The Specific Differences Between a Mountain Bike, Hybrid Bike, and Road Bike
The Frame on Mountain, Road and Hybrid Bikes Mountain bikes are made to withstand high levels of vibration and impact. The frame of the mountain bike, therefore, reflects this need for durability by often being made out of a aluminum and steel alloy. This makes them heavier which is why many high-end mountain bikes are now being made out of carbon fiber which is just as strong but which weighs much less than their steel counterparts. A Road Bike needs to be lightweight as to allow easy acceleration and maintenance of velocity. This is why road bikes are commonly made from aluminum which is weaker than steel but much lighter. Although, some high-end road bikes take advantage of carbon fiber to become bewilderingly light for their level of durability. Hybrid Bikes take design cues from mountain bikes but material guidance from road bikes. As I previously mentioned, Hybrid bikes have flat handlebars which are better for trail riding but worse in reference to comfort. Although, hybrid bikes are almost all made out of an aluminum alloy which is chosen for its lightweight but strong composition. Additionally, the frame of a hybrid bike will often have the necessary eyelets and braze-ons necessary for the addition of paniers.
The Tires – What Separates Hybrid, MTB and Road. On a mountain bike tires come in three main sizes. 26-inch, 27.5-inch, and 29-inch. These are usually outfitted with an aggressive tread pattern meant for optimal traction and power transfer into unstable ground. The most popular with avid mountain bikers is the 29-inch size which provides a high level of clearance and easier hill climbing ability. Moreover, these tires are usually thicker in relation to road tires for the same reason.
Road bike tires come in variety of sizes but most commonly in the 700c designation. This name comes from the older French wheel sizing denotations but which means that they are about 27.5 inches in diameter. Road bikes use smooth, thinner, tires which give benefits in both ease of acceleration and the maintenance of speed.
Hybrid bikes usually come in the same 700c size but come in a myriad of tread patterns. The most popular options are those which compromise between smooth treaded tires and mountain bike knobblies. Some hybrid bikes that are geared to be more like mountain bike, as opposed to road bikes, will come in the 26-inch size.
