Whats the point of choosing a specific type of bike for every terrain and condition, when a decent hardtail mountain bike can seemingly handle it all, save for the most extreme cases? It seems that with advancements in technology, the lines between road, mountain, and hybrid bikes have become increasingly blurred.
Is the obsessive categorization and specialization of bikes just a marketing ploy to get enthusiasts to buy more gear, or is there truly a tangible benefit to choosing a bike tailored specifically to the terrain and conditions youll be riding in? Perhaps the real key to success lies not in the bike itself, but rather in the riders ability to adapt and adjust their technique to suit the situation.
Dont cyclists who insist on using a specific type of bike for every type of ride, from smooth pavement to rocky singletrack, just lack the skills and experience to handle the demands of varied terrain on a single, versatile bike? Or am I missing something fundamental here?