Commuting - why does 80% of the world commute on a mountain bike with knobby's??

I see it every day, hundreds and hundreds of people going to work, on a mountain bike complete with nicely under-inflated knobby tires, and not a mountain within 25 miles.

I feel like I want to tell them: "it's SO much easier to pedal, and hold your speed on a bike with high pressure, narrow tires made for riding on the ROAD."

as I almost effortlessly spin past them,.........

the guys on the full suspension jobs bobbing up and down as they stand to pedal up freeway overpasses makes me want to cry,.....

why dey do dat? :(

My commute is between two cities separated by about 8 miles of farmland, wetlands, and a causeway. For most of us, the commute is 15+ miles each way. Nobody uses a mountain bike. Most have super skinny tire road bikes. I often wonder the same as to why they don't get touring or cyclocross bikes. They they wouldn't need to wear those big backpacks and get all dirty when it rains.

What state do you see these 100's & 100s of people commuting every day in ?
Im moving there.

Why do people worry about why other people do the things they do ?
Maybe you should stop and ask one of them. Maybe they know something
you/we dont...........

Save your crying for people in cars, not the MTBers. :)

They have not yet been made "fishers of men."

Probably because that is what is readily available at WalMart? or the thrift stores which are over run with WM bikes:(

For the past several years the only thing readily available to the uninitiated were MTB or Road, nothing in between. They might have been making them, but they weren't being sold in most of the places I looked.

Aaron:)

Because they are slaves to fashion rather than thinking for themselves?

In SOME cases I don't doubt that they only ride occasionally and just use the bike the way it comes. But like you I've seen some that are obviously doing this on a regular basis based on the gear they are dressed in but still have knobby tires.... <shrugs>

In some cases they are riding this way because they are out for fun and every curb and ramp they can jump from. For those yeah, it's the right way.

Originally, when in high school, because of:

1. igorance of the alternatives
2. lack of cash (once I knew about slicks)
3. laziness (once I had slicks but only one set of wheels)

I have no idea why some other commuters don't use slicks though.

Most of the xmart/mtb/knobby tire bikes I see are chosen for the extreme cheapness, as well as the lack of concern for when they are stolen. I think a lot of people cycle in the city because it's less effort than walking, not so much for the additional speed.

Two other factors with the knobbies - less chance to flat on bottle glass, but the biggest one is: that's the tires the bike came with. I mean, why spend $20 on new tires for a bike that cost less than $100? Not to mention that likely a lot of these riders wouldn't know how to change a tire anyway (not that it's not easily learned, but some people won't make that effort).

People are riding on mountain bikes because that's what they have!
To some degree it's because they don't know any better.
But then, I don't have one of your preferred bikes, either - I have a hybrid with 38mm invert-tread tires.

People are riding on mountain bikes because that's what they have!
To some degree it's because they don't know any better.
But then, I don't have one of your preferred bikes, either - I have a hybrid with 38mm invert-tread tires.

Good point - I do most of my city riding on a slick tire, BMX pedal, rigid MTB myself. It's nimble, deals with potholes and curbs well, and it's relatively easy to stop, start and accelerate.

I also see a lot of people riding BMX bikes - partially for tricks, but I think also for the manouverability and compact size.

I own one of those road bikes with the skinny tires and drop bars, appreciate the speed on flat terrain and improved aerodynamics, but the bike has its downsides. Too low for my preference, can't get the same visual command over the terrain, and have yet to feel that much slower on my hardpack tire equipped Xtracycle MTB than I have on my road bike.

Some road bikes are also designed with a lower weight capacity than what I can carry in Cargo, let alone my own weight on top of that.

I'm also capable of taking shortcuts that would be dangerous or damaging on a road bike, as well at that the MTB came with a very convenient and wide gear range. They can be perfectly well suited and viable machines for commuting.

