Mountain bike: types, differences from city bikes, how to choose one

Mountain and city bikes differ from each other, first of all, by purpose. To ride on rough dirt roads, choose a mountain bike. The urban model is designed for traveling on asphalted streets. Consider the differences between mountain bikes, their types. How to choose the right mountain bike for yourself?

Differences between the city and mountain bike

Similar design only at the saddle of a mountain bike and a city bike. All other elements are different: the design of the frame, handlebars, seating. The main differences between a city bike and a mountain bike:

• City bikes have a straight fit. This means that the handlebars are mounted above the saddle. A mountain bike has handlebars and saddle at the same height. On sport bike models, the rider sits slightly leaning forward. However, this position is not comfortable for city riding. City bikes, on the other hand, are comfortable to ride for hours at a time.
• The shock absorption of the frame and fork of a city bike and a mountain bike also differs. In urban models may not have shock absorbers at all, because the vibrations during movement softens the saddle with a spring. The diameter of the wheels of such bikes also differs. In urban models are not too wide tires. In mountain bikes, the rubber is wide, with a relief tread. Thanks to this, you can move on paving stones, sand or stony roads.
• The differences between the frame of a city bike and a mountain bike are in their shape. In urban models, the frame resembles an elongated rhombus. It is low, making it comfortable for girls to ride in a dress or skirt. In mountain bikes, the frame is high, with a sharper geometry. It has a large ground clearance, and the material is aluminum or carbon.

Types of mountain bikes

There are three types of mountain bikes:

• Rigid mountain bike is equipped with a rigid fork.
• Hardtail in its design has a rigid frame and a shock absorbing fork.
• Two-suspension is characterized by a special suspension system for safe and comfortable riding on any roads while maintaining high speed.

By purpose, bicycles are categorized as follows:

• Casual mountain bike is designed for weekend rides or commuting to work over long distances.
• Cross Country is a bike for racing on rough roads. It is designed for long descents and climbs and difficult sections of road.
• Trail bikes are designed for riding on special trails for trail riding. They have wide handlebars and saddles.
• Downhill bikes are designed for high-speed downhill riding. This is a heavy bike, so usually with him go up by car or elevator.
• A freeride bike is designed for off-road riding. It can be used to climb up a mountain. It is similar in design to a downhill bike, but its weight is lighter.
• Fatbike bikes with wide tires and a specially designed frame and fork under them. Such bikes can be ridden on snow, loose soil and sand.

How to choose a mountain bike?

First determine the type of riding, on what terrain to ride and in accordance with this choose the type of mountain bike.

Pay attention to the features of the design of the bike:

• Frame material.
• The number of stars of the transmission.
• Type of braking system.

Before buying a mountain bike, it is important to study the features of these parts, what characteristics should be at the type of mountain bike you need. Choosing a suitable model of bike, it is worth reading user reviews. This will help to determine their advantages and disadvantages.