Modern bicycles come in two primary flavors:
- Road Bikes are light, speedy bicycles with large, thin tires. They commonly have downward-curving handlebars, with the brake levers mounted vertically. Shifters tend to be located on the frame of the bicycle. The classic example of a road bike is the 10-speed bicycle.
- Mountain Bikes, also known as ATBs (all-terrain bicycle), tend towards a sturdy frame, heavier than a road bike. Tires are still large, but thick and knobbly, for increased traction on dirt, rock, and grass. Straight handlebars, with the brake levers mounted horizontally. Shifters tend to be located on the handlebars, near the hand grips. Mountain bikes tend to be quite popular in urban areas. Many mountain bikes are equipped with shock absorbers, either mounted on the front fork, the seat, or built into the rear of the frame.
Additional, but less commonly seen bicycles include BMX bicycles, recumbent bicycles, and "cruiser" bicycles.