Choosing Between A Road Bike And A Mountain Bike

If you are in the market for a bicycle, this thought must have crossed your mind

. To go for the speedy road bike, or to settle for the more comfortable mountain bike? How do you make that buying decision? Here are 4 issues to consider before dishing out your wallet.

Consideration 1: Where you will be riding.

Consideration 2: Comfort vs speed.

Consideration 3: Make and model.

Consideration 4: Your budget.

Consideration 1: Where you will be riding.

This is the most important consideration. A road bike is mostly meant for road riding. So if that's where you intend to ride your bicycle, investing in a good road bike may be a wise choice. But note that road bikes don't perform very well if the road is uneven (like on cobbled streets or dirt tracks). Comfort is sacrificed for speed. If you are not very athletic, getting a mountain bike will give you a more comfortable and enjoyable ride.

Consideration 2: Comfort vs speed.

The reason why athletic abilities come into the picture is because the riding posture on these bikes can be very different. On a road bike, speed is the key concern. So everything is about being aerodynamic. Hence, there are drop handlebars. The handlebars require the rider to arch the back forward to achieve a more aero position. If you've never ridden a road bike before, this position can be quite uncomfortable. But most people get used to it after a while. Initially, you may experience some pains in the neck and back. Once you get used to riding a roadie, you will start to enjoy your rides more.

But if speed is not your number 1 priority, then a mountain bike would be a better choice. The handlebars are flat, which enables the rider to ride in an upright posture. You wouldn't be able to catch a road bike on that posture. But that's not important. It's more important that you are comfortable on the bike.

Consideration 3: Make and model.

Once you have decided on whether to go for speed or comfort, it's now time to zoom in on the different makes and models. For instance, mountain bikes may be made from different materials such as aluminum (cheap) or carbon fibre (a lot more expensive). Carbon bikes are extremely light, and they handle better and also go a lot faster. However, they come with a hefty price tag. Then you have to consider other features such as the type of wheels, the suspension, and the type of brakes.

Consideration 4: Your budget.

It all comes down to budget. Everyone wants a carbon bike with all the bells and whistles. But if budget is a concern, you want to do away with all the fancy features. Just stick with what's useful and functional. You can always upgrade when you have more cash.

by: Gen Wright

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