Gravel
A great all-rounder can be a gravel, which can be fitted with a wider tread tire and can thus be used for riding in snow, mud or even road. Gravel can also be a good choice given the need for fenders. Closed fenders around the largest circumference of the bike are always most effective. This is what gravel can provide, and on some bikes this feature looks stylish too. For a cyclocross race, though, be sure to take the fenders off.
MTB
A mountain bike is guaranteed to be the most comfortable option. 29-inch wheels with wide tyres are great for stability and winter rides around town. Compared to gravel bikes, however, we feel there is a problem with the fender fitment here. Mountain bikes use mudguards with a greater distance from the tire, which are more suitable for off-road use, but their efficiency is lower because of this. For MTB use in winter, the hardtail option is a good choice. It is easier to maintain and the rear suspension is very stressed in the winter months by frost and dirty salt water from the road.
Road bike
This is definitely the worst choice unless you are thinking of riding a time trial special. The road is the coldest, plus apart from your legs the rest of your body is very static and you don’t warm up as much. Plus, in winter the roads are in the worst condition, covered in gravel, salt and full of potholes. The last thing you want to deal with in winter is fixing punctures. But for mileage, a road bike is still the best.
The best choice for us is undoubtedly gravel. But it always depends on the conditions you have. In the southern European countries you can certainly use a road bike without any problem. On the other hand, further north the conditions may be better for gravel and mountain bikes.
Don’t know which bike to choose? Use our comparison tool HERE.