The answer is Yes, riding your mountain bike on the road is possible. While Mountain bikes’ purpose isn’t for the streets, you can easily ride them on the roads, but you will not feel the same as riding a road bicycle which is the ideal option for the streets.

Well, the answer is quite long and depends on person to person. That’s why for your ease, we’ve written an ultimate guide article:

This article mentions the benefits, drawbacks and anything related to Mountain Biking on the road.

So, let’s start with the basics:

What is a Mountain Bike?

A mountain bike, commonly known as MTB, is designed for riding on mountains, terrains, hills, off-road paths, muddy surfaces, etc.

Unlike regular road bikes, they’re entirely different from them. However, both causal road bikes and MTBs use a chain and pedals concept, but both are entirely different in terms of design language and features.

If you are a beginner in Mountain Biking or willing to start, we suggest you look at our Beginner’s Guide for Mountain Biking.

How are Mountain Bikes Different from Road Bicycles?

Mountain bikes are rugged; they use a hefty dual welded extra-strong weight, which increases the importance of the overall motorcycle because, during off-roading, you can’t compromise on the chassis.

The suspensions of the MTB bikes are also different from causal cycles. Causal bike suspension is designed according to the user’s comfort. Mountain bikes’ suspensions are prepared according to the off-roading paths and not the user’s convenience.

Their tires are much more expansive, grippy, and complicated than road bikes. This design of tires increases the friction, which eventually causes resistance during pedalling. So it would be best if you put more effort into pedalling than causal road bikes.

Are mountain bikes suitable for the street?

As the name suggests, a mountain bike is good only in mountains and off-road biking, so how can you say that a mountain bike will be a good choice for street riding? Of course, it’s a mountain bike. It’s supposed to run on mountains and off-road biking but not the best option for the streets.

However, it doesn’t mean you can’t use it on your streets and city roads. You can, and it’ll not affect the performance of your bike. But, an MTB would not give you a good biking experience on the roads if compared with a casual road bike.

Would you like to learn how?

Read the following section:

But still, you can use it on your streets without any problem.

Things that You’ll Notice While Riding a Mountain Bike on Streets

There are a few things that you’ll notice when riding a Mountain Bike on your local streets:

Resistance

You’ll first notice high resistance when riding an MTB on the roads. It’s because MTB bikes use high-grade extra-wide tires, and if you studied physics, you might know that high surface area = high friction.

The same rule applies with MTB bikes; their tires are wide, which increases the surface area and large contact area with the road, hence more friction. This high friction causes resistance when pedalling and will require effort from your legs.

To be precise, a regular mountain bike’s tires are about 1 cm wider than traditional street bicycles, increasing the resistance by 32%. No, you can’t replace the tires with regular street bicycle tires.

Most street bike tires have a maximum of 24″; Mountain bikes use 26″ tires. Moreover, in MTB, the joint where you hook the tires are built according to 1 wider tire. The joint couldn’t be attached to regular street bicycle tires.

You can find more on Mountain bike resistance here

Weight

Off-road vehicles and mountain bikes must have extra rigidness and a more robust frame than regular road vehicles. For that reason, the manufacturer of mountain bikes uses double-layered metal frames and extra metal tubes to make the chassis more durable, rigid, and force absorbent.

These all things will, of course, add weight to the bicycle, which will consume more effort from your side. It’s because, mud or during off-roading, most of the time, bikers use their MTBs downhill. In that case, they don’t need to pedal due to gravity, so weight doesn’t matter when you use a Mountain Bike for its true purpose.

But, regular street cycling will consume much more effort than usual bicycles.

Resistance in Pedaling

In addition to the above factors, you’ll also notice resistance during the paddling of your bicycle. The pedalling mechanisms on MTB bikes are different from regular road bicycles.

MTB’s paddling system is designed for intense situations to absorb sudden impacts such as the impact of bounced back rock, high g-force, sudden movements, etc. For that reason, the manufacturers use double-layered chains.

For instance, there’s only one chain used in standard bikes, but in MTB bikes, two chains are used to make the pedalling system rigid and more robust. That’s why you might feel harder when pedalling an MTB on a regular road.

