Do some rides take you to the pavement and others off-road?
A dual sport might be a great choice for you. Speedier then a mountain bike, offering performance on pavement and versatility on the trails.
Like a SUV – Sports Utility Vehicle
DIFFERENCES
When compared to Fitness Bikes. Dual Sports have Knobbier tires and similar gearing. Suspension front fork to smooth out the ride. Higher models come with lockout suspension forks. Similar sporty position.
When compared to Mountain Bikes. Dual Sports have Narrower tires, larger gearing, less travel in the suspension fork.
The dual sport is at home whether it is on pavement or on the trail. Great for moderate off road riding. Many dual sport owners have two sets of wheels one with wider mountain bike tires and another with narrower smoother pavement oriented tires. Or own two sets of tires and switch them out depending on where your ride is going to take place.