16 Page Booklet research

After the crit and my first publication i decided to look in more detail at bikes and maybe how there made so i can put that into my publication. So i decided to go down to Evans cycles to see what the bikes are like and take pictures, i would also speak to the staff to find out about the bikes.

Whilst at Evans Cycle i also asked if they had anything that described the bikes or gave information on what they are like or what types of bikes there was, they then told me that they only had a website, no catalogue with all the bike in it. 
SO i though a good idea would be producing a book that gave a description of different types of bikes so people could see what they might want to buy and what they will get out of it. 






Key components of each bike



Utility Bikes

A traditional type of utility bicycle, the English roadster may weigh as much as 35 to 50 pounds (16 – 23 kg). Parts such as frames, wheels/rims, and tires are chosen for strength, safety, and durability rather than high performance. Additionally, utility bikes tend to incorporate fewer technological advances in material design and engineering in comparison to sport bicycles, though there are exceptions. In particular, the small-tired Moulton portable utility cycles incorporate advanced engineering with relatively light weight.
Most utility bikes feature an upright riding position. The handlebars are almost always curved back and positioned higher than the saddle so that the rider can operate controls without changing his or her riding posture. Some people add a child seat or a trailer. The utility bike's combination of parts, design, and features provide functionality and comfort at the expense of weight, an adequate compromise when used as originally intended (local commuting and short rides).

1. Curved back handle bars. 
2. Upright riding position for comfort.
3. Space to carry objects. 
4. Handle bars above riding position. 
5. Strong durable tires.

Mountain bikes

Mountain bikes can be classified into four categories based on suspension:

• Rigid: A frame with a rigid fork and fixed rear, no suspension.
• Hard tail: A frame with a front suspension fork and no rear suspension.
• Soft tail: A frame with small amount of rear suspension, activated by flex of the frame instead of pivots.
• Dual or full suspension: A front suspension fork and rear suspension with a rear shock and linkage that allow the rear wheel to move on pivots.

Road bikes 

A racing bicycle, also known as a road bike, is a bicycle designed for competitive road cycling, a sport governed by according to the rules of the Union Cyclist Internationale (UCI). The UCI rules were altered in 1934 to exclude recumbent bicycles.

The most important characteristics about a racing bicycle are its weight and stiffness which determine the efficiency 

at which the power from a rider’s pedal strokes can be transferred to the drive-train and subsequently to its wheels. To this effect racing bicycles may 

sacrifice comfort for speed.

1. No suspension
2. Thin tires for speed.
3. Extremely light frame to enhance speed.
4. Easy shift gears for extra speed.
5. Everything has been made aerodynamically for extra speed.
6. Lightweight alloys.
7. Dropdown handle bars
8. Higher seat than handle bars for better aerodynamics.

Touring Bikes

A touring bicycle is a bicycle designed or modified to handle bicycle touring. To make the bikes sufficiently robust, comfortable and capable of carrying heavy loads, special features may include a long wheelbase (for ride comfort and to avoid pedal-to-luggage conflicts), frame materials that favor flexibility over rigidity (for ride comfort), heavy duty wheels (for load capacity), and multiple mounting points (for luggage racks, fenders, and bottle cages).

1. Lots of space to carry equipment.
2. Lots of space for water.
3. Tough sturdy tires for the long journeys
4. Strong durable frame.
5. Very comfotable seat and handle bars.
6. At least 36 Spokes.
7. Trades speed for ruggedness
8. Hidden chain to protect riders clothes.

Hybrid bike

Hybrid bicycles blend characteristics from more specialized road bikes, touring bikes and mountain bikes. The resulting “hybrid” is a general-purpose bike that can tolerate a wide range of riding conditions and applications. Their stability, comfort and ease of use make them popular with beginning cyclists, casual riders, commuters, and children.

1. Tires can withstand a range of different terrains.
2. Light but strong frame to cope with differing terrains
3. Upright frame, offering a more comfortable riding position.
4. Stouter frame that can handle more weigh
5. Lighter rims for faster riding.
6. Lighter components and taller gearing for going faster
7. The handlebars on a hybrid are typically flat like a mountain bike.
8. The design allows riders to be upright in a position that gives them best control.
9. Wide range of gearing to allow the rider to both climb hills and go fast on flats.

BMX Bike

Bicycle motocross or BMX is cycle sport on BMX bikes, either in competitive BMX racing or freestyle BMX, or else in general on- or off-road recreation. BMX began when young cyclists appropriated motocross tracks for fun, racing and stunts, eventually evolving specialized BMX bikes and competitions.

1. 20 Inch wheels.
2. Light frame for speed on the racing bmx bikes.
3. Heavier more sturdy frame for freestyle bmx bikes.
4. Rotor  allows the handlebar and front wheel to rotate.
5. The bike is much smaller than a standard bike. 
6. High handle bars to give racers an upright position when riding.
7. Heavier more sturdy frame for freestyle bmx bikes.

Images of relevant bikes 

I could use these bikes to create the illustrations i want to create.