Mountain vs Road Bike

You’ll know a road bike when you see one. Back in the day, they were called 10 speed, now because of technologies, they can have up to 22 speeds. A Road bike is characterized by its sleek look, with dropped, curving handlebars, narrow wheels and “skinny” tires, a small seat, and lots of cogs/gears, on the back wheel.

Typically, road bikes are lightweight, and often times they look “fast.” That’s why they’re sometimes referred to as racing bikes. Styles included within road bikes category are:

• Aero: With wing-shape frame tubes and wheels, these bikes reduce drag to a bare minimum. Intended for racing or time-trialing, they often feature more aggressive rider positions; the emphasis is speed over rider comfort
• Ultralight: Made for long climbs, these bikes strip weight by using the lightest materials, but may not be as good for all-around use
• Endurance: The right pick for most riders, these models feature a more upright rider position for comfort, slightly wider tires and gearing ranges and, sometimes, vibration-absorbing technologies in the frame and/or fork

Price

A quality road bikes with aluminum frames, 18-speed drivetrains and conventional rim brakes can start around $800s. A carbon fiber frame bike can start around $1,800s. High-end models can get north of $15,000s, with exotic materials, 22-speed electronic drivetrains, hydraulic disc brakes, and ultra low weights.

Pros

• Light and agile, these bikes are designed for speed
• “Over the handlebar” posture transfers the most power
• Riding position allows most leg power & cuts through air
• Components have tight tolerances and high polish
• Light, tall wheels & thin tires reduce friction

Cons

• Can’t take the punishment like mountain bikes
• Gear range is high so slow speed riding is hard
• Riding position can be uncomfortable on neck & wrists
• Treacherous in wind or icy weather. Their thinner tires provide little grip and the lightness of the frame can make it hard for cyclists to maintain balance in strong winds

Determining Road Bike Frame Size Fit

These bikes defy easy classification: They are essentially any bike made with utility, rather than recreation, in mind. They come in various, purpose-built styles. Whatever you pick, you get exercise, stuff gets done, and you always get free parking. You’ll find traditional “diamond” frame and step-through models in all styles except fixed gear (fixie) for anyone who wants an easier way to get on the bike.

Types of urban bikes:

• Commuter: Efficient and fast-rolling, this bike typically has flat handlebars for an upright position that lets you see well in urban environments. Multi-gear drive trains handle hills, rim or disc brakes stop safely, and high-end versions come with accessories like fenders, racks and even lights per-installed.
• Fixie: Stylish and slick, these are the café racers of urban bikes. They’re based on track racing bikes, with lightweight frames, only one gear, and a clean, stripped-down aesthetic, often with color-matched parts and accessories
• Mid-Tail: Light duty haulers with an extended rear wheelbase made to support rack and pannier loads a normal bike won’t
• Cargo: There are two styles: long-tail and front-load. Long-tail is a stretched rear wheelbase with built-in racks and pannier compatibility for large loads. Front-load uses a cargo bin ahead of the pilot and between the wheels. The low center of gravity works great for heavy hauling.

Prices

Fixies and commuters are typically the most affordable. They start around $400 for the most basic models; high-end, fully-accessorized commuters can run $2,000. Cargo bikes start around $1,500 for serviceable mid-tail designs, and go well past $5,000 for electric versions.

Pros

• Marriage of road bike lightness & Mountain bike’s ruggedness
• Low center of gravity for stable, easy handling
• Upright riding position comfy and the view is great
• Lower rolling resistance and lighter than Mountain bikes
• Wider tires and wheels take more hits than road bikes
• Hybrids are combination of road, comfort, and mountain bikes

Cons

• The marriage has problems and compromises
• Not quite a road bike’s speed or mountain bike tough
• What makes for comfort can reduce performance
• Comfort bikes are slower/heavier w/ 26″ wheel
• Compliant frames & riding position reduce power transfer
• Upright position adds aerodynamic drag at higher speeds

Determining Utlity Bike Frame Size Fit