Bicycles for adults fall into three main categories: Mountain, Road, and Hybrid - each suited to a particular type of riding and/or rider.

The definitions below will help you zero in on the right one.

Mountain bikes,
or ATB's are the choice of about 70% of bicyclist's these days. A mountain bike has an extremely wide gear ratio that tears up hills; large, knobby tires for digging into the dirt (or cruising over curbs and rough roads); a comfortable - more upright - seating position; and a good amount of standover clearance. If you want just one bike, and you want to be able to take that one bike anywhere you can go on a bike, this may be the right choice.

Road bikes
are the ride of choice for a small, fast segment of the biking
public. A narrower tire on a faster rolling wheel, a forward seating position, a "drop bar" with several hand positions, and the road bike's overall light-weight all combine to give road bike riders the ability to cover a lot of pavement in a short amount of time. If you want to participate in club rides, or tour, or just put in a lot of pavement miles for fitness, the road bike may be your choice. Nothing without a motor is faster on the road.

Hybrid (or Cross) Bikes
Not a racing bike, and not a gnarly hill-crusher, hybrids are a blend of some of the best features of the bikes above - the lighter frame and faster rolling wheel of the road bike wedded to the wide gearing range and upright posture of the mountain bike. Handles touring, fitness riding, civilized off-road, and just plain goofing around in comfort and style.

| Return Home |