This article may be a controversial one as, after reading it, some people might not agree with the things stated while others might be over the moon. Whatever side you are picking, today in this article you can learn more about 3 different types of cycling. Gravel racing, mountain biking and classic cycling.
BMX has been left out since it doesn’t get much traction in the professional scene.
This is just a little comparison list of pros and cons. It might help someone who is new to cycling make a more educated choice on what they are getting themselves into.
Classic Cycling
Bike racing, road cycling or classic cycling, whatever you call it, the majority of people will know what you’re talking about. Classic cycling is the biggest discipline out of the three. It is the biggest part of the professional cycling scene. Classic cycling is usually the first choice for people who are only getting familiar with cycling, in general. Also there is not much to learn when it comes to road cycling, since pretty much everyone has ridden a bike before.
Also it’s the most tourist-friendly option, as some people just get into the sport because they want to cycle up a mountain or see various tourist attractions. Think of places like Mont Blanc or cycling through Italy. Another big place people gather in is Spain, which is why cycling holidays to Spain have become so popular.
Gravel Racing
You’ll find that this one is the least popular of the group. Gravel racing is a discipline that is highly-technical and much tougher than road cycling, since you are cycling through mud which is way more difficult than cycling on smooth asphalt. Gravel racing bikes look much like road cycle bikes, but the wheels are specifically designed for a different terrain. Another major difference is that a gravel racing bike does not usually come with suspension.
Mountain biking
Mountain biking is right up there with classic cycling because of its popularity in more rural areas which feature a lot of mountains and dirt paths. For example, more people in the USA would pick up mountain biking over road racing. But then again, people in France and Italy usually prefer road racing. Also, mountain biking is not easy to get into! Mountain biking is the most technical and power-hungry discipline out of the three. Honing technical skills and being able to master it is something only a few get really good at.
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