michaelpri

New to riding-- after along lay off.

What is the main difference that I would notice between a road bike and a mountain bike. Will be doing almost all paved paths and paved trails. Which would really be an easier ride? How do the road bikes compare to the older 10 speeds?

Thanks

camhabib

Riding a road bike on a trail would be like trying to take a Ferrari off-road, and visa versa, riding a mountain bike on the street would be like trying to put a Jeep on a race track. They each have their place in this world.

I think the main advances as far as technology goes have been what most people are about when it comes to cycling - stiffness, weight, and comfort. All of which I'm sure have been improved over the years.

Homebrew01

Go to your local bike shop and take a look. We can describe it, but look at them first hand to really understand.

MKahrl

The bike boom 10-speed of 30 years ago was a pretty good all purpose bike for riding to class as well as long rides in the country, even if it included dirt or gravel roads. You could mount racks and fenders for touring or commuting. You could even race on it if you were just getting started into racing.

The mountain bike of 10 years ago was also a pretty good all purpose bike for riding to class as well as rides in the woods. You could mount racks on the back easily. It was slightly less suited to long rides (centuries) on pavement due to the knobby tires but plenty of people did it anyway.

Modern bikes are more specialized.

80% of the road bicycles (formally known as 10-speeds) are designed to be like racing bikes. They use only very narrow tires and the handlebars are placed very low. You cannot put racks or fenders on them.

A great many mountain bikes are designed as downhill racers with a profusion of suspension systems for bombing down bumpy trails at high speed. Mounting racks is a problem and fenders are out of the question.

If you tell the bike store clerk you don't see yourself racing (a concept he will have a hard time fathoming) he will steer you to "comfort" bikes that are designed for very slow riding on the bike path next to the retirement village.

There are a lot of well designed bikes that you can use for a variety of purposes out there. You just have to spend a little more time finding them. Things to look for: Can the handlebars be set level with the saddle? Will it fit larger width tires if you want to? Does it have eyelets at the dropouts for mounting racks and fenders?

Gromulus

[QUOTE
If you tell the bike store clerk you don't see yourself racing (a concept he will have a hard time fathoming) he will steer you to "comfort" bikes that are designed for very slow riding on the bike path next to the retirement village. [/quote]

How true. It does seem that to most bike store personnel if you aren't either a hard core roadie or mountain biker, you need a plush "comfort" bike. I frequent two LBS. The larger LBS (where I bought my CAAD9) share this attitude while the other (wher I bought my Kona nd my wife's Specialized) seem to take more time and have a better understanding at arriving at what the buyer will actually be using the bike for. Maybe anecdotal, but the C-dale dealer's staff/personnel look to all be under 30 years of age while at the other LBS, the manager is an older rider (who commutes on a refurbished 3 speed!) who understands that people have varying levels of fitness and motivation.

michaelpri

Thanks for the responses.

If I am reading properly, it appears that the older 10 speed and the newer road bike are very similar. I am guessing that I might be safe in putting the 100.00 into my old Schwinn Sprint- (tires and tune up) and just use it for a while on the paved/ concrete trails to build up stamina and confidence in riding.

I do not want to spend a great deal of money at this time and the 10 speed is in great shape- except for the dried out tires.

I also have a (Target) mountain bike- also one of my kids. It is a "vertical", I woner if I changed the tires on it to a smoother tire -- if that would be a good alternative to use for a while?

Thanks

thump55

Just ride something.

michaelpri

oops-- sorry

I didn't intend to rile any feathers. I am just new at this and want to get some exercise. Like many people, I want the best equipment that I can get at the most reasonable price. I know more than many, that you typically get what you pay for--- if you are knowledgeable about things.

Thanks

mustang1

A few years ago when I was getting back into biking, I didn't know if I wanted an mtb or a rb. So I test rode both. I was floored by the performance of the rb and when I got back from my test ride, the dude said "you like the rb don't you?"

Later that day I was riding the rb home.

I've taken my rb on single track once (mitigating circumstances). It's definitely not designed for that knew stuff. Rb for road only, even if it's heavily potmarked road.

thump55

I was just giving you a hard time. The important thing is that the bike (whichever one) fits you comfortably.