Cycles of all sorts

Cycling is a recreation, a sport and a means of transport across land. It involves riding bicycles, unicycles, tricycles and other human powered vehicles.

World-wide, the vehicle most commonly used for transportation is a utility bicycle. Utility bicycles tend to have a more relaxed geometry, with priority given to the rider's comfort. Most come with components that make commuting by bicycle more practical, such as fenders (also called mudguards in some English speaking regions), racks (for mounting cargo bags or baskets), chainguards, kickstands, bells and generator light systems.

The two most popular types of bicycle in North America, where cycling for recreation is more common, are mountain bikes and road bicycles. They tend to have a more aggressive geometry which requires the rider to bend forward more. To reduce cost and weight, those types are usually sold without the components that make utility bicycles more practical.

The price of a new bicycle can range from US$50

Being sized for a bike and taking it for a test ride are both recommended before making a purchase. Many road bikes include clipless pedals in which special shoes attach via a cleat mechanism to special pedals, which allows for the transfer of power to the bike throughout the entire pedaling motion. Riding in the dark also requires lights; riding in wet weather requires raingear such as cycling gloves, a waterproof jacket and/or overtrousers and possibly waterproof overshoes.

The drivetrain components of the bike should also be considered. A middle grade derailleur is most likely sufficient for a beginner, although many utility bikes come equipped with hub gears. If the rider plans a significant amount of hill climbing, a triple-crank (three chainrings) front gear system may be preferred. Otherwise, the relatively inexpensive and lighter double-crank (two chainrings) system may suffice.

There is a wide variety of accessories that can be purchased together with or after the bicycle itself. These include locks, mudguards/fenders, luggage racks and pannier bags, pumps, cycling shorts, pantleg clips, cycling shoes, cycling gloves, spare inner tubes, CO₂ cartridges, water bottles and water bottle cages, puncture repair kits and tyre levers, bicycle computers, studded tires and Banana cases.

Items legally mandatory in some jurisdictions for safety reasons include: bicycle helmets, lighting and audible signalling devices (such as a bell or horn).