SizeMyBike computes 6 positions depending on your riding style. Of course, we distinguish road bikes and mountain bikes. For road bikes, three positions are proposed: comfort, performance and urban. Three positions for mountain bikes are also available: XCountry, All Mountain and 29er.
A comfortable road bike is very smooth and stable. It is also characterized by a low seat tube angle and a longer head tube. To prevent tendinitis, saddle height is lower. Recreational riders prefer a shorter and higher stem and a more upright position.
A performance road bike is light, fast and stiff. As opposed a comfort position, saddle can be higher in order to improve transmitted power. Position is also more aggressive: aerodynamics must be optimized.
Cross country bike racing is an Olympic sport. Hence, performance is fundamental. The Xcountry bikes are light, stiff and the fork has about 100mm travel. Position is adapted to increase performance, transmitted power, metabolic costs and aerodynamics.
All Mountain bikes are the most polyvalent MTB: they are light and efficient enough to get you to the top of the hills, have soft enough squish in the suspension to keep you isolated from rough terrain, and have enough travel to suck up the bigger hits.
29ers are mountain bikes built around 700c sized wheels resulting in an outside tire diameter of about 29 inches. This tire is about three inches bigger in diameter than traditional mountain bikes which have a tire that is 26 inches in diameter. A typical 29er will feel more stable than your average 26er. That’s partly because of the longer wheelbase and the longer back end to make room for the bigger wheels. The key advantage of 29ers is they roll over trail obstacles better and keep their speed better while delivering a smoother ride. Other advantages are better traction and braking since the tire contact patch to the ground is larger. Some of the disadvantages of 29ers are increased weight and a tighter fit with shorter riders.
Riding around town is as cool as ever and fun too on urban bikes. These bikes are a bit lighter than a mountain bike, a bit sportier than a comfort bike, and cheaper than most road bikes. The bars are usually flat, the forks are usually rigid, and the tires are medium wide. Top speed is not a priority, though higher speed riding does simplify some traffic situations. Acceleration from a stop is where the power counts in urban riding.