Electric Road Bike vs Electric Mountain Bike

Electric Road bikes and electric mountain bikes are the two most common types of bicycles available, serving the two most common riding disciplines – daily commuting and off-road adventuring. If you enjoy going as fast as possible on paved roads, a road bike is for. If you prefer exploring nature and tackling rough terrain, you’ll want a mountain bike.

Electric Road Bike

Road bikes usually have lightweight frames with dropped handlebars, 29″ (700c) wheels and thin tires. Each design element facilitates speed and comfort over long distances. 

Frames

Road bike frames are built from lightweight materials, usually 6061aluminum on cheaper bikes and carbon fiber on more expensive bikes.

Handlebars

Road bikes almost exclusively use drop bars – handlebars that include a low hand position to make the rider even more aerodynamic. They typically use a combined control system that allows for braking and shifting without taking hands off the handlebars.

Wheels

Almost all road bikes use the European 700c wheel size, which is 29″ in diameter but thinner than standard 29” rims. On rare occasions, a road bike might have the newer 27.5″ wheel size. The rims and spokes are not designed to carry heavy weight, but rather to roll as fast as possible.

Drivetrain

Traditionally, road bikes have a 2x setup, combining two front rings at the crank with a 7 or 8 speed cassette. On some modern bikes, manufacturers have opted for a single front ring with a 10 or 11 speed cassette. Shimano is the most popular manufacturer of road bike gearing components.

Brakes

Until recently, road bikes typically used caliper brakes but more modern ones now use hydraulic disc brakes. Shimano and SRAM are the most common manufacturers of road bike brakes, with Tektro brakes occasionally seen on cheaper bikes.

Mountain Bike

Mountain bikes are a more modern invention than road bikes, rising to popularity for the younth. Initially just bikes with thicker tires, they have evolved significantly over the years to include advanced suspension systems, dropper seat posts, and other expensive technology.

Frames

Modern mountain bikes typically have highly technical frames comprising several parts that make up an advanced rear suspension system. The top models are built from high-quality carbon fiber, with cheaper models using lightweight aluminum. The frames are usually heavier and stronger than road bike frames.

Handlebars

Mountain bikes have straight, wide handlebars that allow for better control on bumpy rides. They usually include thumb-operated gear shifters and brake levers at the riders’ fingertips.

Drivetrain

Like road bikes, mountain bike manufacturers are increasingly using a 1x gearing system. This helps to reduce weight, maintenance and the chance of technical issues. They usually pair with a 10 to 12 speed cassette with a very wide gear range.

Frames

Modern mountain bikes typically have highly technical frames comprising several parts that make up an advanced rear suspension system. The top models are built from high-quality carbon fiber, with cheaper models using lightweight aluminum. The frames are usually heavier and stronger than road bike frames.

Handlebars

Mountain bikes have straight, wide handlebars that allow for better control on bumpy rides. They usually include thumb-operated gear shifters and brake levers at the riders’ fingertips.

Drivetrain

Like road bikes, mountain bike manufacturers are increasingly using a 1x gearing system. This helps to reduce weight, maintenance and the chance of technical issues. They usually pair with a 10 to 12 speed cassette with a very wide gear range.