As the popularity of cycling expands, so too does the variety of bicycles that the consumer can choose from. Often, through the eyes of someone new to the sport of bicycling, all bikes look the same. Two of the most commonly confused types of bicycles are the comfort bike and the hardtail mountain bike.
Function of the Comfort Bike
As the name suggests, a comfort bike is designed with the comfort of the rider in mind. Comfort bikes are designed to place the rider in an upright position. Bicycle manufacturers use shorter steering stems and taller handlebars to achieve this position. This accomplishes two things: it relieves stress from the rider's lower back and makes for a bicycle that has slower handling qualities, which inspires confidence in the rider. Popular frame materials for comfort bikes include steel and aluminum. These materials are used because they are affordable, allowing bicycle companies to produce comfort bikes at a lower cost to the consumer.
Features of the Comfort Bike
The comfort bike has many features that distinguish it from the hardtail mountain bike. Comfort bikes provide a rider with a padded saddle containing gel or high volume foam rubber. These saddles may also have steel springs or elastomer that acts as suspension for the rider. The seat post of the comfort bike may contain a shock absorber or spring to isolate the rider from variations in the riding surface. Up front, the comfort bike may have either a rigid fork or a suspension fork with a small amount of travel to further isolate the rider from the road surface. Large platform pedals are used to keep the rider's feet securely on the pedals. Handlebar grips made of soft foam that have a large diameter are used for added control. Comfort bikes come with wider tires to increase air volume and make bumps less jarring.
Function of the Mountain Bike
Hardtail mountain bikes are designed for use on dirt roads and trails. While the comfort of the rider is still taken into consideration, performance is a driving force in the overall design. Hardtail mountain bikes provide a rider with a more stretched-out feeling through the use of longer steering stems and lower handlebars. This creates a more aggressive, quicker handling riding position that allows a rider to negotiate the difficult terrain encountered while mountain biking. Bicycle manufacturers use many different types of materials to make frames for hardtail mountain bikes. These materials can be very affordable (steel and aluminum) or quite expensive (carbon fiber, titanium, scandium). As the price of the frame materials increases, the weight goes down, and overall cost of the hardtail increases.
Features of the Hardtail Mountain Bike
Hardtail mountain bikes are equipped with lighter, less padded saddles and handlebar grips. Pedals are available in platform style, although these are smaller than those on comfort bikes and are constructed from lightweight alloy. Another option for the hardtail mountain bike is clipless pedals that interface with a cleat worn on the bottom of the rider's shoe. This connects the rider to the bike and increases pedaling efficiency. Many hardtail mountain bikes come with a suspension fork that provides between two and five inches of travel. Suspension forks allow a rider to negotiate obstacles in the trail while maintaining speed. Tires on the hardtail mountain bike are designed for off-road use and have aggressive tread that aids in cornering and climbing.
Final Thoughts
While they may appear similar at first glance, comfort bikes and hardtail mountain bikes are designed with different types of riders in mind. For the rider who wishes to frequent dirt roads, trails and more challenging and varied terrain, the hardtail mountain bike is well equipped for her style of riding. If a rider enjoys urban bicycle paths or a trip down Main Street, then she may want to consider the comfort bike.
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