2007-08-21 01:36:52 · 4 answers · asked by Jon W 1 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Mountain bikes are built to have a shorter standover height than a road bike. This is due to taking them out on rough terrain. Generally, it's a 2-3 inch difference in height for a given rider.
2007-08-21 07:50:34 · answer #1 · answered by jman4117 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mountain bikes, being an American invention, are usually sized in inches. Lately, with all the sloping top tube designs and different suspension, the distance between the seat and bars is more important than true frame size. That's why you'll see the standard S, M, L, XL sizing more often now.
Road bikes are sized in centimeters, and still remain true to this (old habits die hard). Some compact frames are measured in the S-XL manner, but even then msot are sized according to how the frame would fit IF the top tube were straight.
If you plan on dropping a load of $$$ on a bike, paying for a proper bike fitting should be at the top of your list.
2007-08-21 09:17:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
From appearance, there is one, the top bar of a mountain bike is slightly angled down from the front. also the tubes in the frame are larger than a road bike, this is so the Mountain bike can take the punishment the rider delivers on the trail, such as jumps. Also mountain bikes are a lot more tougher.
2007-08-21 08:46:30 · answer #3 · answered by trey98607 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There isn't much difference in size, only material.
A 27" inch frame measures 27" from the crank to the seat post clamp (if I remember right).
Although, a road cyclist would put his seat as high as possible to get the most efficiency out of his leg muscles, while a mountian biker would lower his seat to lower his center of gravity and allow his feet to touch the ground.
2007-08-21 08:50:58 · answer #4 · answered by sdenison1983 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