If you can bear these situations, then go ahead, and make your MTB, your daily go-to bicycle.

Is It Bad To Use A Mountain Bike On The Road?

Note that mountain bikes use special tires, which are only suitable for muddy, sandy, and off-road areas. Their surface area is large as compared to regular bike tires. That large surface area increases the friction, reducing the lifespan of the MTB tires if you use them on a plain concrete surface such as an asphalt road.

In off-road areas, there’s sand, mud, and other uneven low friction surfaces, which doesn’t reduce the lifespan of MTB tires, but in asphalt concrete roads, the case is different. Only the tires in MTB will wear and tear faster when riding an MTB bike on the street.

Other than that, riding an MTB on the street is fine!

How Much Slower Is A Mountain Bike On The Road?

Mountain bike doesn’t come with an engine. The rider is the one who powers the machine. So, it all depends on how powerful the rider is. In terms of the will, does an MTB bike make you slower? Yes, it does.

Considering the structure of a mountain bike, it might add resistance to your overall riding experience. So, technically, yes, it’s going to make you slower. You’ll need to put more effort into running the bike than a regular street bike, eventually making you tired and slowing you down.

Benefits of Riding Mountain bike on Streets

With those above disadvantages, there are some benefits of riding an MTB on the streets, some of which we’ve mentioned below:

Overall Better Grip

MTB bikes are designed to offer you a better grip on the surface, which helps off-roading. If you look technically at the MTB, you’ll notice that the MTB has a shallow centre of gravity. Also, it keeps the centre of gravity as close to the road as possible.

This low centre of gravity in an MTB increases your grip during bicycling, providing better handling and controls.

Durable and Longer Lifespan

An MTB bike will always have a better built-quality and strong chassis than regular street bikes. Mountain bikes’ goal is to be tough and rough. Therefore, manufacturers dedicatedly design it to absorb sudden and robust impacts.

On the other hand, a regular street bike isn’t meant to be tough and rough. There are very high chances that the bicycle’s frame might get cracked or broken, or the tire’s rim may get bent if it faces a sudden impact.

No wonder a mountain bike will offer extra strength, and it’s not easy to break; even an MTB bike can easily survive a typical accident. Therefore, go ahead with a mountain bike if you need quality and strongness.

Better Ergonomics

A mountain bike does and doesn’t offer better ergonomics than a street bicycle. It’s all dependent on your definition of ergonomics. Some users feel that MTB provides better ergonomics, and some say that MTB doesn’t offer good ergonomics.

Let’s split it:

• In terms of pedalling, a mountain bike isn’t good. It’ll consume more effort from your side. Therefore, in terms of peddling, it’s not a good thing.

• If we talk about the mountain bike seats, it’s good. MTB uses high-quality nylon and cotton-made seats which offer incredibly soft cushioning. Moreover, the overall shape of the seat is designed to provide extra comfortability on longer rides.

• In terms of suspensions and shocks, MTB takes the edge. Most MTBs offer adjustable suspensions that you can adjust according to your choice. You can make them harder off-road, or you can make them soft on usual rides.

• In terms of posture, MTBs might not be a good choice. They are designed to make you lean forward when riding. Making the centre of gravity equal and lower for better grip during off-road is essential. But, it might hurt your back on longer rides.

We’ve mentioned the detailed ergonomics of a mountain bike. It’s up to you now what bicycle is better for you. You can either use your MTB or purchase a dedicated street bike for riding a bicycle on the street.

Conclusion

If you got a mountain bike but didn’t know how to use it on your streets, we hope this article helped you find all the essential information you need. We’ve written an ultimate guide on everything you need to know about riding a bicycle on the streets. Contact us if you have other questions, and share this article with your friends.

Feel free to check out our relevant blog post on Hybrid bikes for Touring.

The post Can you ride a mountain bike on the road? appeared first on Mountain Bikerz.

