Mountain Bike Gearing — lower gear range to allow for climbing steep hills
Handlebars — flat handles allow rider to ‘lift’ front wheel over and maneuver around trail obstacles
Tires — thick, with traction to enable bikers to ride through rough, slick terrain
Frame — heavier weight that holds up to inevitable mountain thrashing
Suspension — shock absorbing features that handle bumps on the road
Good for … people who want to spend time on dirt or rocky trails or gravel roads.
Hybrid Gearing — similar to a mountain bike, wide gear range to allow for climbing hills
Handlebars — rider typically sits upright, flat handles allow for ease of handling
Tires — medium thickness, w/traction
Frame — Thin, lightweight
Suspension — minimal, for in town and light trail use
Good for … general bike users. Though they are not generally ideal for long distances or trail riding, they are the most commonly bought bikes locally as they work well for a variety of uses, including commuting and recreational riding.
Road Bike Gearing — built for speed, higher gearing range than mountain bikes
Handlebars — allow cyclists to lean forward and downward for less wind resistance, allow for variety of riding and hand positions
Tires — Thin, large tires for efficient pedaling, little traction to reduce friction for speed and distance
Frame — thin and lightweight for speed, ease of pedaling, no suspension for lighter, more efficient ride
Good for … cyclists who want something for speed and distance on smooth pavement.
-Michelle Schmidt for Inland 360
