Mountain Bike or Gravel?
Mountain bikes (MTBs) and gravel bikes are both designed for off-road cycling but differ significantly in their intended use, design, and components.
This detailed comparison should help you decide:
Purpose and Terrain:
Mountain Bikes: are primarily designed for rough, technical trails with obstacles like rocks, roots, and steep descents. They excel in rugged terrain and are suitable for downhill riding, cross-country trails, and technical singletrack.
Gravel Bikes: are designed for mixed terrain, including gravel roads, dirt paths, and pavement. They’re ideal for long-distance riding, bikepacking, and exploring backroads. Gravel bikes handle light off-road conditions well but are not suited for very technical trails.
Frame and Geometry:
Mountain Bikes: have a more aggressive geometry with a slacker head tube angle and shorter reach to handle steep and technical descents. Frames are typically made from aluminum, carbon fiber, or sometimes steel.
Gravel Bikes: feature a more relaxed geometry with a longer wheelbase and a more upright riding position, providing comfort for long rides and stability on mixed surfaces. The frames are often made from similar materials as MTBs but are optimized for lighter weight and endurance.
Suspension:
Mountain Bikes: usually equipped with front suspension (hardtail) or both front and rear suspension (full-suspension) to absorb shocks from rough terrain. Suspension travel ranges from about 100mm (cross-country) to over 160mm (downhill).
Gravel Bikes: generally have rigid frames and forks, though some models might include minimal front suspension or a suspension seatpost for added comfort on rough gravel roads.
Tires:
Mountain Bikes: use wide, knobby tires (2.1” to 2.5” or wider) to provide maximum traction and control on loose and uneven terrain.
Gravel Bikes: have wider tires than road bikes but narrower than mountain bikes, typically ranging from 35mm to 50mm, with a tread pattern that balances grip on loose surfaces with rolling efficiency on pavement.
Handlebars:
Mountain Bikes: feature flat or riser handlebars, providing better control and stability on technical trails.
Gravel Bikes: use drop handlebars, similar to road bikes, offering multiple hand positions and better aerodynamics for long-distance rides.
Gearing:
Mountain Bikes: equipped with wide-range gearing, often with a single or double chainring and a wide-range cassette, allowing for efficient climbing and descending on steep terrain.
Gravel Bikes: also have wide-range gearing but typically with smaller chainrings and cassettes than MTBs, optimized for varied terrain including climbing on gravel roads.
Brakes:
Mountain Bikes: use hydraulic disc brakes for powerful and consistent stopping power in all conditions.
Gravel Bikes: also use disc brakes (hydraulic or mechanical), providing reliable stopping power on mixed surfaces.
Additional Features:
Mountain Bikes: often include dropper seat posts for adjusting saddle height on the fly and more robust frames to withstand impacts.
Gravel Bikes: frequently come with multiple mounting points for racks, bags, and extra water bottles, catering to bikepacking and long-distance touring needs.
In Summary:
Mountain bikes are best for rough, technical off-road riding with features designed for durability, control, and shock absorption, and gravel bikes are ideal for mixed-terrain adventures, balancing comfort, versatility, and efficiency on gravel roads and smoother trails.
Choosing between the two depends on the primary type of riding you plan to do. If you are tackling technical trails and rugged terrain, a mountain bike is the better choice. If you prefer long rides on mixed surfaces and light off-road conditions, a gravel bike is your best bet. Ride on!
