People in love with cycling can’t get enough of it. Many people are curious to know, “are mountain bikes good for the road?” Here you will know the answer to this question and the little perks of mountain biking that helps your road cycling.
You want to know your mountain bike fits your road ride or not. Well, to your question “are mountain bikes good for the road”, the right answer here, “Yes, mountain bikes are good” as they offer a number of pros for on-road riding. The answer can be “No, mountain bikes are not” because of the specific design of the bike.
Table of Contents
Mountain bikes not good for the road – Reasons
First, let’s know why you should not go for the road ride with your mountain bike. You have to get the right bike for you to enjoy and have great fun. But, the mountain bikes are way too much for the roads in some aspects.
These bikes are designed to withstand off-road challenges. They are designed for hill climbing and rough surfaces. Consider following things before taking a ride on the road.
- Performance
- Effect on Wear and Tear
- Changes you will need to make
Performance
The performance of the mountain bike is affected. It doe not work that well when you ride it on the road. The terrain may be too soft for the mountain bike. This softness is because the designs of these bikes are made for bike trails. However, you can still do it. But you cannot expect the same performance on the road as you expect on the trails.
Effect on Wear and Tear
Riding on the road can damage the wear and tear of your bike. This damage is called “intentional damage.” The tires of the mountain bikes are built specifically for the trails. But, the time you start riding on other materials, paths, or concrete, there is an excellent chance of them to experience wear and tear.
Changes you will need to make
Just before every ride on the road, you will have to make specific changes to your bike. These changes have to be made to ensure safety. There are some safety risks associated with this if you are not doing these changes.
These changes include;
- Change the tires
- Adjust shock of the tire
- Adjust the height of the seat and handlebar
- Other difficulties being faced
– Change the tires – You should change the mountain tires with the road tires. The mountain tires are a bit spiky r knobby while the road tires are slick. Doing this can be a bit Piercy and struggling for you.
– Adjust Shocks of the tire – You should adjust the shocks of the tires. This adjustment is because, in a new mountain bike, the shocks are set so that they can absorb the maximum amount of force. However, when you ride on the road, you do not need that much shock absorption.
To adjust, you need to adjust your suspension to be stiffer.
– Adjust the height of the seat and handlebar height – When you ride your mountain bike on bike trails, the handlebar and height of the seat are set on an aggressive stance. This adjustment allows the rider to optimize his body position and take turns quickly. But when you are riding on the road or street, you have to adjust your seating to make it more relaxed.
– Other difficulties being faced – The tires of mountain bikes are wider. They have more rolling resistance. Therefore, more energy is required to push the tires. The frames of the mountain bike are made heavier. This framing makes climbing hills harder.
Mountain bikes “Good” for the road
Whether you are a lifer or a sportsperson, or you ride for fitness, you can undoubtedly take your mountain bike out on the road. However, there is a slight difference between road bikes and mountain bikes. They serve different purposes. But the primary purpose is the same,i.e., “Cycling.”
Mountain bikes on the road provide you with a bit more comfort, but they provide a more upright position suitable for traffic. You can ride anywhere and can easily overcome obstacles like tall curbs, rough edges, potholes, and bumps everywhere in the city!
If you are a resident of a hilly place, these mountain bikes with low gearing are perfect for you. Regardless, mountain bikes are fun to ride on roads, faster than road bikes, offer more traction, and offer several other pros; sadly, it cannot be the desired answer to your question.
The only honest answer to the question “are mountain bikes good for the road” is to try out any bike on the road that you like. Whether it’s a mountain bike or any other, every bike will do a great job in performing on the road.
Benefits of using Mountain bikes on the road
Mountain bikes offer several benefits when they are riding on the road. Some of them are mentioned here;
- Comfortable seating position
- Quick acceleration
- Aggressive braking
- Wide handlebars
Comfortable seating position
The seating position of mountain bikes is quite comfortable. You can have a more comprehensive view of the scenery ahead easily. The riding will also be very comfortable. This comfortable riding is because of the wider tires and suspension.
Quick Acceleration
The gear and shafts of a mountain bike are great for quick acceleration. This feature of the bike works perfectly on the road and street riding. It allows the rider to get started with riding as soon as the lights turn green.
Aggressive braking
The aggressive braking of your mountain bike allows you to apply the brake and stop immediately. This excellent aggressive braking system is perfect for a situation when a person or any vehicle pops out of nowhere. You can apply brake quickly and easily.
Wide Handlebars
Nimble riding is made very easy with wide handlebars.
Things about mountain bike to consider for a safe ride on the road
As a mountain biker, you are probably more conscious of the safety measure. You should seek more safety measures when you intend to ride your mountain bike on the road.
Following are some of the suggestions that you should consider;
- Pick the right line
- Analyze your body position
- Concentrate on your shifting skills
- Follow road rules
- Comfortable on saddle
Pick the right line
When riding a mountain bike on the road, select a destination and follow a certain path. Riders often focus on the shortest ways possible. But that should not be the case when you are riding on the road.
It will be best if you choose a path to your destination and then follow it. Also, be very conscious and attentive to look for obstacles or any form of hazards.
Analyze your body position
Considering and adjusting your body position is one of the primary steps to follow. The bike will travel on different types of rugged surfaces such as roots, rocks, etc.
So you have to maintain a specific position to get through the rugged terrains.
General Guide: There are two central positions, “Neutral and Right.” When you take a neutral position of your body, you will evade issues like rolling. Your body will be able to transit smoothly.
Concentrate on your shifting skills
Riding a mountain bike means you will face particular challenges. You should have a keen understanding on to shift gears. Excellent shifting practices help you in gearing activities. It will save repair of wear and tear.
Follow road rules
Although your bike has to hop the curb, it should not mean for you to do it. Indeed, your mountain bike has impressive capabilities on the road; you should always abide by the rules of the road and respect everyone around you.
Comfortable on saddle
The saddle of your mountain bike should be very comfortable. Consider the shape and comfortability of your saddle before buying a mountain bike. Because you will be sitting on your bike all the time when you ride, so it has to provide you the comfort you deserve.
Conclusion
With all that being said about the mountain bike being good on the road or not, we hope you have had a piece of complete information regarding your question, “are mountain bikes good for the road?”
Everything has a downside and bright side to offer. But for the things we are passionate about, we can undoubtedly overlook the downsides by focusing on bright ones.
It may be the case that you want to go for a road ride, but the only bike you own is your mountain bike. Or, you intend to buy a new bike for your daily on-road use, but you want a cool one, i.e., a mountain bike. In any case, now you have known that your mountain bike can fulfill both purposes.
At the end of this article, the take-home point is that whether you are riding on the pavement towards your home or on your way to work or you are up for any adventure, your mountain bike is capable of handling all the pressures.
While enjoying the perks of an on-road ride on your mountain bike, always get yourself fully prepared about the changes, safety measures, and abiding by the traffic rules.
Happy riding, ridders!