Full suspension and knobbies? I certainly agree, its a bit silly. But there's always the option of taking the stairs in this case :)

As to full suspension and knobbies, I suspect its one of three things:
1. Lack of knowledge to options. The MTB is the commonplace pick among the mainstream public, whereas the road bike is seen in their eyes typically along hardcore races like the TdF. In other words, there aren't as many people doing it, so its not suited to the demographic who would rather go for something more familiar and comfortable to them (which is a lot of people!) - this actually ends up being a positive feedback loop:

The more average riders there are out there on mountain bikes, the more that the "average person" will see that particular style of ride as being what he/she should have in order to fit in. As that number grows, a disparity starts to appear as the populace sees the mountain bike as a familiar ride, whereas they'll see the road bike being used by those gaudy Europeans in the TdF, those obnoxious messengers, or those guys who want to be like the gaudy Europeans in the TdF!

2. Urban assault joyriders. Come on, its fun..
3. Lack of options? Some people don't want to blow $500+ to get drop bars and road tires. Unfortunately at the same time, rather than dept. stores offering commuter models, they basically offer MTBs, but instead of offering similar choices at different price points with different components, they basically offer something like this:
$75, rigid bike with cheap junk parts
$150 front suspension bike (ditto, cheap junk)
$200 full suspension (cheap junk, 45lbs :D)

It would be nice to see a store offering $200 "basic commuters", with some reliable parts and the applicable rack-fender-balloon/slick tire combo.

If they can throw together a bicycle for $100 with Shimano Tourney on it, why can't they throw together a bicycle for $200 with Acera and a modest commuting design?

Personally, I think the reason why so many people ride mountain bikes is the fact that they're cheap and easy to find. I spent weeks looking at all the big box stores, and I couldn't find a single street bike. So, I went to specialty bike shops, and the cheapest ones I saw were $500 or in that range. I know for someone looking for something that's an affordable replacement to driving, $500 is a lot less appealing than $80 for a mountain bike. I know $500 isn't THAT much compared to a car, but really, when you consider that most Americans live paycheque to paycheque, it actually is a lot.

Another reason why I personally ride one isn't related to the price thing. I dislike bikes with different speed. My ideal bike is a single-speed utility bike like the ones army couriers used in Europe during WWII. However, I haven't seen any bikes here locally like that, even at bike stores. They're all multi-speed (whether they're street or mountain). So, when it comes down to paying $500 or $80 for something that I'm not going to be 100% satisfied with either way, I'm definitely choosing the latter, which is what I did.

I would be too fast on a road bike so use a mountain bike with knobbies and heavy rims to keep my speed down. Also to get a better workout.

I see it every day, hundreds and hundreds of people going to work, on a mountain bike complete with nicely under-inflated knobby tires, and not a mountain within 25 miles.

I feel like I want to tell them: "it's SO much easier to pedal, and hold your speed on a bike with high pressure, narrow tires made for riding on the ROAD."

as I almost effortlessly spin past them,.........

the guys on the full suspension jobs bobbing up and down as they stand to pedal up freeway overpasses makes me want to cry,.....

why dey do dat? :(

well, myself, this week, because my commuter is out of commission. People really love it when a guy on a full suspension bikes complete with knobby tires passes them on the bike path. And I don't swap out the knobbies on my commuter until April as it snows a lot in March (as it is doing today)

Because I don't want to break the sound barrier while riding my mtn bike with slicks..might wake the people in the neighborhood that I ride through.

I see it every day, hundreds and hundreds of people going to work, on a mountain bike complete with nicely under-inflated knobby tires, and not a mountain within 25 miles.

I'm curious... where do you live where you see HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS of people riding these bikes - every day?

Seems extremely unlikely.

When i was in high school i just didn't know any better. I went to a store and bought what they had, which were mountain bikes. But after i took commuting seriously i learned about better options.

Because I don't have pavement on my commute...

and it is hard to bunny hop a chicken with a road bike

WTF of a difference does it make what type of bike somebody is using ? After all ,everybody has their own style and preferences. Personally I don't like road bikes or hybrids with skinny slicks , I prefer mountain bikes with wide knobbies because that just me, and I don't care if it takes more effort to pedal or if it's a little slower. I am the same when it comes to vehicles, I like 4x4 trucks with big agressive tires: you may ask me why ? Well I guess it's because I've been an offroader for so many years, and because that's just my style. There is no such thing as a wrong bike for commuting, a bicycle is a bicycle.

