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Mountain Bikes vs. Road Bikes
GREG HOLCH, House & Home senior editor
With gas prices soaring, there's more interest than ever in using bikes for everyday commuting in addition to recreation and fitness. Skinny-tire road bikes don't cater only to racing; they're also good for commuting and are available in a wide range of styles and prices.
Mountain bikes still rule for off-roading, with fat tires to grip dirt and scree, and beefy suspension to travel over rocks and twigs. Our report covers the three main types of mountain bikes in price ranges from budget to luxury. Other reports cover bikes and tricycles for kids. Bike helmets protect your head while bike locks protect your investment.
Our Reviews
Advantages
- Best for dirt tracks and trails
- Suspension to absorb shock
- Oversized tires improve traction on rough trails
Disadvantages
- Slow on pavement
- Some find the suspension too bouncy on roads
- Lightest models are expensive
Advantages
- Best for touring, commuting, racing
- Skinny tires give good handling on paved surfaces
- Wide range of prices
Disadvantages
- Tires don't grip dirt well enough for off-road travel
- Lightest bikes are expensive