Road bikes have narrow tires and are generally easy to pedal at full speed while mountain bikes (MTB) have wider tires that can make pedaling feel like a full-blown workout.
Cycling has gained newfound popularity in the last couple of years. Market and consumer data company Statista estimates that the number of cyclists in the United States increased from 43 million in 2015 to 49 million in 2019.
Even if you haven’t started yet, you must have noticed other riders on the road.
Biking, on its own, has many health benefits that have been further optimized by technological advancements and updates in the design and structure of bikes. If you’re thinking of taking up cycling, finding the right bike is of utmost importance.
Before you start shopping, it’s important to know if you’re looking for a road bike or a mountain bike.
What’s the difference between these two popular types of bikes? Let’s find out.
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Which is Better, a Mountain Bike or a Road Bike?
Let’s compare both bikes to find the right fit.
Mountain Bike vs. Road Bike: Suspension
Generally, road bikes don’t have suspension. However, road bike users may notice some form of front and rear suspension in expensive bike models.
You can also ride dirt roads with a road bike as long as you’re okay with it getting a bit dusty.
A mountain bike, on the other hand, can offer full suspension, front suspension, and no suspension. They also have a rigid frame with suspension forks.
Depending on the terrain you usually ride on, you can select any of the three available suspensions to make your long-distance cycling experience a comfortable one.
Generally, more rear suspension is used in challenging trails, so if you’re going to be cycling in rough outdoor areas, that’s the type you should opt for.
Mountain Bike vs. Road Bike: Maintenance
Maintenance of a road bike includes
- washing it after every use;
- doing frequent checks of the gear train, gear cables, headset, and brakes to ensure they stay in optimum working condition;
- lubricating it for a smooth ride;
- changing pedals and other essentials when needed; and
- checking the air pressure of the tires.
Mountain bike maintenance includes
- cleaning every part of the bicycle with a biodegradable cleaner and a piece of cloth;
- ensuring the brakes are in working condition; and
- keeping an eye out for the condition of the wheels and gear train, and lubricating them.
Proper and frequent maintenance of your bike can increase its life span.
Mountain Bike vs. Road Bike: Handlebars
Road bikes have drop bars that allow you to crouch down and reduce drag while riding. They also help prevent the fatigue that usually accompanies long road rides.
Drop handlebars allow riders to navigate their bikes through small gaps easily.
Mountain bikes, on the other hand, have wide and flat handlebars that offer better control but put quite a strain on the wrists when maneuvering uphill.
Mountain Bike vs. Road Bike: Pedals
Mountain and road bike pedals are designed to lock your shoes on the pedal. Mountain bikes have smaller cleats which make them easier to unlock when you fall.
When riding trails, this feature can help significantly minimize the risk and extent of injuries.
In comparison, road bikes and gravel bikes have flat pedals and larger cleats which are harder to unlock and make you more susceptible to contact surface injuries.
Mountain Bike vs. Road Bike: Bike Size
Mountain bikes and road bikes offer a range of frame sizes spanning from small to large. Pick one that’s most compatible with your height to ensure optimum comfort and stability during different types of trails.
If you’re unsure about the measurements, you can always visit your local bike shop to find your correct frame size. Remember, all mountain bike frame sizes offer an upright riding position, which is ideal for tricky terrains and unpaved roads, while road bikes focus more on aerodynamics and comfort.
Mountain Bike vs. Road Bike: Speed
Mountain bikes have shock absorbers which can make maneuvering around rocky trails super smooth by offering greater stopping power. However, since they require more effort when pedaling, you can expect low-speed cycling with a MTB.
Road bikes are in stark contrast to mountain bikes with their thin tires and frame geometry. These give the rider fast speed, better control, flexibility, rolling resistance, and rotational mass.
Mountain Bike vs. Road Bike: The Size of the Wheels
Road bike wheel sizes are unique and come with rim specifications. In contrast, mountain bikes offer three sizes according to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) measurements and their rim specifications are similar to those of downhill bikes.
They’re more durable and work efficiently for off-road riding.
If you’re looking for better rolling power, choose wheels with bigger diameters. If you’re looking for better control and handling, choose smaller-diameter wheels.
Types of Road and Mountain Bikes
Differentiating between road bikes and mountain bikes is made more difficult by the number of variants for each bike type.
How do you decide which one is the better choice for you when the advantages and disadvantages keep changing with every variant?
Hopefully, this list can help make the process easier for you.
Types of Road Bikes
- Backpacking bikes: For carrying camping gear in areas that are only accessible by bike.
- Cyclo-cross bikes: For off-the-road short course riding. Their fairly aggressive geometric build makes them an ideal fit for racing.
- Endurance bikes: For riding longer distances. They offer great endurance. It’s safe to say that they’re the go-to option for most riders.
- Gravel bikes: For riding off-road terrain and trails. Gravel bikes have stronger frames and offer better control over speed.
- Race bikes: For speed riding. These are light weight and have aerodynamic designs which make them ideal for riding on flat roads.
- Touring bikes: For riding long distances without sacrificing comfort.
Types of Mountain Bikes
- Cross-country (XC) bikes: For riding long-distance local trails. Cross-country bikes are full-suspension mountain bikes.
- Downhill mountain bikes: For riding downhill on rough terrain.
- Enduro bikes: For riding trails. They offer all-round suspension.
- Freeride mountain bike: For riding through steep terrains.
- Trail mountain bikes: For riding trails and tracks. They come in single and full suspension.
Mountain Bike vs. Road Bike: Advantages
Mountain biking and road biking offer great benefits. Here’s a short list of them:
Mountain Biking
- Versatility: You can ride through multiple terrains.
- Safety: The fact that there are no cars on the trail greatly reduces the risk of accidents. Moreover, its design ensures the bike takes the brunt of the fall more than you do.
- Better for your health: Offers you a full workout by focusing your attention on the ride and taking your attention away from stress and other triggers.
- MTB culture: Gives you a community of mountain bikers who share the same goals as you. They’re friendly, welcoming, and engage in friendly competitions.
- Experiment: You can switch styles and riding positions depending on the cycling terrain you select.
- Explore nature: Encounter wildlife and rare sightings of birds through forest trails and experience nature at its finest.
Road Biking
- Accessibility: You can start cycling on the road without having to navigate your way through mountain bike trails as you would on a mountain bike.
- Exercise: It offers a great cardio workout without hitting the gym. You can even target certain health zones by switching up the intensity and pace to train your aerobic system with road cycling.
- Easy maintenance: Since road bikes are often used on roads, they don’t acquire a lot of dirt. You’ll periodically need to change the tires and need an occasional tune-up, but that’s about it.
- Community: Joining a community of road cyclists can help you bring your fitness goals to fruition. The two wheels pack a powerful fun factor too.
- Lightweight: Road bikes are designed with speed in mind. Their lightweight design aids easy maneuvering.
- Affordable: With several variants from different brands available, you can get a great road bike without stretching your budget.
Wrapping Up
Which of the two bikes is best for you? The answer will depend on multiple factors from the terrain you ride on and your riding position to the distance you want to cover, the frame, and other aspects.
If you’re looking to have a smooth, comfortable, and speedy ride on paved surfaces, road biking is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a challenging ride, mountain biking is a better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can mountain biking offer a ride quality similar to road biking?
Yes, mountain biking can offer the same level of experience as road bikes. You just have to make a few adjustments, like switching up the knobby tires with thin, slick tires and locking the suspension so it doesn’t impact speed or require extra effort to ride.