I am a regular mountain biker, but like to road-ride, too. However, my full-suspension is way too much drama for the pavement and even my hardtail is too heavy for efficient road travel. I want something lighter and better suited. The problem is, I am not super fond of the “feel” of road bikes. I saw that Trek (my fave) had “fitness” bikes and “urban” bikes and I am wondering if anyone can tell me what are the advantages/disadvantages to choosing a fitness or urban bike over a road bike?
THANKS! 
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June 21st, 2009 | 
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Okay, here goes, a Road bike is a race inspired design. It has you in an “attack” position the whole time regardless of how you place your hands on the bars. The frames are MUCH lighter than MTBs and the tires are much thinner as well (obvious). What is NOT completely obvious is the change in the riding position. The seatpost is higher and the stems/hb is positioned so that you are more erect but arched forward as well.
The hybrids, aka fitness bikes/urban bikes are basically a mixture of MTB and road bikes. They are using the geometry of MTB but the concepts/ideals of a road bike. The wheels on a hybrid are 700 cc which is similar to a road bike but the tire size is actually a little bit wider and thicker. (instead of 18-25, it is 32-38). The riding position is similar to that of a MTB with a little more relaxed feeling and not an attack position. The components actually go both ways. Some models have MTB components while some have Road bike components. That depends, however, on how high of a model you get. Some, also have carbon fiber distributed throughout the frame/fork while others are fully rigid. Sometimes you’ll find a suspension seatpost but on “fitness” bikes it is usually a rigid fork. Weight wise, the hybrids range from 20-25lbs but are actually surprisingly fast. Trek, Giant, Specialized, Cannondale and a couple others all offer hybrids now.
Pros: hybrids are cheaper and have the same basic concept of getting from point A to point B quickly but comfortably but still a nice ride to work out with. The geometry is very similar to a MTB. Faster than MTB. Not much maintenance required if you take care of it.
Cons: Not as light as a road bike. Components can be cheapy if not purchasing a good model. Can be as expensive as road bikes if purchasing a good model.
I have both MTB’s and Road bikes and I love both. I just love to ride regardless of what bike it is. However, there is a HUGE difference between the two. If you just want to get from point A to point B, I say get a hybrid. If you want a cardio work out and get HUGE legs, get a road bike. It took me a while to break down and buy a road bike. I owned only MTBs for years but decided to finally give it a shot after starting to work at a bike shop. I like both but nothing beats MTBs. Go to a dealer and try them both out, hybrids and road bikes. Ride it for a while and see if you can see yourself getting comfortable on a road bike. If not, your choice is pretty much made up. If so… well…. questions… questions… questions… and price… price…price. Good luck mate.
A road bike is racing style bike with skinny tires and dropped handlebars. It is the kind of bike you will be being ridden in road races such as the Tour de France. A fitness bike is a bike designed to be ridden on the road, however with some of the comfort features (like a hybrid) built in. They have straight bars and a more relaxed geometry. Look at the Trek FX series of bikes for good examples of fitness bikes.
BTW I love your blog!
What I call a fitness bike is stationary. A piece of gym equipment. Whether or not there is something else I do not know.
Hey there. Go for a road bike for sure. It might not be as plush as a fitness bike but it will be fast and fun. They make some women’s specific models. Check out the Orbea Diva at http://www.orbea-usa.com/fly.aspx?mid=a2...
A road bike is racing style bike with skinny tires and dropped handlebars. It is the kind of bike you will be being ridden in road races such as the Tour de France. A fitness bike is a bike designed to be ridden on the road, however with some of the comfort features (like a hybrid) built in. They have straight bars and a more relaxed geometry. Look at the Trek FX series of bikes for good examples of fitness bikes.