Cycling is a great workout. More and more cities have designated bike lanes or forested trails. It’s a fun, efficient way to see the sights. But which bike should you use? If you’re planning to do some cross-country touring, you’ll want a touring bike.
If you’re looking for a more challenging ride, or one that can take on rougher terrain, you’ll want a mountain bike. But what are the differences between these two types of bikes?
What Is a Touring Bike?
A touring bike is a type of road bike that is designed for long-distance riding. Touring bikes are built to be comfortable and durable, with a focus on stability and carrying capacity.
They usually have a more upright riding position than other road bikes, which makes them more comfortable for long days in the saddle.
Touring bikes also have a longer wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels), which makes them more stable at high speeds and when carrying heavy loads.
What Is a Mountain Bike?
A mountain bike is a type of bicycle that is designed for off-road riding. Mountain bikes are built to be durable and lightweight, with a focus on agility and traction.
They usually have a lower riding position than other bikes, which makes them more stable on uneven terrain.
Mountain bikes also have a shorter wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels), which makes them more agile when navigating around obstacles.
What Are the Differences Between Touring Bikes and Mountain Bikes?
The most obvious difference between touring bikes and mountain bikes is their intended use.
Where To Use Them?
Touring bikes are designed for long-distance riding on paved surfaces, while mountain bikes are designed for off-road riding on unpaved surfaces.
Positioning
Touring bikes are also generally more comfortable to ride, with a more upright riding position and a longer wheelbase. Mountain bikes are generally more agile, with a lower riding position and a shorter wheelbase.
Cost
Touring bikes are also typically more expensive than mountain bikes, due to their higher quality materials and components. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 for a good touring bike.
Mountain bikes are less expensive, with a wide range of prices depending on the quality of the materials and components. You can find a decent mountain bike for as little as $500, but be prepared to spend closer to $1,000 for a high-end model.
Features
Touring bikes and mountain bikes also have different features that are designed for their respective uses.
Touring bikes usually have features that make them more comfortable to ride for long periods of time, such as:
- A more upright riding position
- A longer wheelbase
- Larger wheels
- Wider tires
- Fenders
- A rear rack
Mountain bikes usually have features that make them more capable on off-road terrain, such as:
- A lower riding position
- A shorter wheelbase
- Smaller wheels
- Narrower tires
- Suspension
How Are Touring Bikes and Mountain Bikes Similar?
Touring bikes and mountain bikes are both designed for riding on paved surfaces and have similar gearing.
They also have similar handlebars, which allow for easy steering.
Gears
Touring bikes and mountain bikes both have a wide range of gears, which allows them to be ridden at a variety of speeds. The number of gears on a bike is determined by the number of front chainrings and the number of cogs on the rear cassette.
The average touring bike has 27 gears, while the average mountain bike has 30 gears.
Handlebars
Both touring bikes and mountain bikes have handlebars that allow for easy steering.
The handlebars make steering easy by providing a fulcrum point around which the front wheel can turn.
The type of handlebars used on a bike will depend on the intended use of the bike.
Touring bikes typically have dropped handlebars, which allow for a more aerodynamic riding position.
Mountain bikes typically have flat or riser handlebars, which provide more control on off-road terrain.
Which One Is More Durable?
Touring bikes are generally more durable than mountain bikes, due to their higher quality materials and components.
However, mountain bikes are still quite durable and can last for many years with proper care and maintenance.
Care for your touring or mountain bike by keeping it clean and lubricated, and regularly inspecting the brakes and tires. Both bikes require oiling the chain regularly.
Which Bike Should I Use For a Triathlon?
The type of bike you should use for a triathlon will depend on the distance of the race and the terrain. If you are racing on a flat, paved course, then a touring bike would be a good option.
However, if you are racing on an off-road course, then a mountain bike would be a better option.
No matter which type of bike you choose, make sure to practice on the same type of terrain that you will be racing on.
This will help you to get a feel for the bike and how it handles on the different terrain.
Brief History of Touring Bikes
The first touring bikes were created in the late 19th century for cyclists who wanted to ride long distances.
The bikes were equipped with features that made them more comfortable to ride, such as a more upright riding position and larger wheels.
Touring bikes gained popularity in the early 20th century as more people began to travel by bicycle.
Bike manufacturers began to produce bikes specifically for touring, and the bikes became more specialized.
Brief History of Mountain Bikes
The first mountain bikes were created in the 1970s for cyclists who wanted to ride on off-road terrain.
The bikes were equipped with features that made them more capable on off-road terrain, such as a lower riding position and smaller wheels.
Mountain bikes gained popularity in the 1980s as more people began to explore off-road riding.
Bike manufacturers began to produce bikes specifically for mountain biking, and the bikes became more specialized.
Final Thoughts About Touring Bikes vs Mountain Bikes
Touring bikes and mountain bikes are both great options for riding on paved surfaces.
Bikers will prefer to use a touring bike if they are looking for a more comfortable ride, while mountain bikers will prefer the more aggressive riding position and capability on off-road terrain.
When choosing between a touring bike and a mountain bike, consider the intended use of the bike and the type of terrain you will be riding on. Have fun cycling!