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Road Bike vs. Mountain Bike
If you are one of those people who have grown tired of staying indoors for a sport or exercise and decide to try biking,you might ask yourself what is the best bike to buy?
Many new bikers have asked the same question before they bought their own bikes, but the choice to make is not really based on what’s better among the types of cycles to choose from, but more on what your preference really is.
Among all the types of bikes the most sought out options are the road bikes and mountain bikes, and that is because these two are your best options for daily use may it be for exercise, travel, or recreation.
These two types are generally designed to withstand long hours of biking, different types of terrains, and match most activities you would do every day for a reasonable price.
Both bikes have their differences which mainly stemfrom their different purposes and your choice will depend on your preference.
Road Bike
Road bikes are made for a more comfortable riding experience, its design best performs on open and paved roads and its purpose is more for speed biking or racing. This type of bike is ideal for fitness enthusiasts and competitive riders.
A road bike is usually preferred by triathletes as this is the best tool for their training. On the other hand, some new bikers who would use their bike for touring or commuting in their area choose road bikes for their more comfortable structure.
There are many types of road bikes such as touring, hybrid, utility, roadster, or recumbent.
Road bikes have narrow tires meant for riding on smooth surfaces.Their frames are usually lightweight and made of aluminum, carbon fiber, or titanium as this machine is meant for fast cycling. Handlebars are usually dropped or curved to accommodate many speed settings, as road bikes usually come with 21 to 24 shift gears to meet a rider’s desired speed.
Mountain Bike
Mountain bikes are designed for rough roads, uneven pavements, and “all-terrain” biking. These bikes are best for going outdoors, climbing mountains, cross-country cycling, all day endurance, free-ride, downhill biking but not speed racing.
Its structure is built for tough trails and roads that contain rocks, logs, branches, and even small boulders. So if you are the type who would want to explore roads outside of the comfort of your city this would be the best bike to withstand your travels.
Mountain bike tires vary in size and are thicker and more durable than those used on road bikes. Their handlebars are more simply designed as it comes with flat or riser bars.
What is the difference?
Mountain bikes are described to be sharper, aggressive, and more suitable for rough cycling while road bikes have flat frames that are designed for comfort and efficiency.
A mountain bike has a suspension fork that goes up and down when you hit the ground, rough terrain, or any bumps in the road while a road bike has a solid fork made to absorb shock and continue its speed level uninterrupted.
It has also been noted that suspension forks on mountain bikes take a lot of effort from the rider. A mountain bike has flat grips while road bikes have stylish, dropped handlebars for different speed rates.
Mountain bikes, given their purpose, weigh double what road bikes do, whereas road bikes are intended to be lightweight to achieve fast cycling. Mountain bikes have wider tires as it is known for a “can ride it anywhere all-terrain bike” while road bikes have narrow high-pressure tires to ensure smooth and fast riding.
However, mountain bikes might be better for city streets where the pavement is often uneven. While road bikes may be faster they are not advisable to use in very rough and challenging surfaces as they can get easily worn out.
How To Look For The Best Bike
If you’ve already decided what bike to get given the knowledge of what they are made for you would have to make sure that you check these general guidelines:
Fit
Coming in a variety of frames, both these bikes have a number of similarities in terms of body proportions. If you are unable to buy the bike in person and opt for online shopping instead, never neglect to check the available buying guide to help you make the best choice.
Feel
Check everything before you buy anything. It doesn’t help to regret buying something and eventually not use it due to comfortability issues. While functionality is important, discomfort and the feeling of being “not quite right” are enough to throw you off your game.
Look
What you wear is an expression of who you are. While some people couldn’t care less, there are a lot more who really judge a book by its cover. Or in this case, the bike by its style. Though it is of lesser importance when fit and functionality are already checked, know that bikes can be customized or painted afterward.
