Road Cycling - Road bike as a starter bike?

I've done a bit of biking myself but since i live in the city, i never owned my own bike and for i normally rent a bike from the LBS and take a ride off to the coutryside and all of them have been mountain bikes, so my question is: are road bikes any harder to ride and control than mountain bikes?

i'm considering whether the first bike i own should be a road or mountain bike..

i'm a beginner myself who was asking the same question not too long ago. i bought a road bike a few weeks ago, and i found it much easier to ride once i got used to the riding position. if you're going on long rides the road bike will be MUCH faster, and as far as controlling it goes you just have to get used to the fact that it's more responsive in turns. the hardest thing was getting used to the riding position, as i hadn't used those muscles very much. my advice is to go test ride a few, and go to a LBS that can professionally fit you to a road bike. trust me, once you try it you won't be able to go back...

Dan

Mountain bikes, in the US anyway, have been more popular lately. Many people find the upright seating position more comfortable. What you need to determine is for what you want to use the bike. Will you begin riding in the city, or continue in the country? Paved roads or dirt/gravel? Paths? Offroad? Are you riding for exercise or for sight seeing? Commuting? Once you have an idea of your answers to these questions, you can start to decide what kind of bike to buy. Another option is to find a really really cheap bike at a garge sale, or goodwill/salvation army and find out what you like that way.

If you are sticking to biking on the road either a hybrid or a road bike would be best.

i wish i had a roady... i'd be faster.. don't be like me! get a roadie!!

A hybrid will sit you upright, which means your weight is distributed between just two points, your pedaling feet and your butt. Your butt will get sore on longer rides. A well-fit road bike will distribute your weight between three points, butt, feet and arms, making it easier on each.

Mtn bike is not as upright as a hybrid.

Get a road bike if you plan on riding on roads. Makes sense to me! :D

But mostly, just have fun.

I bought a comfort bike ('04 Specialized Expedition Sport) to ride until I get into shape. I eventually want a road bike but my rather pronounced aerobelly would probably have interfered with my breathing in the road bike riding position.

I bought a comfort bike ('04 Specialized Expedition Sport) to ride until I get into shape. I eventually want a road bike but my rather pronounced aerobelly would probably have interfered with my breathing in the road bike riding position.

Nope, just get an adjustable stem!

I will compare aerobellies at any time! :eek: :eek:

roadbike - without a doubt.