Riding a bicycle brings the unique joy of the wind in your hair and an endorphin release from physical activity. The type of bicycle you ride depends on your needs. Mountain bikes and street bikes look similar but are very different when it comes to certain aspects of their design. Choose your bike based on where and how you plan to ride it most often.
Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes are built for rough riding fun. They can navigate rock trails as easily as dirt roads. To be strong enough, they have shock-absorbing features, heavy frames, excellent brakes and low gears. They have wheel diameters of 26 inches and knobby tires. They come in two basic varieties. One is a hardtail, with front suspension and no rear shocks. The other is a full-suspension bike with suspension shocks in the front and back. The main difference is price. Suspension in both the front and back costs more but provides more comfort and durability for rough terrain rides.
Street Bikes
Street bikes are made for touring and commuting on pavement. They have light frames and smooth, 27-inch tires. Some have flat-bar handlebars that allow more upright riding positions. This enables you to better see road hazards and where you're going. Others have drop bar handlebars that provide for a more aerodynamic riding position. That gives you more speed, which may be something you want if you're a commuter.
Considerations
Deciding whether you want a mountain bike or a street bike is a matter of being honest about your needs. Consider if you want your bike for commuting only or if you will also want to ride on trails on the weekend. If you plan to use it for city riding only, go with a street bike, which will handle more efficiently than a mountain bike. If you think you may also want to ride your bike in parks and on trails, go with a hardtail mountain bike. It's lighter than a full suspension mountain bike and will handle on both pavement and on trails. It will also better handle pot holes in city streets. If you're ready for serious trail riding, including twists and turns and drops of up to five feet, invest in a full suspension mountain bike.
Fit Your Bike
After you decide which kind of bike you want, focus on the kind of fit you need. For street bikes, look for a clearance of at least one inch when straddling the top tube. You'll want more clearance for a mountain bike, as much as five inches for aggressive riding. For both bikes, your seat should be parallel to the ground. The seat height should allow your leg to bend slightly at the bottom of a pedal stroke. The distance of your seat from the handlebars should allow a slight flex in your arms for shock absorption.
Member Comments