One of the most common questions people ask when buying a bike is which they should get: a mountain bike or a road bike. Riding on rough terrain often requires different gears and wider tires than road cycling, but there are other differences that people might not think of.
First, let’s talk about performance and purpose.
Mountain bikes are designed for off-road use (trails, tracks, dirt, snow), and you might not maximise their power when you only use them on streets and pavements. That’s unless you replace mountain bike tires with slick rubber to increase their performance on the street.
Road bikes tend to perform better on asphalt and pavements than mountain bikes. On hard surfaces, they are faster and more efficient. A road bike is not particularly suitable for riding on rough terrain, as it doesn’t absorb vibrations, making it prone to more damage. Taking it out onto a trail would also be too difficult due to the lack of suspension.
Also, road bikes are typically much lighter than aerodynamic mountain bikes, which are often expensive and have carbon shells. Both types of bicycles exist outside of their standard weights for the sport and are observed both in variable weights that can be added or removed depending on user preference.
Now, let’s explore the different types of road bikes.
Gravel bikes are capable of riding both off-road terrain and trails while maintaining speed at longer rides. The frame is better suited to bikes with larger tires. The fork features plenty of clearance for knobbly, wider tires.
Race bikes are lightweight bikes and are fully stripped down to make them as light as possible. They have an aerodynamic design and are made for speed over comfort. The wheels on the bike are thinner and stiffer, which are not ideal for tours.
Touring bikes are great for those that are constantly on the go. Despite the slow speed, they’re built for long-distance travel. They’re not a good choice for racing or speed but are overall a good investment.
Endurance bikes are meant for long distances. These bikes are what you usually see at popular cycling competitions. They offer a certain level of comfort, making long rides bearable.
Touring bikes are great for those that are constantly on the go. Despite the slow speed, they’re built for long-distance travel. They’re not a good choice for racing or speed but are overall a good investment.
Then, here are the multiple types of mountain bikes.
Cross Country (XC) bikes are the most popular type of mountain bike. They are suitable for riding on tough trails for longer periods.
Trail mountain bikes are great for riders who love exploring trails and tracks. Keep in mind that the single-suspension model of such bikes is a lot cheaper than the full-suspension kinds.
Downhill mountain bikes should be your go-to ride for rough terrain. They can make your ride down the roughest tracks and most challenging obstacles fast and easygoing.
Enduro bikes are full-suspension bicycles typically built and designed for tough trails. These are usually high-end, so they may come with a higher price tag than other types of MTBs.
By this time, you probably already have a better idea.
With all these options, you probably now have a better idea of what to purchase before you explore the world of biking. With the ride bike, you can have more fun wherever you go.