If you walked into a bike shop in 1981, with no prior thought of what you really wanted, and said; "I'd like to buy a bike" you would have walked out with the bike on the right. The ubiquitous "ten speed." Why? Because that was the style at the time. |
And if you walked into a shop in 1991, with no prior thought of what you really wanted, and said; "I'd like to buy a bike" you would have walked out with the bike on the left. The Mountain Bike. Why? Because it was the hot new thing at the time, and also because people realized that it was a lot more comfortable for just average riding. |
Both of these bike are clearly meant for different purposes. The road bike is for getting from one place to another, on smooth roads, as fast as possible. The mountain bike is for getting from one place to another, over all manner of obstacles, as fast as possible. That means that you need to move around on the bike, so it has be more compact, and have the rider more upright.
But, what if you could get the speed on paved trails with the comfort of the mountain bike?
But, what if you could get the speed on paved trails with the comfort of the mountain bike?