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mechanical disc brakes. Mountain bike gearing is very wide-ranging, from very low ratios to high ratios, typically with 21 to 30 gears. Because of their sturdy construction, they also tend to be heavier.
So your first consideration is, What type of surface will I be cycling over?' If it's going to be mainly dirt tracks and/or very rough roads, then your choice will be to go for a mountain bike. It's best not to choose a mountain bike just to be trendy. With their chunky tyres and sturdy frames, there's a lot of extra weight to push around.

So we're now down to a comfort bike or Touring bike. If you're planning on going long distances and maybe camping out overnight, then the touring bike is the way to go.
If all you want to do is local cycling, or to replace the car for the trip in to work then a comfort bike will fit the bill.
You've now decided which bike is right for you, so it's time to look at what safety equipment and accessories you need to go with it.
You are not going to go far once the air has escaped from one of your tyres, so the first thing to consider is a good tool kit and a pump. Get a good puncture repair kit. It should have a good selection of patches, emery cloth, to roughen and clean the area to be repaired, adhesive, at least 2 tyre levers, a cycle spanner and hexagonal keys.
Pumps come in a variety of designs. Make sure you can fit it to your bike frame and that you have the correct size adapter for the valves fitted to the tubes. Some pumps can adapt to both types of valve that are in use.
Even if you don't intend to ride at night, you should still equip your bike with lights. You never know when you will meet up with someone, and that 5 minute natter unexpectedly delays you more than you thought. Or suddenly you're engulfed by fog.
Modern battery powered light sets are very efficient and will probably suffice for the occasional use. However if your intention is towards touring where you'll be doing a lot of dusk/night riding, then go for a dynamo powered set. If the lights you choose have conventional bulbs, then always keep a couple of spare bulbs.
Bikes by their very nature are very quiet, so make sure you get a bell to warn other road users of your presence. Also, pedestrians have a nasty habit of stepping off the pavement before looking around.
That's the bike taken care of, now what about you, the rider?
First and most important is a helmet. Although not a legal requirement, a good helmet is a must. Helmets are designed to protect your head

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