Are you looking for a bike to ride either for commuting or just for pleasure? You may try to answer the question. Unfortunately, you have to grasp tons of technical terms you are not familiar with, and you feel overwhelmed. Which type of bike suits you best? Road bike VS mountain bike? Can you find a decent bike online? Or you may go beyond road bike VS mountain bike and head for folding or even e-bike instead. If you are getting lost, scroll down now because we have answers for you.
Over several decades, bike cycling has transformed a lot. Its crafting materials went from steel to aluminum. Finally, some notable brands took a step forward to replace aluminum with a carbon frame. Today the carbon frame has become a dominant means of materials in the high-end market mostly for its lightweight and durability. Although the price of high-end bike brands hasn’t gone down much, the geometries of bikes have moved beyond imagination.
Going back to the history of bike cycling, the evolution of the bike is so swift that today, we can divide each type of bike into many categories. For road biking, we have circuits, endurance, and stage races. On the other hand, for mountain biking, we have marathons, XC (cross country), bike paths, all-mountain, and downhill. In triathlon racing, we compete in short distances, like short triathlon as well as the Ultraman race where several “Iron Men” are competing head-to-head. With so many different categories and settings, which type of bike is best for you? Road bike VS mountain bike? or anything else?
ROAD BIKE VS MOUNTAIN BIKE, DO I NEED FIRST TO KNOW THE BIKE?
Finding the right bike that suits you best is probably the most crucial part for a beginner. A decent, properly fit bike will keep your focus on bike cycling. Riding a wrong-sized or poor-quality bicycle will make you feel more uncomfortable and eventually discourage you from participating in this activity.
Let’s start with the type of bike you want to ride. There are so many different types of bikes in the market, such as mountain bikes, race or road bikes, hybrid bikes, fixed gear bikes, folding bikes, and electric bikes. Each type of bike serves a different purpose. We may exclude kid bikes, and exercise bikes from this article as they are irrelevant to the subject matter.
After defining the purpose of riding the bike, then we will put more focus on the intensity, frequency of use, and usage time interval.
Because of many criteria, it is quite easy to get lost when coming to the ideal bike that fits your needs, road bike VS mountain bike. Therefore, Rodrigo Langeani, a prominent sports coach and fitness professional, has outlined a guide to determining the critical characteristics of the various bike categories. Before going down to the specific features of each type, you need to be aware of two crucial points as follows;
- You must clarify the purpose of bike riding. Each bike model has served a different riding purpose.
- Perform a bike fitting, either a road bike or a mountain bike. For instance, the cyclist’s height is essential to determine the appropriate bike frame size. Typically, the cyclist whose height is between 1.70 m to 1.75 m should go for a 20- or 21-inches frame size if he considers buying a road bike. On the contrary, a frame size between 16 to 18 inches would be a choice for a mountain bike.
Mountain bike
A mountain bike is probably the most popular type of bike in the world. A mountain bike earns this title because it is very versatile. Although a mountain bike is designed initially to ride in dirt mountain trails, the bike is also good to ride on various types of terrain, including the asphalt road. By the way, for those who are looking for an affordable bike, you may check our list of
best mountain bikes under $500
Type of mountain biking
The mountain bikes come with suspensions feature either front, rear, or
full suspension. The tires are more extensive with spikes that increase traction when pedaling on the trail. Also, some types of specialized mountain bikes have specific characteristics in compliance with a particular sport in which they participate.
Mountain biking can be classified into various categories, such as cross country, enduro, downhill, freeride, marathon, or BMX.
The Cross-Country Mountain Biking
Cross-country mountain biking is practiced on embossed and obstacle courses. Cross-country mountain biking requires the use of a more aggressive mountain bike being equally optimized for a 50% uphill ride and a 50% downhill ride.
It is a closed-circuit race on earth where the level of technical difficulty, uphill, and the downhill ride is exceptionally intense. This competition in mountain bike action is not very long as the race usually lasts only 1 hour to 1.30 hours.
The Enduro Mountain Biking
Enduro mountain biking is also known as all-mountain biking because the cyclist needs to pedal in various types of terrain. Each mountain bike part is optimized for best use in both an uphill ride and a downhill ride. In the race competition, the downhill ride is usually timed while the uphill ride is not timed but mandatory.
The Enduro mountain bike racing is a test play with a grid, which contains the instructions to follow and the time limit in each stage. The primary purpose of this race is not to be the first to the finish line but rather to be the most regular. Finishing the race on time yields the athlete zero points. Each second over in a downhill time trial will penalize the athlete with one point or three points depending on the rule and regulation. The winner will be the one with the highest scores. This mountain bike race is competed on both open roads and closed trails.
The Downhill Mountain Biking
Downhill mountain biking
, as the name describes, demands even more aggressive mountain bike action as it is a downhill race. Therefore, a downhill mountain bike action is likely to reach a high speed fast.
Downhill mountain biking is probably the most extreme aspect of a mountain bike race. The athlete makes a practically downhill ride on very irregular, natural, or artificial downhill trails. Sometimes the athlete must perform high jumps over the gap or drop-downs on a lower path at high speed. In this mode of the race, the athlete must wear a full-face covered helmet and all necessary protective mountain bike gear such as a waistcoat, knee pads, and a shin pad.
