It can be tricky to decide what kind of cyclist you are, especially as choosing a brand new bike can set you back thousands of pounds. As you'd expect, the split between mountain bikes and road bikes is quite defined, with people in both camps being adamant that theirs is the ultimate form of cycling. Arguments of taste aside, there are some very real differences in the machines and what they offer you as a rider.
The big split in bike type came about in the 1980s with the advent of the first real mountain bikes. Riders were finally encouraged to get off the road and take in some more rough terrain. As you'd expect, mountain bikes are the king of the mountain trail. They provide a versatility that allows them to work on road surface and footpaths alike, thanks to big, solid wheels and serious suspension. You also need a strong frame for this kind of thing, and that's another area where mountain bikes shine: they're durable, and that means even if you're not taking to the hills you're in a better position in terms of a bike that won't give out.
Road bikes take advantage of ultra light frames and narrow wheels to get serious speed going on the road. If you're looking to rack up miles then these are the bike of choice. They can travel much faster than mountain bikes over flat, smooth terrain, and keep you feeling fresh thanks to their streamlined nature. Modern road bikes lock you in to the pedals with foot clamps, and benefit even more from a streamlined outfit, so there's a definite look to go along with them.
If you're split between to two there are options. A cyclo-cross bike will offer you the lightweight advantages of a road bike, while still allowing you the suspension and tyres to hit the rough trails if you want to. These are actually one of the best choices for the work commute, as they won't break easily and have a high speed, but also keep you stable in the same way as a mountain bike.
So there you have it. Both types have their strengths, and ultimately the area you live in will help to determine your choice too.
The big split in bike type came about in the 1980s with the advent of the first real mountain bikes. Riders were finally encouraged to get off the road and take in some more rough terrain. As you'd expect, mountain bikes are the king of the mountain trail. They provide a versatility that allows them to work on road surface and footpaths alike, thanks to big, solid wheels and serious suspension. You also need a strong frame for this kind of thing, and that's another area where mountain bikes shine: they're durable, and that means even if you're not taking to the hills you're in a better position in terms of a bike that won't give out.
Road bikes take advantage of ultra light frames and narrow wheels to get serious speed going on the road. If you're looking to rack up miles then these are the bike of choice. They can travel much faster than mountain bikes over flat, smooth terrain, and keep you feeling fresh thanks to their streamlined nature. Modern road bikes lock you in to the pedals with foot clamps, and benefit even more from a streamlined outfit, so there's a definite look to go along with them.
If you're split between to two there are options. A cyclo-cross bike will offer you the lightweight advantages of a road bike, while still allowing you the suspension and tyres to hit the rough trails if you want to. These are actually one of the best choices for the work commute, as they won't break easily and have a high speed, but also keep you stable in the same way as a mountain bike.
So there you have it. Both types have their strengths, and ultimately the area you live in will help to determine your choice too.
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