Bicycle Types Compared – Road, MTB, City, Touring & E-Bikes

Speed on asphalt

Road bikes

Drop bars, narrow tyres and a stretched position turn every watt into forward motion. Above 25 km/h, aerodynamics matter more than anything else – which is why road bikes look the way they do.

→ Weight typically 7–10 kg
→ Best on smooth paved roads
→ Ideal for fitness, racing and long days out

Full road bike guide

Control off-road

Mountain bikes

Suspension, knobby tyres and powerful disc brakes keep you in control where asphalt ends. From Harz singletrack to Alpine descents, the MTB is built for grip and toughness.

→ Hardtail or full suspension
→ Travel from 100 mm (XC) to 200 mm (DH)
→ Wheel sizes: mostly 29″ today

Full mountain bike guide

Everyday Germany

City & touring bikes

The German Stadtrad and Trekkingrad come fully equipped: mudguards, rack, dynamo lights, chain guard. Comfort first, maintenance low – the bikes that carry a nation to work and on holiday.

→ Upright position, hub gears common
→ StVZO equipment included
→ Touring bikes add luggage capacity for weeks away

City & touring guide

The electric boom

E-bikes & pedelecs

Roughly every second new bike sold in Germany has a motor. Pedelecs assist to 25 km/h and count as normal bicycles – flattening hills and keeping more people cycling longer.

→ Pedelec (25 km/h) vs S-Pedelec (45 km/h)
→ Mid-drive motors dominate quality bikes
→ Real-world range often 50–120 km

Full e-bike guide

Side-by-side comparison

A quick reference when you are choosing between categories.

Type	Best for	Weight	Position	Terrain
Road	Speed, fitness, racing	7–10 kg	Low, stretched	Smooth asphalt
Mountain	Trails, off-road	12–16 kg	Upright, active	Dirt, rocks, roots
City	Commuting, errands	14–18 kg	Fully upright	Urban streets
Touring	Long travel with luggage	13–16 kg	Moderate	Roads & gravel
Gravel	Mixed surfaces	9–11 kg	Moderate-low	Asphalt & gravel
E-bike / Pedelec	Assisted everyday & touring	20–28 kg	Varies	Depends on base type

How to choose in three questions

Where will you ride 80% of the time?

City streets → city or e-city bike. Forest paths → MTB or gravel. Smooth roads and fitness → road bike.

How upright do you want to sit?

A bike you enjoy is a bike you ride. Beginners usually prefer a more upright position than race geometry offers.

Do hills or distance hold you back?

A pedelec removes those barriers without turning you into a motorcyclist – as long as you stay within 25 km/h assistance.

Every bike is built for a job. Know which one matches yours.