Different bikes are designed for different types of terrain. Trails and pavements feature unique surfaces which require unique bicycles. Over a century, road bikes have been used in racing. Mountain bikes came much later and they have made significant steps in the bicycling sector. They are available in a broad spectrum of designs for handling even the toughest surfaces. Let us see what features differentiate the Santa Cruz Mountain Bikesfrom the rest.
- Speed
If you look at Santa Cruz Bicycles they have heavier, thicker and wider tires and so they can tackle just any type of road. Extra weight can slow down the bike while the soft and knobby tires increase the air and rolling resistance thus reducing the speed. Road bikes come with high air pressure and they have smoother surfaces so that they can accelerate quicker since the resistance between the road and tires is minimal. The heavier components of the Mountain bike tires make them more difficult to accelerate. But sleek road bikes can comfortably move forward since they come with lighter materials such as aluminum.
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- Aerodynamics
Road bikes allow the rider to sit in an aggressive position while crouched forward. This position is perfect for aerodynamics and enabled power to be transferred to the pedals. Even though wind resistance slows down the rider, a road biker would still beat a mountain biker.
Source:Santa Cruz Bicycles
- Suspension
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There is a suspension system on a mountain bicycle for smooth rides. These systems are meant to absorb energy such that the pedaling effort is directed to forward propulsion. When the suspension mechanism is locked, a bike can move at a higher speed but it will not give sufficient cushioning in case of hitting a bump.
- Gear ratio
Road bikes have higher low and high gear than mountain bicycles. Even though the latter is more powerful, it has lower top speeds.
- Off-road activities
There are no better bikes for off-road terrain than mountain bikes. They can tackle gravel, snow, and mud. The bikes are constructed with tough materials- strong wheels and thick tires that resist high impact and common damage. Their frames are made of such materials as titanium, steel, and carbon fiber. Thanks to the suspension systems, these bikes can absorb vibrations from the rough trails. Shock absorption is even better with a full-suspension on both wheels.
The reason which mountain bikes are more popular with casual commuters than road bikes is their comfort, particularly in off-road activities. They may not be as fast as the road bikes but their riding position and shock absorption make them ideal for potholes and rough curbs. On the other side, road bikes are good options for riding exclusively on pavements and faster riding. They are also easier to control when climbing hills and also at higher speeds. at the end of the day, you get to choose what you love. Nice riding!
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