Additionally, there is also a variation of a downhill ride for leisure purposes. We call it freeride mountain biking. This ride emphasizes the trip in various terrain types to create a never-before-seen biking experience. For instance, racers may ride over fallen trees or wooden paths inside a dense tropical forest. Mostly, mountain bike parts and accessories used in freeride biking are somewhat lighter than those in a downhill ride. Some models may be equipped with only 8- to 10-speed shifting gear.
Marathon Mountain Biking
A marathon mountain biking is probably the most anticipated type of mountain bike race at this moment. Each athlete rides the bike on a course that is up to 1,000 km long. In this type of competition, athletes must go on a long-distance race without rerouting to the same place. The most popular long-distance bike tournament, Tour de France, is another type of marathon biking. It is no surprise that this tournament has attracted so many adored fans who enjoy the pleasure of cycling in nature.
The BMX
The name “BMX” is derived from the phrase “Bicycle Motocross”. because this bike is designed and built by mimicking the motocross bike’s features in mind. The BMX racing events are mostly organized in close-circuit fields in multiple laps. Additionally, athletes must cross many obstacles by jumping or performing a wall curve ride. This BMX race is quite popular among young athletes. They usually ride on smaller bikes with 20″ rim wheels. There are other variations related to BMX rides, such as vertical or freestyle rides.
The 4X is a particular BMX-derived obstacle course on sloping terrain. The race usually starts at a BMX-style gate where four racers descend simultaneously. This race is originally derived from the combination of BMX ride and Dual Slalom ride. A Dual Slalom is a race that which two athletes will be descending from a downhill slop simultaneously. However, a Dual Slalom has gradually been losing its magnet as the 4X race starts gaining more ground. Most 4X athletes formally participated in both downhill and Dual Slalom races but now switch to 4X races to find a more challenging run.
What is the right mountain bike that fits you?
For those who want to start mountain bike action in urban areas, the Enduro mountain bike is highly recommended. The bike is equally optimized for both uphill and downhill rides. Also, the Enduro bike is referred to as an all-mountain bike, which makes it an ideal beginner mountain bike for everyone.
An all-mountain bike, as its name implies, is a bicycle that you can ride on all types of mountain trails. The enduro bike is probably one of the best beginner mountain bikes for anyone who wants a versatile bike. Even beginners who are still not sure of which type of bike is best for them may be able to control this all-mountain bike on any road.
Currently, there are several types of beginner mountain bikes on the market. Today as technology becomes more advanced, most beginner cyclists must be prepared for the bombardment of many different practices and complexities of bike technology. To grasp complex mountain bike parts and accessories, you may have to justify which type of wheel to use for your bike. Mostly, they come with different diameters to choose from (26″, 27.5″, and 29″).
Moreover, you may also need to clarify the appropriate mountain bike frame size that fits you best. Besides, mountain bike frames are designed with particular geometries and characteristics adapted to each type of bike. Therefore, it is advisable to put more emphasis on a bike frame before considering another option. The mountain bike gear may become a nightmare if you want to make sense of it quickly. Technically, the mechanics of mountain bike gear are somewhat complicated and require a certain amount of time to comprehend.
Sound overwhelming about road bike VS mountain bike? If you are just a beginner cyclist and want a trail mountain bike for leisure sports, then you don’t have to pay much attention to those kinds of stuff like wheels, frame size, or even gearing systems. Just browse the online store and shop for a basic front-suspension mountain bike with a simple gearing system, and you are good to go. If you need more specific information, it is just a few clicks away on the internet.
A note on BMX buying
The BMX bike is originally designed for off-road riding. The name is an abbreviation of the English term “bicycle motocross”. Over time, the sport has evolved beyond the trails and extended to hybrid tracks with ramps and obstacles.
BMX bikes have smaller wheels compared to those in standard mountain bikes with metallic bike rims of 20″ to 24″. Please be aware that professional BMX bikes are mostly available at bike shops. BMX Models you have found on the internet that look similar in shape and structure to BMX are primarily for kids. Those bikes may look like BMX, but the parts are fundamental and do not support actual BMX maneuvers.
Road Bike
A road bike is designed for long-distance riding. As for road bike VS mountain bike, there are some more specific road bike actions you should know such as track cycling, time trial, and also triathlon.
Road bikes, also known as road racer bikes, are geared for speed and performance on asphalt roads. However, there are some particular models used for the velodrome road bike race. These bikes are ideal for sports and recreation purposes. Considering road bikes versus mountain bikes, road bikes usually take more time to practice and master. The critical point is road bike tires, which are much thinner than those used on other bikes. Beginner cyclists usually have some difficulties in controlling the road bike.
If you want to go for a beginner road bike cycling, you have to gain more experience in pedaling a mountain bike. Riding mountain bikes is more manageable and more controllable than road bikes. Road bikes themselves are used by those who like to enjoy traveling long distances or enhance their fitness endurance.
