Bike around town? - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

Zarncar · 12-14-2007, 09:07 AM

I am going to start riding a bicycle around town instead of driving. What type of bike should I get? I've heard getting a decent road bike. Is that what i should get? If not what type of bike should I go for?

mgm531 · 12-14-2007, 09:07 AM

For commuting a road bike will work, but you may want to look at a hybrid bike as well. Hybrid bikes combine the speed and agility of a road bike with the comfort and stability of a mountain bike. The tires are slightly wider than a road bike, but not as much as a mountain bike with a smooth tread for less rolling resistance. Tire pressure is higher than a mountain bike at 70-80 psi, but not rock hard like a road bike. Hybrids have flat handlebars like a mountain bike which provides stability, but more compact and upright geometry than a mountain bike so they turn and respond more quickly. Like mountain bikes most hybrid bikes have 3 chain rings in the front giving you a wide range of gears to choose from and cantilevered brakes for strong stopping power. Some mid-range to high-end hybrid bikes will have adjustable stems you can change to suit different riding styles and some will have seatpost shocks to make the ride more comfortable. Most road bikes will have neither of these options. As I said a road bike would do you fine, but for my money a hybrid bike would make a better communter.

M R · 12-14-2007, 09:08 AM

mgm531 has a good answer. I prefer a MTB with smooth tires. The reason is I already have a MTB and I simply put my wheels with the road tires on when tooling around town.