Photo credit: Christa Bike By The Sea via flickr and Creative Commons.

One of the biggest mistakes of the new bike-buying person, according to Todd Fahrner, the owner of Portland-based Clever Cycles, is to assume they want a sportier bike than they actual need or will enjoy.

That's not surprising, he says, as bikes have been marketed for so long as fitness and sports equipment, rather than as the fun and handy transportation tools they also are.

Here are nine different styles -- and a few hints on the character traits of those who ride them -- to help you find a bike to love.

Like this story? Follow A.K. Streeter on Twitter.