Since their introduction some 30 years ago Mountain bikes have become the most popular type of bike on the market. They are durable and good for traveling off road and on trails. The downside is that at the affordable end of the market they are also much heavier than road bikes. Their gearing is made for climbing rather than speed which that in the hands of the average rider they will be slower on flat surfaces. A decent Mountain bike with road tyres – smoother slick style rubber – can still be a useful bike if you are looking for a fun ride with friends.
If a mountain bike has suspension it can make riding more comfortable and improve bike handling. But on cheaper models, it can just add cost, weight, and make cycling harder. Full suspension mountain bikes, that is bikes with a damping system on the front and rear wheels aren’t really what you are after for your charity ride. They’re great if you want to throw yourself down a mountain, but it you are into that sort of thing, you already know what you want anyway.