Mountain Bike – Perfect for Off Roading   

As the name suggests, the mountain is a bike that is ideally suited for off-road use. This makes specific demands on the bike. Thus, the mountain bike including a particularly sturdy frame as well as wide tires that provide on difficult ground for good traction. Nevertheless, the MTB can also be used on roads.

Compared to many other bikes, MTBs have smaller frames to which disc or cantilever brakes are mounted. Further features include derailleurs and suspension systems for classic MTB equipment. An MTB can have either full suspension or a hardtail where with front suspension only.

When MTB it should be noted that they regarded more as sports equipment rather than a transport equipment. Parts such as bell, lights and reflectors must therefore be purchased separately here and accrue additional costs.

Road Bike – Good for Urban setting

Although no standard definition of a road bike there, there are some essential features that are common to all racing bikes, such as the bent arm, the sleek racing saddle and narrow wheels and tires. This extremely sporty design serves only one purpose: cycling at top speed! It does not happen by chance that racing bikes can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h on straight roads.

To achieve such a high speed, it is essential to save as much weight as possible. Therefore, only those parts are installed in a road bike, which are for driving imperative. This in turn means that parts like fenders and luggage racks in the basic equipment of a racing bike does not exist and subsequently difficult to assemble the part. Typically, the weight of a road bike is 6-9 kg.

The total fixation on speed and the radical weight loss also have disadvantages too – parts such as bell, projections and light and various reflectors have to be purchased separately and accrue additional costs.

Cyclocross Bike – Robust All-Rounder 

Cyclocross is a discipline in cycling. This bike looks at first glance exactly like a road bike. However, there are some important differences that are due to the off-road use of Cyclocross. It has studded tires that allows the wheel to have good grip on difficult surfaces.

On the other hand, the bottom bracket is a little higher, to allow off-road ground clearance. Naturally, also the frame of the Cyclocross is significantly more stable than that of a racing bike. The great advantage of cyclocross is clearly due to its versatility. So you can rapidly drive off-road, but also in adverse weather conditions – even in difficult road conditions, the bike maintains its good handling characteristics. 

What to Choose?

In order to make the right decision between racing and cyclocross, you should first ask what bike type you actually are and where you want to use your bike. Are you looking for an ultra-light bike that can achieve the highest speeds, the road bike is probably the right decision. If one compares a racing and cyclocross bike side by side, they seem to be identical.

A wheel that allows you to make good progress in spite of a somewhat more robust construction and the addition due to its all-round qualities as a whole is something for everyday use, a cyclocross could be ideal for you.

For biking through mountains and rough terrain, nothing even comes close to the mountain bike. 

 No matter which option you choose, we wish you much pleasure with your new bike!

The post Road vs Mountain vs Cyclocross Bikes – Who Wins? appeared first on Mountain Bikerz.

Yes, you can use a hybrid bike or any other type of bicycle for touring. It all depends on the kind of adventure you want to explore and how prepared you are. You may also need to make some modifications to your bike depending on your needs. For example, if you want to tour internationally, then you will need a bike that is lightweight and comfortable enough to make it easier for you.

A hybrid bike is a great option for those who want to bike on various terrains. You can use them to go off-road or on regular roads, and they are a great alternative to mountain bikes. Hybrid bikes are also a good choice if you only want one bike to use for different purposes.

Can I use a hybrid bike for long distances?

This is a common question beginners and cyclists in search of an alternative to road bikes often ask. But why the hybrid? Hybrids can be a great alternative to road bikes because they feature a heavier, more durable frame compared to traditional road bikes, but the frame isn’t quite as heavy as what you’ll get with a mountain bike. Hybrids are currently the hottest bikes on the market for many reasons, but the fact that they feature a frame and characteristics that make them a great choice for touring and commuting is why cyclists are switching to hybrids.

We all know that bikes are good for the environment and our health as well. While riding a bike, we want to breathe fresh air, take in the sights, exercise our body and stay active. But is there a time when biking isn’t convenient?

We have seen many people that wonder and want to know if they can use a hybrid bike for long distances.

