help you in your decision of which style of bike to choose.
Don't forget to check out our Sizing Guide for additional help in choosing the right bike.
Mountain bikes have a wide range of gears and fat knobbly tyres, designed to cope with riding on rough tracks. They provide extra traction and shock absorption, perfect for off-road riding. Mountain bikes are also good for commuting and general riding due to their upright riding positions and strong frames.
A Racing bike is designed for road cycling. Racing bikes have very thin tyres and skinnier frames than Mountain bikes, making the bike lightweight and aerodynamic, thus helping you go faster on tarmac. The lower positioned handlebars place the rider in a more aerodynamic posture, but comfort is sacrificed. The quick handling of racing bikes is due to the closer distance between the front and back wheels than normal bikes.
A City bike is very similar to a Racing bike, in that it has a thin frame and skinny tyres. A city bike has plenty of gears but not the ultra low gears found on Hybrids and Mountain bikes. The straight handlebars enable you to sit in a more upright position, making you more comfortable. They are ideally suited to commuting along tarmac roads, and not along rough surfaces.
A Hybrid bike is most suited to commuters and leisure riders as it is essentially a combination of a Mountain bike and Racing bike. Hybrid bikes are generally fitted with the same sized tyres as a racing bike, but they are multi-condition tyres. This means they can be used both on a smooth surface, and also provide good traction on forest paths. They are generally lightweight, have a wide range of gears and can be used for either long or short journeys.
Folding bikes are essentially designed to take up as little space as possible. Most folding bikes are intended for commuters and utility purposes. Convenience is held over speed, and are generally small enough to easily take on a train or bus. They use a number of hinges and joints, which may be lockable, that allow it to be folded into a smaller size.
BMX (Bicycle Moto Cross) bikes are very popular with the younger rider, particularly teenagers. They tend to be stronger, due largely to their small frames, and as they only have a single gear, they generally require less maintenance. Most BMX bikes are fitted with 20" wheels, but other sizes can be fitted. They are very solid and robust bikes, and tend to be more durable than other equivalently priced bikes. BMX bikes can be used for racing or doing tricks, both on the ground and in the air. 
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Mountain Bikes
Racing Bikes
City Bikes
Hybrid Bikes
Folding Bikes
BMX Bikes