Traveling by car gets you to places pretty easily and quickly. However, they’re not that flexible, especially when traversing through narrow roads, passages, pathways, and even rough terrains. On the other hand, a bike can pretty much do all these. It has a small size that can move through tight spaces and have enough durability and strength to carry considerable weight. Likewise, the speed can be adjusted depending on the rider’s preferences. While it can carry weights that are a dozen times its weight, it is lightweight and durable. However, there are many types of bicycles and it can be a hassle to find the right one that suits your needs. In this article, we’ll discuss the two most prominent types of bicycles – the Road Bike and the bike Commuter. So, which among the two types better suits your needs? Let’s find out.
What’s The Difference Between A Road Bike And A Commuter Bike?
Choosing the right bike that suits your needs is as important as choosing the right food. If you pick the wrong food, you get lesser health benefits than that of the right food. Furthermore, the wrong food can cause complications not only to your health but it can also hurt your finances. The same with choosing the wrong bike. You may be spending more on features and functions you don’t need, and the wrong bike may hurt your body because it is not designed for your particular purpose. So, make sure to bear in mind the differences between the road bike and the commuter bike.
For us to fully understand their differences, let’s look at the details and specifics of both bikes and compare them at the end.
Apart from these, there are also some different type of bikes which you can find on bike shops such as:-
- Gravel bike
- Folding bike
- Urban bikes
- Electric bikes
- Track bikes
- Cross bikes
- Touring bikes
- Cargo bikes
- Cruiser bike
What You Need to Know About the Road Bike
Road bikes are all about taking you to distances comfortably and quickly on smooth or paved surfaces. It got its name from the terrain or surface where it should be used – and that is the road.
When looking at that road bike, it has a more traditional look and design compared to other bikes such as the mountain bike. What’s different however is the material that is used to build the frame of the bike. It is made from carbon fiber – a highly durable material that is used on planes and other structures. Likewise, it is a high-quality material that is known for its excellent toughness despite its lightweight feature.
The frame can either be made from carbon or aluminum – both metals are known for their lightweight and impressive durability. Its frame makes use of a flat top-tube with a short seat post with adjustable stand-over height to match specific riding purposes. Its fork doesn’t have suspension like other bikes such as the mountain bike since the bike is only designed for smooth surfaces.
Wheels and tires on the other hand are much thinner and less robust compared to other bikes. It is designed with narrower rims for better aerodynamics. The wheels are designed to be skinny to provide more comfort and lesser air resistance when riding at a fast speed on the road. The threads of the tires are also designed for lesser tension to provide more running and less on the pulling (from carrying the weight of the rider).
The levers and handlebars of the road bike are also noticeably different from other bikes. Handlebars are situated much closer to the level of the frame as compared to other bikes. The handlebars are also designed to enable the rider to make quick transitions from tops, drops, and hoods effectively. The road bike handlebar design provides the rider a place where he can rest not only his hand but also his arm. Road bike levers also combine braking and shifting in just one unit to provide convenience.
For the road bike, it makes use of rim brakes which grip or clamp the rim whenever making stops. This type of brake is much more traditional and basic as compared to the disk brake that other kinds of bikes use. While this type of brake system is indeed inferior to other types of bike brake systems, the road bike makes up for its shortage in this area with its well-designed rim. Its slim or narrow rim makes it a perfect design to handle clamping brakes such as rim brakes without compromising the tire or the wheel as a whole.
Best Road Bikes Today
Van Riesel Ultra Cf
One of our best choice of road bikes in this list is the Van Riesel Ultra Cf. It is simply a preferred choice of road bike because of its tough carbon frameset paired with alloy tires for stable handling. Expect high performance with the perfect balance of lightness and dynamism
Reasons to buy: Modern sophisticated look with excellent comfort.
Reasons to avoid: Rim Brake system.