Hybrid bikes are designed to give you the best of both worlds, combining a comfortable upright seating position with the utility of a mountain bike and road bike. They are perfect for urban commuting, and also great for long-distance riding. Hybrid bikes have also grippy tires and strong brakes that help bikers ride across cities, commutes, and trails.

Bikes that have upright seats put you in an ideal position to see your surroundings and react to changes in traffic conditions. However, once you hit around 10-15 miles per hour, the bike’s aerodynamics becomes more important than its seat position. That’s when you notice the difference between hybrid bikes and road bikes.

So, if you want to buy a hybrid bike for commuting or touring you have to go after a model that has a front and or rear suspension for more relaxed rides. Also, have in mind that hybrid bikes are so useful because almost any model can easily be modified for any type of riding.

Are hybrid bikes good for trails?

Hybrid bikes are a hybrid between road and mountain bikes. The fact that they share components with both makes them very versatile and great for a lot of different cycling situations. There are many hybrid bikes on the market, and they’re a great choice for simple riders.

There are two types of hybrid bikes: those that are good for commuting and city streets but aren’t designed for off-roading; and those that are designed to handle some off-road riding but aren’t built for it.

You’ve probably seen people riding around campus on these bikes. You’re probably wondering if they’re good for trails?

Hybrid bikes are popular bikes that are designed also for trails and paved roads. These bikes have a lot in common with road bikes, but with some added features which make them the perfect choice for casual trail riders.

Hybrid bikes are a great option for people who do not want to spend a lot of money on a mountain bike, but also need more speed and performance than is offered by a traditional bike. Because hybrid bikes act like a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike, they are ideal for recreational riders who don’t want to invest in two different bikes.

Hybrid bikes are good for both paved trails and rough terrains, as well as commuting on busy urban streets. They have wider tires and lower handlebars that allow you to ride over obstacles with ease.

What is the difference between a hybrid bike and a touring bike?

In general, many people enjoy riding bicycles. When people decide to ride a bike, they usually have an idea of what they want to do with it and which type of bike is right for them. So, they go after the most common types of bikes which are touring bikes and hybrid bikes.

A hybrid bike is a bike that can be used for multiple types of riding. The main difference between Hybrid bikes and Touring bikes is that Hybrids are comfortable, easy to ride and designed to handle rough terrain. A touring bike is an extremely comfortable bike that is built to withstand the rigours of long-distance riding.

Hybrid bikes are plenty comfortable, but they aren’t made to handle the long-distance as much as touring bikes. Touring bikes are more durable than hybrid bikes because they are quite a better choice at this point. Touring bikes have wide tires and thicker frames that help absorb shock from travelling long distances.

What kind of bike is the best for long distances?

There are a few good reasons why you might want to take upcycling long distances. Maybe you’re worried about the environment, and you want to reduce your carbon footprint just a little bit. Perhaps you’re hoping to get fitter and improve your cardiovascular health by exercising more. Or maybe you just want an easy and relatively cheap way of getting around town.

If you are looking for the best bike to travel long distances is not the easiest thing. There are so many things to consider before making a decision to buy a bike. So, the answer to this question may differ from person to person.

As we said before, the most suitable bikes for long distances are touring bikes and hybrid bikes.

The first thing to consider is the frame size. The frame size depends on your height and weight. If you want to buy a bike but do not know what size would be appropriate for you, we advise you to take a look at our article about bicycle sizing.

There are also some other factors that are worth taking into consideration when choosing a bike for long-distance trips: the quality of the wheels, the number of gears, the weight of the bike and some other details. Here’s a nice blog post for the top 5 things that you have to look at before buying a new or a used bike.

Long-distance bikes are not bikes for beginners. There are many key things to look for when choosing a long-distance bicycle. These things will help the rider have a safe, fun, and smooth ride.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a solid bike that can handle riding around town and touring, the hybrid bike is one of your best options. With the right accessories, it can be converted for any type of riding including commuting, fitness activities, or touring. What is your favourite accessory to add to a hybrid when going on long cycling trips? We hope these tips have been helpful! If there is anything else we can do for you, please let us know by contacting us.

The post Can I use a Hybrid Bike for Touring? appeared first on Mountain Bikerz.