I own one of those road bikes with the skinny tires and drop bars, appreciate the speed on flat terrain and improved aerodynamics, but the bike has its downsides. Too low for my preference, can't get the same visual command over the terrain, and have yet to feel that much slower on my hardpack tire equipped Xtracycle MTB than I have on my road bike.

Some road bikes are also designed with a lower weight capacity than what I can carry in Cargo, let alone my own weight on top of that.

I'm also capable of taking shortcuts that would be dangerous or damaging on a road bike, as well at that the MTB came with a very convenient and wide gear range. They can be perfectly well suited and viable machines for commuting.

Full suspension and knobbies? I certainly agree, its a bit silly. But there's always the option of taking the stairs in this case :)

As to full suspension and knobbies, I suspect its one of three things:
1. Lack of knowledge to options. The MTB is the commonplace pick among the mainstream public, whereas the road bike is seen in their eyes typically along hardcore races like the TdF. In other words, there aren't as many people doing it, so its not suited to the demographic who would rather go for something more familiar and comfortable to them (which is a lot of people!) - this actually ends up being a positive feedback loop:

The more average riders there are out there on mountain bikes, the more that the "average person" will see that particular style of ride as being what he/she should have in order to fit in. As that number grows, a disparity starts to appear as the populace sees the mountain bike as a familiar ride, whereas they'll see the road bike being used by those gaudy Europeans in the TdF, those obnoxious messengers, or those guys who want to be like the gaudy Europeans in the TdF!

2. Urban assault joyriders. Come on, its fun..
3. Lack of options? Some people don't want to blow $500+ to get drop bars and road tires. Unfortunately at the same time, rather than dept. stores offering commuter models, they basically offer MTBs, but instead of offering similar choices at different price points with different components, they basically offer something like this:
$75, rigid bike with cheap junk parts
$150 front suspension bike (ditto, cheap junk)
$200 full suspension (cheap junk, 45lbs :D)

It would be nice to see a store offering $200 "basic commuters", with some reliable parts and the applicable rack-fender-balloon/slick tire combo.

If they can throw together a bicycle for $100 with Shimano Tourney on it, why can't they throw together a bicycle for $200 with Acera and a modest commuting design?

This guy sums it up. Also I'm running Geax Evolutions they look like mountain bike tires but are semi-slicks :p

I ride a Jamis Coda Sport as my commuter and think it is preferable to my road bike, which is a Soma Smoothie.

The flat bars give me a bit more upright position, in turn giving me better visibility.

Then there is the matter of the grass/gravel areas that I go through. My road bike tires might have a bit of trouble with that but the wider tires on the Jamis do fine.

There is also the lower gearing on the Jamis that helps with the one hill that I have to deal with. I'm old and have bad knees.

My Jamis cost $403 and I have about $1200 in my Soma Smothie.

The wheels on the Jamis have a higher spoke count than the wheels on my road bike, making me think it is a bit more reliable......but I have no proof of that since I have never broken a spoke.

My Jamis has lugs for mounting racks that the Soma does not.

The kickstand looks great on the Jamis.......might look out of place on the Soma.

Just some of my reasons.

savethekudzu;6348170]People are riding on mountain bikes because that's what they have!
To some degree it's because they don't know any better.

Exactly! I have a 14 year-old Trek that I bought at a co-op while I was in college. It was the previous year's model, hella cheap, and I didn't know any better. The darn thing just won't die, and proves to be espically worthy in winter snow and slush.

Many of us can't afford to buy a fancy bike just for commuting. Be happy that other people are bicycle commuting and leave it at that.

I don't see 100 other cyclists on the road in a year, probably 2 years. Almost all that I see are roadies so not many fat tires. I saw a kid riding a fat tire bike the other day, but just around a neighborhood.

What gets me is all the people I see riding bikes that are so small that their knees are in their chests. That's got to be incredibly hard to ride.

Why do people join a group and then want to divide the group into sub groups?