Cannondale Systemsix Carbon Ultegra Di2
Another excellent choice of a road bike with an aggressive look is the Cannondale Systemsix Carbon Ultegra Di2. This is a popular choice of road bike because of its capability to outstrip its opponents when it comes to speed, handling, and aero features. It is holistically designed to deliver optimum speeds and is built to last.
Reasons to buy: Designed for speed.
Excellent handling.
Reasons to avoid: Weighs heavier than other modern road bikes.
Trek Emonda ALR Disc 5
If you’re into braking power, you’ll be impressed with the Trek Emonda ALR Disc 5. This particular road bike expresses its superiority in all parts and components over its competition. Among the things, it boasts include its braking power, smooth handling, durable carbon parts, and comfortable riding position.
Reasons to buy: Lightweight, Impressive Braking power
Reasons to avoid: Handling may not be the sharpest among other road bikes.
What You Need to Know About the Commuter Bike
The other kind of bike that we’ll be considering is the Commuter bike. Commuter bikes are much less refined than road bikes. The difference is noticeable in its frame, handle, and added accessories. While this bike can be used on the road, it can also be used on other terrains. Unfortunately, it is not built for speeds that match the road bike.
With regards to the frame, it is usually made from aluminum for lightweight. However, certain models make use of carbon steel as their material – while these models are quite durable, they are usually pricey compared to the aluminum frame commuter bikes. While the usual commuter bike may not need suspensions or shocks, certain models are equipped with it to provide comfort when riding.
The tires on the other are thicker compared to the road bike. Likewise, it has more threads to provide a better grip on the terrain surface. Thicker and threaded tires out of the commuter bike make it a slower bike compared to the road bike.
The handlebars and levers are situated at a level that is higher than the seat and frame. Although the seat can be raised higher than the handlebar depending on the rider’s preference. The common commuter bike has a 3-speed setting while the more modern ones have 4 or more.
Commuter bikes also have more accessories and features that make them handier for everyday riding purposes. Among the inclusions are fenders, racks at the back of the seat, basket, stabilization springs, and so much more.
When it comes to its brake system, the modern commuter bike makes use of the disc brake system since the tires are thicker thus requiring more braking power brought about by a disc.
Best Commuter Bikes Today
Pinnacle Neon 2
One of the top choices for commuter bikes today because of their excellent value is the Pinnacle Neon 2. Ideal for the ordinary commuter but also great for fitness enthusiasts who want to work out with their bike. Equipped with Vee Tire Apache Chief with 30mm slicks with available tire space for 42 mm tires. Designed with a flat handlebar for easy handling and control to the rider. A Bike that offers style and speed for both the commuter and those who want to use it for fast rides.
Reasons to buy: Upgraded Shimano brakes, Flexible as a commuter bike and road bike.
Reasons to avoid: Designed for comfort – not performance.
Ridgeback Avenida 21
The Avenida 21 from Ridgeback is also an excellent commuter bike to consider because of its 21-speed gear that provides comfortable riding on any kind of terrain and any slopes. It is also designed with mudguards to clear dirt and dust as you dash, along with a chaincase to protect the chain from moisture and also to keep the legs from getting any oils from the chain.
Reasons to buy: Ergonomic handlebar, Thick seat padding, and suspension.
Reasons to avoid: Heavier than most commuter bikes.
Ribble Hybrid AL
If light and the fast commuter bike are your deal, you’ll find the Ribble Hybrid Al a fitting choice. Also, you’ll be surprised to know that this is an e-bike. It has a perfectly concealed battery in its downtube that runs silently when running. Power is stored by simply pedaling and it can be run without the need for electric assistance.
Reasons to buy: e-Bike, Excellent durability
Reasons to avoid: Expensive
So, What Is The Better Choice?
So which bike is better? It depends on your specific requirements and purpose. If you’re simply looking for speed on the road, then a road bike would be an obvious choice. However, if you’re simply into bikes that can be used for everyday riding needs while picking up groceries, laundry, and carrying things from one place to another, then a commuter bike would be ideal. At the same time, the look or style, durability, and even cost of the bike can be considered when choosing between the two bikes.