Mountain biking is a far more technical riding process than road biking because it’s mostly done off-road, trails can be full of stones, roots, tree trunks, and other debris. It requires more concentration and technical ability on behalf of the rider. A mountain biker’s average speed will rarely be over 20 miles per hour. Mountain bike frame tubes aren’t normally as thin as a road bike, shocks are now very common, their tires have more tread for better traction and their handlebars emphasize on the best control and handling possible.
Road biking is done on paved roads, thus reducing the rider’s need to concentrate on the road as much and rather letting him focus on his stamina or other physical aspects. Road bikes are much faster where the biker may be going at speeds of up to 75 miles per hour (the Tour de France average was 34 miles per hour). Road bikes are designed to cut the wind as much as possible, which makes them faster. Their frame tubes are thin and light, their forks hardly ever have shocks, their rims and tires are also thin and their handlebar is shaped differently so that the rider can keep his body as close to the bike as possible.
They are both equally as good for your health and I encourage everyone to try both to see which they prefer. I prefer mountain biking. All the obstacles, hills, valleys, roots, etc., just make it that much more fun for me.
Ride, live, have fun!! See you on the trails.
Cindy 🙂
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