Does it really matter what kind of bike another bicyclist rides? I'm pretty sure the cagers aren't making distinctions; we're bicyclists'. Find something else to worry about.

I could care less what type of bike my fellow commuters ride, so long as they are riding.

From the previous comments, it looks like there is a diversity of experience here. For me (in Calgary), I see dozens of commuters each day, most of them are on mountain bikes and some of them are pretty fancy too.

Short answer. Comfort. I have a full suspension I ride every so often, and although i'm a bit slower, it is extremely comfortable. It's like riding a cadillac...i don't feel any of the bumps as the shocks absorb everything. It's great.

That being said, I am looking to get a road bike with flat handlebars, as I want greater speeds.

There was a thread about this a few weeks ago and it was said that most people's "default" bike is a MTB. Seems about right.

I think other reasons are that a lot of people are utility cyclists in the truest sense of the term and just buy the bikes to use them, not caring what would work better, be faster, etc. These people just want a means to an end.

I'm like the OP in that I use a road bike, mine with 23mm 110-120psi tires. I think that if my commute included third world-quality roads then I would go to a wider, lower-pressure tire or maybe to a softer (i.e. non-racing) road bike but I can't see myself resorting to using an MTB.

That would be me at several points in my cycling career. Why didn't you wave?

After I got my first mountain bike a Diamondback Ascent, the first and last sections of my commute were on the highway with a short cut through the Dos Penasquitos Nature Preserve for the middle 2/3 of the trip.

Then I moved. I kept using the bike and the knobbies. I was about to get married and needed the money. Back then, not too many stores carried road slicks for mountain bikes. When my commute became a 17 mile trip each way, I gave in and got a road bike, a Bianchi Eros.

More recently, I moved to Little Rock from California. Funds were non-existent at that point and the bike was a gift, so I commuted on the knobbies till they wore out to maximize my cash flow.

But the real question is why does a commuter on a mountain bike with knobbies get your shorts twisted. That's not a problem that God has given to you. At least not yet... ;) Practice "being here now" as you ride and the problem will go away.

and it is hard to bunny hop a chicken with a road bike

:roflmao:

Come on j0E! You already know the answer to your question, " why does 80% of the world commute on a mountain bike with knobby's??"

Have you been to a bike shop. Mountain bikes come with knobby tires. This could explain why you see more people on mtn bikes riding knobby tires on the street than riding smooth tires. Big deal. People are slow to replace stuff.

But the real question is why does a commuter on a mountain bike with knobbies get your shorts twisted.

To me, it's not so much thinking, "Man, look at how dumb they are," but thinking, "I hope that they don't quit commuting by bike solely because of how crappy that bike is."

I'd like to see them ride, and I want to think that they're doing it on a fast, efficient bike that doesn't break down a lot. But, when I see them on a full-suspension Magna, I can't help but wonder how long they'll last before they give up on the biking thing.

On the other hand, they could be in that transition like a lot of us were at one point. They could be enjoying themselves, and when that bike goes to hell, they'll want to get a "real" commuter bike.

No need to evangelize about it to them, just ride what you ride. They're probably thinking, "Hmm, that looks like a good bike -- wonder where I could get one..."

I suspect most of the world commutes on utility bikes suitable for their part of the world. The US is just a little sideshow.

I anticipate more appropriate commuting machines to arise as demand increases with rising auto transport expense.

I bought a mountain bike for the sole reason it was the cheapest bike at the LBS, at $250. I just needed something to get me around town, and didn't have much money available. The road bikes were all double that or more; way beyond my means.

If I knew better at the time and the LBS had them in stock, I may have gone for a "comfort bike". I need an upright riding position, and had to get a stem riser and new stem to raise my handlebars enough. Then I needed to get a softer seat, and one with springs. And I was *really* slow with those knobbies, so I had to go for slicks...

Still, my bike works just great. The only downside is it's heavy.

When I went to buy a bike about three years ago (after not riding for MANY years) the LBS asked me what I wanted to do with the bike, where I was going to travel, etc. Based upon the information I gave they set me up with a hybrid. After riding to work a couple of times (10 miles each way), I realized the ride would be better if the tires were properly inflated. Wow, what a difference! Who'd know that tires lose air over time?? Just some of the things we all have to learn!