Typically, an entry-level road bike comes equipped with 28″ wheels and thin tires to reduce friction and thus gain more speed over the road bike racing course. The road bike also employs derailleur gear transmission to control the speed and torque of the bike. The derailleur system has both front and rear types that perform different functions. The rear derailleur moves the chain from one sprocket to another while the front derailleur takes the “jump” of the bike’s chain between the chainrings to produce the optimum power.
Type of road biking
Nowadays, there are several types of bikes adapted to facilitate various cycling styles. Road bike cycling is one of the most famous road biking events. Besides, we also have a time trial race and a track bike race, which are gradually gaining more audiences.
Road cycling
All riders start the road bike racing in a group called a platoon. The road cycling race usually takes place on a street or a road circuit covering a distance of up to 200 km or more. The winner is the one who has crossed the finish line first. Choosing road bike parts for road cycling is very crucial. Besides, you need to consider the gearing transmission ratio as well. The most favored and versatile gearing transmission ratio will be 52-36 in front and 11-28 in the rear. However, if you are a beginner, you may switch to a 50-34 ratio for a front derailleur. For a comprehensive buying guide for best road bikes, you may click
here.
Time trial cycling
In the race against the clock, riders start a ramp one minute apart and compete on a previously signaled circuit. The distance for the men’s race is 40 km while that for the women’s is 20 km. The one who reaches the finish line in the shortest time wins.
Road bike track
In the field of track cycling, the events are usually organized in velodromes, competition spaces, or official cycling tracks according to the rules of the International Cycling Union (UCI). This track should be oval, with inclined curves ranging from 36 to 45 degrees. The length of 180 to 500 meters is more popular than tracks of 250 meters and 333 meters. The bike tracks are often paved with cement.
Fixed gear bike
There is one of the conventional bike models. However, on this type of bike, the ratchet turns with the rear wheel, and you must keep pedaling the bike all the time. If you stop pedaling, the wheel locks and the bike will stop. Typically, the fixed-gear bike is generally used in velodrome events. But given to bike’s simplicity, it has also been taken to the streets and become fashionable among cyclists of hipster culture.
This fixed-gear bike is equipped with a fixed pinion, a crown, and a ratchet on the rear wheel. More importantly, it has no gear-shifting mechanism. Because it employs a fixed pinion, crown, and ratchet ratio, therefore, it does require more effort to pedal.
This bike is best for those who live in an urban area and like to catch up with current fashion trends.
Electric bike
One of the best-selling bicycle categories in the world today is now gaining more ground in the United States, regardless of its high price tag. Typically, an electric bike has a coupled electric motor to assist the rider while cycling. This bike may be worth buying in some cases if you want to use the bike for commuting and don’t want to sweat too much before reaching the office.
The electric bike can be performed in a pair or group. The e-bike is a road bike or mountain bike with a motor. With advanced technology, the electric bike does help people with disorders to ride with friends or even in a group. It significantly makes this sport more accessible to the public.
Most electric bikes feature assisted pedaling the motor will amplify the force to help cyclists in riding the bike. Alternatively, you may press the accelerator switch on the bike to move it forward if you don’t want to pedal. Most e-bike models run on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack.
This e-bike is best for:
Cyclists who are looking for a bike to go around the city area.
Cyclists with disabilities.
Senior cyclists.
Folding bike
This type of bike is trendy in urban areas. Typically, the daily cycling distance is usually less than 10 km because the folding bike is not quite very comfortable to ride. It is best known for its ease of carrying and storing.
As the name suggests, the essential feature is that it is foldable. Thus, the bike should be used in combination with other means of transportation such as buses or subways since its size is greatly reduced and more comfortable to carry.
The folding bike is best for:
People in urban areas need a bike to travel a short distance.
A cyclist who does not have much space to store the bike at home.
One who needs an easy-to-carry model bike on public transportation.
Hybrid
A
hybrid bike does allow you to pedal on various types of terrain. Hybrid bikes can be used on paved roads, lighter trails, or even dirt roads. However, these bikes are not very common in the United States. In general, most people end up opting for mountain bikes, also although the MTB is a little more challenging to ride on asphalt roads. However, mountain bikes allow you to ride on any trail and some areas uphill and downhill. The hybrid bike, on the other hand, is restricted to cruising in some pathways.
The hybrid bike is usually designed to build on mountain bike-like frames and hybrid tires. It rides well on the asphalt road and also provides some traction on dirt trails. It is a much more substantial and geometry-free bike. The suspension system, gearing system, and, most importantly, tires are suitable for riding in harsh terrain.
The hybrid bike is best for:
People who want a bike to ride in the city and occasionally on dirt trails.
Bottom Line
The type of bike that suits you best depends solely on your riding style. If you prefer riding at high speed on a relatively smooth road, then the road bike is the one for you. On the other hand, if you are in love with trail riding and downhill challenges, you may go for a mountain bike. However, the more advanced the technology is, the more variety of bikes you have to choose from. Let alone the mountain bike categories. There are more than 4-5 subcategories of MTB. The word of advice is that you should be able to make a self-assessment of what you need and are capable of. Once decided, you may go down from the main category to the subcategory to find the bike that fits you best.
