If you plan to ride “off road” a lot, whether woodsy trails or desert paths, a mountain bike is probably what you want.
They are designed for more-rugged riding, and typically have a stouter, more upright frame and offer higher clearance to get over rocks and logs and through ruts and streams. They can take a lot of stress and abuse and still get you comfortably across that rugged terrain.
Be sure you will be doing plenty of off-roading before you buy a mountain bike. If you are just going to be riding in town or on paved or hard-packed smooth, flat trails, there are better choices that will be more comfortable and serve you better, such as hybrids or cruisers.
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