As noted by others, decent mountain bikes designed for cross-country riding are only a bit slower than road or touring bikes on commutes, and sometimes (perhaps rarely) are faster in urban settings.

And then of course there's the "snowstorm" issue, which makes the massive knobby tires seem pretty quick compared to walking my road bike along the sidewalk.

And then of course there's the "snowstorm" issue, which makes the massive knobby tires seem pretty quick compared to walking my road bike along the sidewalk.

Hey, i'm about to go do one of those snowstorm thingies right now :D should be funfun.

As noted by others, decent mountain bikes designed for cross-country riding are only a bit slower than road or touring bikes on commutes, and sometimes (perhaps rarely) are faster in urban settings.

My Trek 4300 is as almost as fast as my Trek 610, the handling's less zippy and it's worse in winds but I don't have to worry as much about potholes and such.

Commuted for 16 years on roadbike/dropbars and the mountains are right out of my front door.
Hey. they're using a bike to commute, that's great!

I'm curious... where do you live where you see HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS of people riding these bikes - every day?

Seems extremely unlikely.

SF BAY AREA

specifically the san jose area, and NO I'm probably UNDERESTIMATING.

look at the thread about "bikes on the train", remember the train car with 60 bikes in it? http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=394848
(that was ONE train, we get over 40 trains a day up and down the peninsula)

you east coast people have NO idea what 320+ days of sunshine and temps that never get much below 40 are like (and I lived and worked in manhattan for 5 years)

come on out, we have plenty of room and sunshine :D, but don't try and call me a liar, when you have NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT, mmmm kay?

thanks for playing :p

Even though I had a road bike, my first years of commuting were spent on an MTB because:

1. It was newer
2. It could take studded tires for winter
3. It felt more "secure"

#3 is why is sometimes a reason given by people who drive SUVs. I don't really think I am any more secure on an MTB, it just felt better to me to have more metal and rubber.

Anyway, I rediscovered the joy of road bikes last year when I started training for a triathlon and it's become my preferred bike for commuting. Right now I'm still on a studded tired MTB until the last vestiges of winter get thrown off, -which will be very soon.

Contrary to your experience, MTBs aren't the dominant commuting bike here although there are a lot of them. As a matter of fact since the streets have begun to thaw out, I've notice the "bikes of summer" have started to return. The majority of bikes I saw on my way home Friday where road framed bikes with drop bars or with chopped bars.

I have talked to a lot of people who assume a mountain bike will be more comfortable than a road bike because they see the flat handlebars, fat tires, and the suspension. They don't realize how much work they end up putting into the ride. Most of the people I know would be best off with a hybrid bike or a relaxed touring/commuting road bike, but all they have ever seen are mountain bikes and super-technical road bikes (which are intimidating to ME!).

Unfortunately many of the mountain-bike commuters will give up riding at all because they find it is such hard work and they do not know how to make things more efficient. And that's too bad. Bike technology is amazing, and we should be using the full range!

Hey Joe,

It maybe me your talking about. I commute on my used VooDoo CX I got for for $200 with 2 extra tires. Like others have said when I replace them I will get slicks, I promise. But for now, roadies are surprised on Foothill when I am drafting them, though. I do have a couple a road bikes, in fact one I am racing tomorrow. They have slicks.

A 26" wheeled front suspensioned MTB is your standard bike these days. The large tires are great for potholes and add a comfort factor. Nice flat handle bars and wider softer seats (low end MTB's). Easy gearing. Lot of folk swear by SRAM twist shifters. Knobbies work not bad in winter. Not all folk can afford a different bike for a different ride. Your commuter MTB will get you to work 365 days a year and you can go off road on weekends. Try that on a 700C bike.

