Though there are many different kinds of bicycles, road bikes and mountain bikes are two types that are popular for their specialization to their task. As a general rule, road bikes will be built to favor speed and mountain bikes to favor stability. These tendencies make perfect sense, considering the purpose of each style of bike. Here are four specific areas that will help identify a road bike or a mountain bike.

• Shape: Road bikes, having been designed for speed, generally position the rider much closer to the top tube and the pedals. This hunched-over position is more efficient for getting power from your legs, but is also far more taxing on your back than a more upright mountain bike. This design difference is very apparent in the different types of handle bars used for each kind of bike. Mountain bikes have wide handle bars that allow the rider greater control, as opposed to the bent handle bars of most road bikes which are lower and more aerodynamic.

• Weight: Where a heavy frame is a huge burden on speed, it is often a necessity for going down the mountain. Many mountain bikes are heavy out of necessity, with wider tires and extensive suspension systems helping to make the ride down the mountain easier to manage. Good road bikes will be designed to eliminate as much excess weight as possible, including utilizing materials such as titanium and carbon fiber to allow strength and flexibility in addition to reducing weight.

• Tires: The key with mountain bike tires is traction. They're wider and covered with lots of nubby rubber to increase surface area and friction. These qualities will help the mountain bike rider retain control of the cycle as they careen down the hill. Road bike tires, on the other hand, are generally very thin and very smooth. They rely on the surface of the rubber and the skill of the rider to maintain friction between the bike and the road.

• Suspension: Road bikes that are truly built for speed will not have any suspension, though they are often built with materials that will absorb vibrations from unevenly paved roads. On the other hand, front shock absorbers, rear suspension, and even unique hybrids will all be available for mountain bikes. Suspension is also the area where it's easiest to identify a hybrid or commuter bike. These will have flat handle bars, thin tires, and may or may not include suspension. Some commuter bikes even come with locking suspension, so the rider can choose if they want the extra cushioning of the road.

In the end, a cheaper bike of either type will generally be available for less than $200 USD. On the other hand, very custom or professional-grade models of either road bikes or mountain bikes can cost several thousands of dollars. If you're shopping for a bike, it's always recommended to choose the design based on your anticipated needs, and test ride as many different brands and designs as possible. Generally, it's not a bad idea to buy a bike that you can "grow into," in terms of skill or experience. This way, you can avoid limiting your growth as an athlete, or your enjoyment of your new bike.