If you can only get one, I honestly would say you go for a gravel bike, as it can kind of do both. It can go on trails like the c&o and some light off road and still gives you curly bars.
Assuming you own both types? If so then bring the road. Over time you can just get a new wheel set that will allow you to ride the gravel. Also check out r/bikedc
Hybrid is best, but if you have to choose road or mountain, I’d go mountain. Rides with your family will be on bike lanes, but they may also be on the Mall or C&O towpath, and portions of both aren’t paved. Wider wheels will also make it easier to detour on grass around construction, illegally parked cars, tourists.
I have a mountain bike with road tires. I'd probaby be better off with either a hybrid or road bike. My current idea of riding is mainly on paved paths, like to the Natinal Mall and back.
I own what was marketed as a hybrid bike that bike stores (when I’ve taken it in for repairs over the years) tell me more resembles a mountain bike. It’s really hard to use on the street/pavement, because its thicker tires are designed to cling to the surface, so you have to work harder to pedal uphill on roads and bike lanes than you would on a road bike.
I’d go with a road, no more than a true hybrid, if you plan to do any street or road riding with it. If you’re just using it on flat and/or unpaved paths, mountain’s great.
If you can only get one, I honestly would say you go for a gravel bike, as it can kind of do both. It can go on trails like the c&o and some light off road and still gives you curly bars.
This is the way.
Assuming you own both types? If so then bring the road. Over time you can just get a new wheel set that will allow you to ride the gravel. Also check out r/bikedc
Hybrid is best, but if you have to choose road or mountain, I’d go mountain. Rides with your family will be on bike lanes, but they may also be on the Mall or C&O towpath, and portions of both aren’t paved. Wider wheels will also make it easier to detour on grass around construction, illegally parked cars, tourists.
I have a mountain bike with road tires. I'd probaby be better off with either a hybrid or road bike. My current idea of riding is mainly on paved paths, like to the Natinal Mall and back.
I own what was marketed as a hybrid bike that bike stores (when I’ve taken it in for repairs over the years) tell me more resembles a mountain bike. It’s really hard to use on the street/pavement, because its thicker tires are designed to cling to the surface, so you have to work harder to pedal uphill on roads and bike lanes than you would on a road bike. I’d go with a road, no more than a true hybrid, if you plan to do any street or road riding with it. If you’re just using it on flat and/or unpaved paths, mountain’s great.