Recently, bicycles have been gaining attention as a means of transportation. When commuting to work or school by train, delays due to accidents or vehicle breakdowns and crowded trains can cause stress. If you use a car, you get caught in traffic jams in the morning and evening. Parking fees also cannot be ignored.

On the other hand, with a bicycle, you basically act alone, so there is no crowding. You can choose your own route and avoid traffic jams. Even if parking fees are incurred, they are much cheaper than for cars.

Among the bicycles currently attracting attention, mountain bikes (MTBs) are recommended for city riding. MTBs are bicycles suitable for riding off-road (unpaved roads). You can race up mountain paths or descend them swiftly. You can also ride through muddy areas.

Let's compare it with a hybrid bike, which combines the best features of a road bike and a mountain bike.

The first difference between a hybrid bike and an MTB is the tire width. Hybrid bike tires are 32-38mm wide, while MTBs are 50mm or wider. How does tire width change the ride? Thinner tires allow for faster riding. Wider tires prioritize stability over speed, so you can ride over curbs, manholes, and other obstacles without problems. Be aware that excessively wide tires may not fit into bicycle racks in parking lots.

Next is the handlebar width. Hybrid bikes have a handlebar width of 450-500mm, while MTBs have a wider handlebar width of 560-800mm. A wider handlebar allows for a firm grip and better control of the bike. However, if the handlebar is too wide, it may interfere with adjacent bicycles when parking.

Perhaps the most distinctive difference is the presence or absence of suspension. Hybrid bikes do not have suspension. Some MTBs have suspension on the front, or on both the front and rear. Some MTB models also do not have suspension.

MTBs equipped with front suspension are called hardtails. These MTB models offer a good balance of ride performance and price.

MTBs equipped with suspension on both the front and rear are called full-suspension.

Although not very common, MTBs without suspension are called fully rigid.

Suspension allows the tires to maintain contact with the ground even on uneven mountain roads, so you can maintain speed and control the steering firmly. In addition, suspension dampens shocks and vibrations from the ground, allowing you to maintain a straight gaze and ride the intended course.

Therefore, if you choose an MTB, be sure to choose one equipped with suspension. If you have a generous budget, we recommend full suspension.

Benefits of MTBs include:

・Faster than city bikes

・Easier to ride uphill

・Less affected by curbs and manholes

・No need to check tire pressure frequently

Disadvantages of MTBs include:

・Heavier than other bicycles

・Tires may not fit into bicycle racks in some parking lots (in the case of special tires)

Mountain Biking in the City

You can't just buy an MTB and start riding immediately. Even for bicycles, there is necessary equipment for riding in the city. These include a helmet, front light, rear light (reflector), lock, and kickstand.

While helmets are not mandatory for adults, unlike children under 13, falls and traffic accidents are entirely possible when riding in the city. If you're not wearing a helmet, there's nothing to protect your head. A helmet is necessary to protect yourself. Some people may imagine competitive helmets, but nowadays, helmets that can be matched with casual clothes are also available, so there's no need to worry about coordination.

It is necessary to have a front light and a rear light (reflector) because riding without lights at night or without a rear light (reflector) is a violation of the Road Traffic Act. If you are riding at night on a relatively bright street with many streetlights, it is a good idea to choose a light with an brightness of 200-300 lumens. For the rear light (reflector), a reflector that reflects light is acceptable, but if you want more safety, we recommend a rear light. The color is red as stipulated in the Road Traffic Act of each prefecture, so please do not choose a white rear light or attach a front light to the rear.

When parking your bicycle in the city, you will need a lock. Since MTBs are expensive bicycles, a lock is essential. Even if the bicycle rack locks the front wheel, please use an additional lock.

There may be times when there is no bicycle rack to park your bicycle. In such cases, a kickstand will be necessary. Unlike city bicycles, MTBs do not come with a kickstand as standard, so you will need to purchase one separately.

If you ride in the rain, fenders are essential. Without them, mud and water splashed from the rear wheel will spray onto your back, making for a miserable experience.

What you need to know when riding in the city are the traffic rules. The number of bicycle users is increasing, but some people who do not follow traffic rules have been featured in the news.

Bicycles generally keep to the left side of the road. In principle, they should be on the roadway. A problem that was reported in the news recently was using a smartphone while riding a bicycle. It goes without saying that you must stop at red lights and stop signs.

Even with extreme caution, traffic accidents cannot always be prevented. What is needed then is bicycle insurance. From 2020, bicycle insurance has become mandatory throughout Tokyo, and the areas where it is mandatory are gradually expanding. In some cases, compensation for injuring another person can be very expensive. Therefore, you should consider coverage for your own injuries and for others, and get bicycle insurance even in areas where it is not mandatory. You may already have bicycle insurance as an option with your existing casualty insurance or credit card, so why not check?