A question most frequently asked by, you guessed it right, bikers. Biking is a great way to travel around and reach your destination. We have all sorts of bikes in the market to choose from, some are good for urban riding while others are made for riding off-road. But is there a bike that's good at both? Yes, definitely, mountain bikes can be used for the city as well and they perform perfectly fine, although they are not as efficient in the city as road bikes.
For those who are deciding to buy a mountain bike for city riding but aren't sure if it's good for the roads as well, this article will provide you all the answers and help you decide what's best for you. This article also clears up ambiguities related to other bike options available, keep reading to find out.
Are mountain bikes good for urban riding?
Although MTBs are not made for smooth wide roads and country lanes but no one says you can't use them this way. Mountain bikes are designed for off-road riding. They are designed for thrilling mountainous terrain and rough rocky paths. Off-roading, taking risks and suffering the pain, not every bike can endure such harsh treatment, and that's what mountain bikes are supposed to handle.
When it comes to city riding, mountain bikes are almost as good an option as road bikes. Hardtail MTBs perform better than others on roads and are perfectly capable for fast and efficient commute within your city. Other options such as a full suspense should not be preferred for roads as they are made for trails only. They have a heavier structure and also cost a lot more than a regular hardtail.
Are mountain bikes efficient at long distance rides?
Due to its heavier weight using a mountain bike for a long commute can get you fatigued quicker. Although using a bike for travel is a great exercise and excellent for your health but due to the size and weight of mountain bike tires, riding for a long time will become more tiring plus challenging.
You might get exhausted at the end of your long journey especially due to the stop/starts at the signals during the commute. If you travel more than 10 miles, you'll be spending a lot of energy therefore, it is recommended you get a tour bike as an MTB will definitely not be a good option here.
Touring Bikes
Tour bikes are built for long efficient travel with the design focusing on strength, comfort and stability. Touring bikes with more than 6 inches of ground clearance can be used for intermediate off-roading. However, keep in mind, going off-road is more about your riding skills than the specs your bike offers.
Are mountain bikes a safe option for roads?
It is absolutely safe to ride a mountain bike on roads, matter of fact, they are an even safer option than regular road bikes thanks to their tough as well as durable frame. With an MTB you can jump over bumps and ride over potholes comfortably.
They are better at bearing shocks and cushion blows which will make it easier for you to keep your balance and have a rather comfortable ride on rough paths.
Mountain bike or road bike?
Road bikes are made for city streets, cycle paths and main roads. These bikes have a lightweight and aerodynamic frame which helps getting you from point A to point B quicker. With their curved handlebar and light weight, it will not be smart to take you road bike off-road
One the flipside, mountain bikes have thick tires and treads and a bulky framework with flat handlebars. This makes them adapt to all sorts of off- road terrain.
Road bikes are more efficient
Road bikes are obviously better an option when it comes to efficiency on roads but MTBs are not very far behind either. Road bikes cannot be used for mountain biking; they are made for smooth paths only. Mountain bikes can be used for both, road and trail, that's why they are a great option for someone who is into off-roading as well and urban riding.
Price comparison
When comparing their prices, mountain bikes are in general the expensive option out of the two and this is because they have more specs and features.
How an MTB might be better than a road bike in the city
The only downside of a mountain bike is its weighty structure, otherwise an MTB can be more fun to ride in the city. This is because mountain bikes can be ridden on areas where other bikes can't go. Your MTB can handle bad roads without getting a flat tire with their puncture-resistant tires.
Ride safely
Bikes don't come equipped with a lot of safety features like air bags as cars do, which makes them a relatively less safe way of commuting if compared with four wheeled drives. However safe you might ride, these is always a chance for a mishap. To save yourself from serious injury, always remember to wear safety equipment.
It is always wise to wear a helmet even if the law doesn't require you to wear one. Make sure you get CSPC compliant helmet and also don't forget to wear elbow and knee pads.
Lock your bike!
Never leave your bike unlocked even if you are away for a few seconds. It's not very hard to steal a bike so make sure you have locked it securely. Try to get it locked in a place when there are security cameras looking at it.
Conclusion
When deciding what bike you should buy you should know what kind of a biker are you. In short we can say that if you want to use your bike for urban commute as well as for trails, you should buy a hardtail MTB. However, if you are not into off-roading and you just want a bike for daily commute, you should get a road bike and if you are a travel guy who loves going long distances, consider a touring bike then.
I hope this article has helped you get your answers and clear things up regarding which type of bike is best for you.
