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Difference Between Mountain Bikes And Road Bikes

Many people get confused between mountain bikes and sports bike; however a trained sports person can easily tell you the difference by just looking at both the bikes. Mountain bikes are designed to be short and sturdy whereas road bikes are tall and lightweight. The basic structure of these bikes differs a lot because they are designed for two different terrains. The road bikes are meant to traverse through smooth asphalt roads, whereas the mountain bikes are meant for more dusty and uneven terrain.

The tires of mountain bikes are thicker and they have more treading to avoid skidding against the pebbles and stones. The tires of road bikes are larger in circumference and are thinner as compared to the mountain bikes. Road bikes do not have excessive treading on their tires. The road bikes have shorter inward curved handles whereas the mountain bikes have straighter and shorter handles. Mountain bikes are not meant to travel at high speeds. These bikes are designed for uneven terrains and the emphasis is more on control and technique of riding. On the contrary, the road bikes are designed to slice through the air so that the rider can achieve optimum speed. Mountain bikes are heavy and sturdy whereas road bikes are feather light and easy to break down. The maintenance costs of a mountain bike are higher as compared to a road bike due to the rough usage of the bike.

One can see different types of mountain bikes and road bikes in different sport shows. One can compare the prices and models of various bikes before you buy the right bike for your cycling needs.

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Road Bikes- An Overview

Road bikes or bicycles as they are popularly called haven’t undergone major changes from their inception. The basic frame remains the same. A bicycle is an eco friendly way of transport and is also very good way to exercise your body. Road bikes have a simple structure. They have short bent handles and are taller. These bikes are light weight and hardly have any shock absorption facility in place.

Most road bikes do not stress on the importance of shock absorbers and springs as they are run on paved road. These bikes are designed in a manner that they slice across the air and are able to catch up speed. Road bikers are usually people with long legs and tremendous muscular strengths. The curved handles allow the bikers to stay close to the bike and control the bike. The handles of road bikes are metallic and light weight. The whole frame of a road bike is hollow. It is designed in such a fashion to allow the rider to travel at a faster speed. Earlier road bikes were made of wood and they were very uncomfortable to travel by. Slowly metallic bikes were invented. The invention of bike chain made it easier for the cyclist to ride faster. The pedals allowed a firm footing while pushing the cycle.

The present day road bikes are extremely light weight and they are designed from metals like steel or titanium. Carbon road bikes are the latest toys in the road bike segment. Bikes made from titanium and carbon metals are very light in weight and they are extremely expensive. It is wonderful to see variety road bikes in cycling races.

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Tips for Long Distance Riding

Many people stare forlornly at the road bike hanging on the wall in the garage with dreams of long distance riding idling in their heads. Turn dreams into reality with these tips to help accomplish your dream of long distance biking.

1. Get into great condition. Spend the winter months getting into shape. Once the weather warms up start with short distances and slowly increase that distance each time you ride. Never work out so hard that you’re incapable of riding the next day.

2. Make sure you’re comfortable. Being familiar and comfortable on your bike is paramount. If the saddle just isn’t working for you on short distances, there’s no way it’ll work on longer ones. Get a new one and break it in, and take time to find a comfortable position on the bike.

3. Wear good clothing. Comfortable clothing is key to a long distance ride. You’ll only be able to tell what is comfortable after increasing your riding distance.

4. Map your route sensibly. You’re going to be able to cover much more distance on a flat route compared to a hilly one. Pick a route that you can easily accomplish for your first long distance trek.

5. Learn your gears. Longer rides require the use of gears. Switch to lower gears when going up hills to avoid burning excess energy. Maintain a consistent pedal speed and lower your gear when you feel your legs moving more slowly.

6. Eat! Eat a proper meal before leaving on longer trips to ensure you have enough carbohydrates to sustain a long energy burn. Drink plenty of fluids prior to leaving and carry a water bottle with you as well as an easy to eat snack like a protein bar or trail mix.

Long distance cycling doesn’t need to remain a far off dream. With these tips you can take that bike down from off the wall, dust off the saddle and get pedaling.

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Cyclocross Racing 101

Cyclocross is a specialized form of bicycle racing with events held in the traditional off season for cycling. Held in the winter and fall, cyclocross races involve several laps around a small course comprised of pavement, turf, inclines, wooded trails and obstacles that require the rider to dismount, get over or under or around the barrier with their bike, and then continue on mounted.

Cyclocross may sound like a bizarre combination of rugged terrain hiking, cycling and mountain biking; that’s exactly what it is. This wild and crazy sport has, however, been around since the 1940’s and the first world championship for cyclocross was held in Paris a short ten years later.

More popular in Europe, it is nevertheless, catching on in North America. The bicycles are similar to road racing bikes; they are lightweight with skinny tires. They need to be light in order to be easily carried across obstacles. Riders are often forced to carry their bicycles on their shoulders or back as they struggle up steep, muddy slopes or across barriers.

Unlike other forms of cycle racing, cyclocross riders are allowed to change bikes in mid course. Their crew can clean and fix up one bike while the rider continues on the course with another.

Cyclocross riders may be a certain kind of crazy, but they’re also incredibly fit. Not only must they have top notch riding skills, but they must have the strength and endurance required of both mountain bikers and extreme hikers. These riders are also a rare breed; they’re tough, resilient and leave all excuses behind.

Cyclocross, an extreme form of cycling, is certainly not for everybody. For those who do love the sport, there is little else on their minds but winning and the next race. It separates the men from the boys in the world of cycling, and while few things compare to days long road bike competitions, cyclcocross is a different breed of cycling entirely.

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Choosing a Road Bike

Road biking is an exciting sport that allows you the thrill of speed and adventure while enjoying the outdoors. Deciding to take up this sport, either as a hobby or in order to race, begins with purchasing a road bike. The following are some guidelines to help you become familiar with road bikes and to help you find the best bike for your needs.

Advances in technology have helped to modify these bikes into more sturdy and durable machines. Frames have become lighter, gear systems have been tweaked to allow for easier transition through various speeds, and modified seats allow for better seating and comfort.

The wheels on a road bike are narrow but high pressured. They are designed for road use and are engineered to offer the least possible resistance on pavement. The shocks are also designed for smooth riding, so if you choose to take your bike cross country you’re going to feel every bump and stone your roll over.

Frames on road bikes are lightweight; the lighter the frame the more expensive the bike. Unless you plan on racing, there is little need to invest in the lightest frame available. Aluminum is a popular frame material and the most expensive bikes have titanium in the frames.

Handlebars on road bikes are typically aligned to allow riders to sit in an upright position or to allow riders to reduce wind resistance by hunching over. Both the brakes and gear operations are located on the handlebars. 10 speed gear mechanics used to be the norm where road bikes were concerned, but today’s bikes can have up to 27 different gear combinations.

The sky is the limit when it comes to prices for road bikes. When choosing one for your needs, always ask lots of questions of the sales clerk and make sure that the bike is properly fitted to you. Then just hop on and ride off into the sunset.

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