It wasn’t so long ago that the difference between a mountain bike and a road bike was not the least bit in doubt. As with all things though, the only constant is change.

Bikes have changed tremendously in the last generation, at least in the sense that those old distinctions between categories have eroded. In some cases that has lead to scenarios in which one might question what the best bike for a given ride might be. ‘Road’ or ‘mountain’, it shouldn’t be that hard to choose, right?

There’s always a right tool for the job as the saying goes. Or is there? Now that we’ve seen road bikes morph into all-terrain capable machines popularly called gravel bikes, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to discern whether there is in fact a best option. What used to be a cut and dried equipment choice had now been made little less clear.

Sometimes another option can be equally inviting. Despite their appearances, modern gravel bike have borrowed extensively from mountain bikes. And for their part, some mountain bikes have leaned toward overland efficiency more typical these days of road or gravel bikes.

So which is going to be better for the rides you have in mind? Well, you decide.

Products shown: ATR X and Blacklabel 27+