Have you ever wondered how much cycling has been gaining attention these days? If we speak statistically 67% of Urban population claims that they cycle once a week.
As a beginner it can be confusing which cycling to choose from. Major contenders for your confusion are road bikes and Mountain bikes. Both are good and experts in their own domains with similar features.
Both bikes have very similar features and also very different one’s too. The common point is both rides are designed for a particular sport and ends up giving a fun ride when you ride them passionately.
Cyclocraze has written this blog for you to find out who wins in a MTB vs road Bike.
What are the Major Differences between Road and Mountain Bike?
Design Philosophy
As I said before both the bikes are built to perform for different sports. To excel in performance for each sport they are designed with different things in focus.
- Road bikes: Built to gain high speed in an efficient manner on the paved and smooth roads.
- Mountain bikes: These bikes are made to be used on rough terrains with big suspension and durability.
Riding Posture
Bodies and riding positions of these bikes are different too. Both are made of durable material but their stiffness varies from sport to sport.
- Road bike: Designed to gain high speeds with a carbon frame and aggressive posture for minimal Air drag.
- Mountain bike: Frame is designed for durability with an upright sitting posture for control on uneven terrains.
Frame and suspension
Road bike frame and body
- It is made of sturdy and yet light material Carbon.
- It is very stiff to easily divert pedaling power to kinetic motion.
- No suspension to keep it light and increased efficiency.
Mountain bike frame
- Strong frames built to last continuous tension and impacts.
- It Absorbs impact. It is flexible enough for sudden changing terrains.
- For front hardtails suspensions are used and full suspension for rear use.
Tires and wheels
Road bikes
- Mostly thin tires are preferred for less friction.
- High pressure tires 23-28 mm thickness
- These are designed for speed, less air drag and perfect stability on high speeds.
Mountain bike frame
- Generally wider tires are used up to 2.5 or more inches.
- Tires are designed in knobby patterns for strong grip.
- Superior grip on gravel, dirty or rocky surfaces.
Handlebars and Controls
Road bikes normally have dropped handlebars which gives rider options for multiple hand placements. This helps when riders need more control or more aerodynamic posture.
While mountain bikes have plain handlebars. They help with the upright position and are more comfortable. They can give more control to the rider for rough terrains.
If we talk about control then you can get more control on MTBs as they are made for it. But for higher speeds a more stable option is a road bike.
Gearing and Transmission
Road Bikes
- Road bikes have high gear ratios and differences to attain speed.
- Their gear ratios give smooth cadence on plain paved roads.
- These are ideal for long distance riding with minimal climb as climbing with them needs twice the effort then normally.
Mountain bikes
- Gear ratios are low to make climbing easier.
- To handle steep climbs aur uneven trails these ratios help much and let you use your minimal effort.
- They offer a high number of gears which gives better versatility.
Braking systems
Brake system is a crucial part of a cycle. Road bikes are mostly running on paved roads so they don’t need strong braking power. But MTBs have to stop at sudden downhills so they need strong braking.
Road Bikes
- Many road bike models still use rim brakes.
- Disk brakes are gaining popularity for instant stopping power.
- Hydraulic brakes are not suitable because of additional weight.
Mountain Bikes0
- Hydraulic brakes are the standard for Mountain Bikes.
- Rim or hydraulic brakes are not used because of their performance
- Hydraulic brakes give superior braking performance in wet and muddy conditions.
Weight consideration
Road Bikes
- These are built with minimum features and parts.
- Only the necessary features are added so it can be light and fast.
- Bikes are very light and weigh approx 6-9 kgs for speed.
Mountain Bikes
- Built for long travels with many additional features and components.
- Bike frames and components are made with a focus on durability.
- For Durable and efficient performance 13-16 kgs is normal weight.
Terrain suitability
Road Bikes
- These bikes work best on paved roads, plains, highways, and race circuits.
- Their design and tires are not suited for gravel or off roads.
Mountain Bikes
- These bikes are most suited to be used on Trails, forest paths. They are the best cycles for hills.
- Asks for more work on roads and tarmacs. You will feel them sluggish.
Comfort and Handling
Road Bikes
- Not comfortable on different trails and terrains other than plain roads.
- These are fast and successful on clean and clear paths only.
Mountain Bikes
- Easy to handle on every terrain because of their stability.
- Comfortable for all terrains but on plain roads you might feel them lagging.
Maintenance and Durability
Road Bikes
- Road Bikes are delicate and should be used carefully.
- These bikes are not rugged and don’t need much professional maintenance if used properly.
Mountain Bikes
- These bikes are designed for abuse and have rugged build quality.
- These need professional maintenance regularly because of complex braking and suspension systems.
Which Bike is better for which scenario?
Ideal use cases for Road Bikes
- Road bikes are good for small and short distance rides
- Ideal for daily rides and best bike for city use.
- Group rides for longer distances on highways.
- Competitive racing sports and circuits.
Ideal use cases for Mountain Bikes
- Ideal for trail ride over mountains and off roads.
- Mountain exploration and Off road adventuring rides
- Downhill and technical riding which needs good handling
- For off road circuits, intercity races and multi terrains races these bikes are best.
What are the Pros and Cons both the cycles have?
Both the bikes only have pros actually but the cons are based on your usage and demands from the bikes.
| Road Bikes | Mountain Bikes |
| Road bikes are lighter to carry and Use. | You can go anywhere you want even remote and wild off road paths |
| These are easier to maintain and clean | Riding position is more comfortable for longer hours |
| These are faster and you can enjoy higher speeds. | Versatile for different terrains like Mud, Sand, gravel, etc. |
| Versatile to be used for different purpose like commuting or weekend rides | Learning technical skills is very convenient for them. i |
| Great for long distance riding on highways | Handlung is easy and braking are very effective & strong. |
| Controlling them on wet surfaces is hard. | Braking and Suspension systems require more maintenance. |
| Do not have any suspension and you feel even small bumps | Feels slow on roads because of Tire and Air resistance. |
| City traffic is bad and you can’t enjoy it to full potential. | You need other rides to carry it on off road areas and adventure parks. |
Which Bikes suit you and How can you decide??
We are back to the most important question: which bike has the potential to be your go to ride. This depends on these points:
- Your typical riding terrains: Major question is what kind of terrain you have around your home. If you are in a city with plain roads go for road bikes but if you are from countryside with tough roads choose a mountain bike even for daily commuting.
- Your priority: You are buying this bike so if you want speed for daily commutes choose a road bike but if you want comfort and versatility get yourself a mountain bike.
- Your fitness and riding experience: If you are an experienced rider this is not a dilemma for you but for newbies might face the issue of handling and riding for longer hours.
- Budget consideration: Simply speaking road bikes are more expensive than mountain bikes because of their design and frame material.
Conclusion
Choosing between a road bicycle and a mountain bicycle depends on your riding style and terrain. For smooth city roads, a road bike is the best choice, offering speed and efficiency. If you ride on hills or rough trails, an MTB provides durability and control.
At CycloCraze, Gurgaon’s top bike dealer, we have the perfect cycle for hills and urban rides. Explore our wide range of road bicycles and mountain bicycles today.Visit CycloCraze now to find your id