SF BAY AREA

specifically the san jose area, and NO I'm probably UNDERESTIMATING.

look at the thread about "bikes on the train", remember the train car with 60 bikes in it? http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=394848
(that was ONE train, we get over 40 trains a day up and down the peninsula)

you east coast people have NO idea what 320+ days of sunshine and temps that never get much below 40 are like (and I lived and worked in manhattan for 5 years)

come on out, we have plenty of room and sunshine :D, but don't try and call me a liar, when you have NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT, mmmm kay?

thanks for playing :p

Man, I can't imagine riding in 40 - how can you survive that? I was in Florida recently and it got down to 60 and I was looking for long underwear!

They sell em at wall martt and your best friend has one too

Man, I can't imagine riding in 40 - how can you survive that? I was in Florida recently and it got down to 60 and I was looking for long underwear!

it got below 35 one year in san diego, and I thought they were gunna send in the national guard to help the poor freezing beach goers!!
:roflmao:

but damn, costa rica has SPOILED you!! :D

A 26" wheeled front suspensioned MTB is your standard bike these days. The large tires are great for potholes and add a comfort factor. Nice flat handle bars and wider softer seats (low end MTB's). Easy gearing. Lot of folk swear by SRAM twist shifters. Knobbies work not bad in winter. Not all folk can afford a different bike for a different ride. Your commuter MTB will get you to work 365 days a year and you can go off road on weekends. Try that on a 700C bike.

thank you for one of the answers that made some sense

(instead of those who were trying to start a "can you count commuters accurately?" argument,...wtf?)

I should start selling 26" street tires to MTB commuters!! :p

A 26" wheeled front suspensioned MTB is your standard bike these days. The large tires are great for potholes and add a comfort factor. Nice flat handle bars and wider softer seats (low end MTB's). Easy gearing. Lot of folk swear by SRAM twist shifters. Knobbies work not bad in winter. Not all folk can afford a different bike for a different ride. Your commuter MTB will get you to work 365 days a year and you can go off road on weekends. Try that on a 700C bike.

I notice the OP has already responded positively to this response, which sums a lot of it up. Anyway, as I've admitted in other threads on these boards, I'm one of the idiots who does prefer using an mtb (admittedly, upgraded/made lighter, and using road 26" tires) as my everyday/commuting bike. Here, in no particular order, are some of my reasons:

1. No, I'm not a 'mountainbiker' -- never have been, never will be. But, I'm also not a tri-geek/actual or wanna-be road or 'cross racer either.
2. Through personal (often expensive:eek:) experience/trial and error, I've found
i) that given the roads I ride, the kinds of riding I do to accumulate my yearly mileage (commuting, very light wussy off-roading on non-technical singletrack, light touring), and my decrepit/aging body, a properly set-up hardtail w/discs and high-quality road tires is my most comfortable option.
ii) the above is also my quickest option for commuting; average times on my typical loop are significantly lower on my BluePig than on a road bike -- again, for me.
3. I don't get on with drop bars anyway.
4. Can't see the point of 'hybrids'; slap good road tires on a hardtail -- presto -- instant 'hybrid'.
5. Physics, personal experience, other commentary tells me that 700c wheels/tires are not inherently 'faster' than 26" wheels/tires, at least not at non-racing speeds.
6. I like the low-to-moderate speed handling characteristics of a decent hardtail with xc race geometry.
6(a). I like the acceleration, from a standing start and in traffic, provided by the combination of smaller/light wheels and lowish gearing. I can't push a 52/12 anyway (if I tried, I'd blow out my knees):D
7. I like disc brakes.
8. I like lots of standover clearance.
9. My wrists/arms/shoulders like front suspension, given that the prevailing conditions on the roads I have to ride can make your typical downhill course look like a velodrome surface:D

Enough! The point is, I think, that there's lots of good reasons why some of us prefer the 'mtb option', even when financial necessity or other factors aren't at issue. This is NOT to disparage anyone riding anything else; seems to me its always a question primarily of personal preference -- there's no 'right' way.

thank you for one of the answers that made some sense

(instead of those who were trying to start a "can you count commuters accurately?" argument,...wtf?)

I should start selling 26" street tires to MTB commuters!! :p

I should start selling "What, Me Worry?" pins. Lottsa people could use 'em.