ALS

Hello everyone, I am in need of some help/advice! I have decided I want a bike but am unsure of what kind to get. Is their a diffrence between a road bike and a mountian bike? If so what is it? I live out in the country, the roads are gravel and the grass is full of rocks and stickers. What type of bike would work best for me? Or is it even possiable for a bike to go over grass, rocks, and stickers with out getting a flat? Any input is grrrrrrrrrrrrreatly appreciated! Thanks, Als

nateted4

All these issues have been discussed in great length. I'm sure you'll find everything withthe search tool. If not, just ask, and I always recommend a touring rig.

catatonic

Touring bike or a mountain bike. If you want something sportier, you can try a cyclocross bike (a heavily modified road bike designed for offroad use as well as on).

Road bikes are designed for paved roads, as opposed to gravel. They can do it, but not near as greacefully as a bike with larger tires can.

Also get good tires.....tell the shopowner that your first priority is flat resistance. They should offer up either a continental gatorskin or a specialized armadillo tire (Serfas with is fine if they have none of the other two, so long as it's one of the models with flat protection...I'm a serfas fan myself). Get those, along with tire liners, and a "thorn resistant" tube (thicker on the tire side than normal tubes, so even if a thorn gets through, it has to go through more rubber in the tube as well).

Michigander

Go to a shop and do some free test rides. That will work out way better than confusing explanations over the web with nothing in front of you.

ken cummings

+1 Could not have said it better myself. I have paid between $60 and $1,600. for my 4 tourers.

becnal

Go with a mountain bike. The wider tires give you more stability on uncertain terrain. In general, the wider the tire, the more stable. The thinner the tire, the faster.