When riding in the city, you can consider the following aspects when choosing a mountain bike or a road bike:
Riding road conditions:
Mountain bike: If the city road conditions are poor, there are many potholes, speed bumps or unpaved roads, mountain bikes are a better choice. Its powerful suspension system and sturdy frame can better cope with these bumps and unevenness, and the wide tread and strong grip tread can also provide better stability under such road conditions.
For example, some roads under construction or near old communities can be easily passed by mountain bikes. Road bike: Suitable for riding on flat and smooth city roads. Its narrow and smooth tires have low rolling resistance and can run fast on good roads. It can quickly shuttle through the streets and alleys of the city, saving time and energy. However, when encountering potholes or uneven roads, the riding comfort and safety will be greatly affected, and the tires or frames may even be damaged.
Riding speed: Mountain bike: The speed is relatively slow, its tires are wider, the body is heavier, and the wind resistance is relatively large. The speed on flat roads is generally not as fast as road bikes. However, if you only ride short distances in the city or do not pursue extreme speed, the speed of a mountain bike can also meet daily needs.
Road bike: Designed for speed and efficiency, the body is light, the riding posture is conducive to reducing wind resistance, and it can reach a higher speed on a flat road. If you need to ride long distances or have high requirements for speed, a road bike can get you to your destination faster. Riding comfort: Mountain bike: The riding posture is relatively upright, and long-term riding puts less pressure on the back and neck, and the riding experience is more comfortable.
In addition, the seat cushion of a mountain bike is usually wide and thick, with good shock absorption effect, which can effectively reduce the impact of road bumps on the body. Road bike: The riding posture is more forward, and the center of gravity of the body is forward, which can use its own strength more efficiently, but maintaining this posture for a long time may cause certain pressure on the back and neck.
However, the riding posture of some flat-handle road bikes is relatively upright, and the comfort will be improved. Convenience and storage: Mountain bike: The body is usually heavy, which may be inconvenient to carry and store.
If you need to carry the bicycle up stairs or take public transportation frequently, mountain bikes may be more laborious.
Road bikes: The body is relatively light, which makes it easier to carry and store. Some road bikes can also be folded for easy carrying and storage, which is a good choice for riders who need to switch between different modes of transportation.
Safety performance: Mountain bikes: The brake system and tire grip are relatively strong, which can brake faster and maintain stability in emergency situations. And its relatively sturdy frame can also protect the safety of riders to a certain extent, which is suitable for riding in cities with complex traffic conditions.
Road bikes: Due to its high riding speed, the requirements for the brake system are higher. If the brakes are not sensitive or the tires do not have enough grip, it may be dangerous to encounter an emergency at high speed. In addition, the frame of a road bike is relatively fragile and may be more easily damaged in a collision.
