[dingaling]

Indeed knobbly tyres and MTB-style frames are one of the worst things to have happened to non-leisure cycling in the UK.

People buy a cheap MTB from Halfords, use it casually a few times out with the kids and then try commuting on it perhaps as part of a Cycling Week. After a couple of attempts it goes back into the garage.

Outside Oxford and Cambridge, traditional road-going non-racing frames are quite rare.

[auxym]

So-called hybrid bikes seem like the most commonly sold bike in north america. Flat bars, 700c wheels, mid-thin tires (32-40 mm), geometry either can be somewhat sporty or more laid back.

Just wish more would come with accesories useful to most utilitarian cyclists. Fenders, lights, racks/baskets, and chain guard. Man, chain guards are so hard to come upon in NA, I really envy european bikes for that. I suspect for most peopl it's #1 reason for not cycling in regular/work/office clothes

[analog31]

In the US, folks buy older, non-suspension mountain bikes, and convert them to commuting use by adding street tires and whatever other accessories they desire (rack, fenders, etc.). The result is a fairly comfortable, utilitarian bike, that's not a theft magnet.