How is a mountain bike different from urban and other types?

Mountain biking is the dream of most young and adult lovers of extreme skiing. This category of two-wheeled transport is considered to be off-road - it does not depend on the quality of coverage and is able to overcome even narrow paths and gorges. Of course, not every mountain bike owner has to ride along the canyons, but the very possibility of not thinking about obstacles can inspire even the most inexperienced extreme sportsmen to the exploits.

And what are the differences from road bikes this popular transport today? Is it worth it to compare it with sports models? Is there a big difference with road and regular bikes? In fact, the mountain bike does not belong to the highly specialized categories of transport, but it cannot be called a universal solution either. Such a bike copes better with riding cross-country terrain, suitable for mastering some sports disciplines. But in order to understand how it differs from others, it is worthwhile to compare different types of two-wheeled vehicles among themselves.

Mountain bike or simply MTB is a well-known mountain bike designed specifically for off-road riding. These models traditionally have:

• wider tires, thicker, with clearly and deeply pronounced hooks;
• chain gear with speed switch;
• forward steering unit;
• trapezoidal frame;
• shock absorber fork to mitigate vibration;
• rear suspension (optional);
• raised carriage.

The standard mountain bike for sports use is equipped with attachments and can be both light - from 6 kg, and quite heavy, the maximum curb weight reaches 19 kg. The generally accepted wheel diameters for this class are 24, 26, 27.5 and 29 inches. Since 1990, mountain bikes have been recognized internationally, they began to be used to participate in sports. The current classification of these vehicles includes such models.

• Freeride. Free access to the obstacle course requires the use of full-suspension bikes with a powerful braking system.

• Bike trial. Discipline involves overcoming obstacles by a cyclist. The main task is not to rely on any part of the body on the ground or other objects. All natural and artificial barriers are held by a rider in the saddle of a bicycle.

• Downhill. Downhill for a while along the track with sharp turns, unexpected traps in the form of cliffs and jumps, natural obstacles are carried out on the heaviest bicycles in the mountain class. The standard wheel diameter in this discipline is 27.5.

• Cross country. Discipline where the lightest mountain bikes are used. There is a classic race format in a circle with a changing type of terrain, a marathon and an eliminator - a race for survival.

• All mountain. It uses some of the lightest bicycles, and the rides are similar to freeride.

What is the difference between a mountain bike and other types? In most cases, to feel the difference is not difficult - it is in the position of the rider's body, the intensity of the loads on his shoulders and arms.

Comparison of models of different types will help to evaluate these differences more fully and accurately.

The classic road bike - the most ordinary, walking or touring bike - loses noticeably to the mountain bike in the choice of high-speed mode and in cross-country ability. But in such models, the gender difference is clearly noticeable - women do not have a transverse pipe that increases rigidity, they are often made in a folding version. City bicycles are equipped with a saddle located vertically - it is tall, wide and complemented by a spring block for support. The steering wheel in such models has an inclination towards the rider's body, it is highly located and does not require changing the position of the rider during movement.

In fact, road bikes are created exclusively for leisurely riding for pleasure - to develop with their help a significant speed will not work, and the absence of shock absorbers (they are rarely used) will significantly complicate any trip outside the asphalt path.

The complete set of city bikes is also quite noticeably different from mountain bikes. They initially imply the presence of wings, full-sized, preventing splashing of dirt, trunk, reflectors and headlights. A dirt bike ride on a mountain bike without wings will certainly not be fun, but it will overcome obstacles. The urban model is still stuck on the approach to the obstacle.

This type of bike can be attributed to sports - in the discipline races are held, and in general it is quite popular. Road models high-speed, but demonstrate their best qualities exclusively on a flat surface. In off-road conditions, they are almost impossible to use due to the lack of necessary equipment.

Another obvious difference is the shape of the steering wheel, which at first glance demonstrates a sporty character. It is abruptly bent and allows the athlete to keep the body almost horizontal while moving, leaning strongly forward. The saddle also has differences - here it is longer and narrower, and even with prolonged contact it does not rub the inner thighs. The mountain bike wheel is wide and almost straight, located above the seat and provides optimal balance both in the sitting position of the body and when standing on the pedals.

The road fork is always stiff. Mountain bikes are equipped with shock absorbers, but there are also options similar to sports ones. Rigid fork is not suitable for all models.

A comparison of sports and mountain biking is not very appropriate - simply because their goals are too different. In Sport models, the main emphasis is on speed characteristics and ergonomics, which can reduce energy loss during movement. They do not use depreciation pendants - they "extinguish" part of the effort transmitted by the athlete in the process of pedaling. Respectively, any bumps on the road greatly affect the health of the rider and the condition of the equipment itself.

The class of a sports bike also matters. For example, the design of racing models is simplified as much as possible - the rear wheel has a solid disc design, a short frame lightens the weight of the equipment itself. The saddle in such sports bikes is located above the steering wheel, which helps to maintain optimal aerodynamics during movement. Brakes are often absent or represented by the simplest “tick” in front, the gear shift system is also absent.

The hybrid bike combines the properties of highway and mountain types and allows you to find a compromise between comfortable movement on a flat road and overcoming off-road. Visually it is closer to mountain bicycles, the material is carbon, steel or aluminum, but the stroke of such models is softer and lighter. The wheels on the hybrids are set large - at 28 ″, the tires are thinner and narrower, the tread pattern is smoothed, closer to the highway.

Hybrids are equipped with a fork shock absorber, they use a mountain bike steering wheel. It seems that in such a combination all possible disadvantages are eliminated. But in practice there are problems, and they are quite obvious. This technique implies a higher landing, which in combination with a mountain steering wheel creates a certain discomfort and increases the load on the hands.

Which bike to choose for regular trips? If you plan to select a model for the city, but with the possibility of traveling outside the highway, Do not deny yourself the pleasure of acquiring a full mountain bike. It is suitable for active teenagers or young people who want to learn simple tricks or go on a trip. Besides, for a mountain bike, the quality of the road surface is not so important, thanks to the shock absorbers, it more easily tolerates hard contact with the road.

One more reason to choose a mountain bike - wheels of increased width, allowing to improve the stability of the vehicle. It is good for beginner riders, making their ride at the training stage safer.The choice in the class of mountain bikes is the largest - you can choose a hardtail from the budget segment or purchase a truly passable two-suspension option for professional sports. In addition, they implement mechanisms to reduce vibration, reduce the load on the hands and spine.

If you plan to move exclusively along a perfectly flat highway or participate in cycling in the classic format, you can choose the usual highway option. It is good for accumulating physical fitness or long-distance cycling trips to European countries. For a leisurely ride in the park near the house, you can get by with the urban option - the walking model is suitable for those who, as a whole, do not seek to conquer the sports peaks and ride for pleasure.

Given the quality and condition of the roads, you can safely recommend a mountain bike with a gear shift for selection. It is suitable for long stays in the saddle, unlike a sports one. It holds the road better in comparison with the hybrid one - especially on unsteady, loose soils and has the most durable construction.

See how to choose a mountain bike in the next video.