General Cycling Discussion - So if I upgraded/converted...

Something I've often wondered. What sort of difference the above could make. Today I dragged out the MTB and reeled off 225km in sweltering heat, averaging just over 24km/h (have done that ride at 26 in cooler conditions). If I bought one of those ultra-spanky road bikes that most of my friends have - leaving today's dirt roads out of the equation for the moment - how much difference would that actually make?

Just wondering.

Well, you'd either go at the same speed but have a much easier time of it, or you'd do the same amount of work and go a lot faster. Plus road bikes are cool, so get one. Better yet, get a cyclocross bike, than you can still go mud plugging :)

For the same (perceived) effort, 24km/h (~15mph) on my mountain bike is close to 32km/h (~20mph) on my ultra-spanky road bike.

At-least with my setup, for the energy it takes me to ride 225km on my mountain bike, I could have done 300km on my road bike.

I guess it all depends on how your mtn bike is setup. Rigid? FS? Slicks? Knobbies?

posted this sometime ago....
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I tried using my xc mtb on one of my routes (roadbike routes -- highway), just a few minutes ago.

The experience was cool.. here's what I have found out.

Total Distance: 26km
Road: Very smooth asphalt road (highway)
Traffic: light, high speed; 100kmh speed limit(cars)
Weather: slight headwind, cloudy, cool (about 28 deg C).

Roadbike
Gearing: 52T-42T. 12T-23TCassette; didn't have the chance to use the big ring.
Wheels/Tires: 700c, 700x23C Maxxis
weight: 18.5lbs
Top speed: 46kmh
Ave speed: 32kmh
Fun Level: Excellent


MTB (hardtail)
Gearing:44-32-22T. 11-32TCassette
Wheels/Tires: 26", 26x2.1 WTB NanoRaptor
Weight: 26lbs
Top speed: 35kmh
Ave speed: 23kmh
Fun Level: Good workout; won't be taking this route again on this bike...

Anyway, this numbers seem to be correct..
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hope it helps.

Demax, our figures are very close. Road avg - 32kph & Mtn avg (on pavement) - 23kph. :)

Dexmax, our figures are very close. Road avg - 32kph & Mtn avg (on pavement) - 23kph. :)

that's great!!!

so we can be riding buddies, and not worry about dropping someone, or vice versa. :)

For the same (perceived) effort, 24km/h (~15mph) on my mountain bike is close to 32km/h (~20mph) on my ultra-spanky road bike.

At-least with my setup, for the energy it takes me to ride 225km on my mountain bike, I could have done 300km on my road bike.

I guess it all depends on how your mtn bike is setup. Rigid? FS? Slicks? Knobbies?

Geez, I didn't realise the difference was so great! I figured it would only be about 3-4km/h. I can't really afford to upgrade just yet anyway, I was just curious about the whole thing. As far as the set up goes, semi-slicks with front suspension. Incidentally, I ended up with a bit of heatstroke after the ride (meaning I couldn't sleep a wink last night after riding the distance), I'll have to find a way to eliminate that from the equation next time. :D

Of course, now if we can find a road bike that copes with some of those dirt roads... or is that why my LBS are trying to get me interested in a cyclo-cross bike?

Most likely that is why the LBS is trying to get you on a Cyclo-Cross, Cyclo-Cross generaly have slightly lower gearing then a standard road bike. But they can take wider tires and have alot more mud clearance on average.. so might be a good choice for you.

chris, I think you need a touring bike...

check this out!

http://www.trekbikes.com/images/bikes/2004/road/large/520.jpg

It has Shimano DA shifters and 105 mixed with Shimano Doere LX.. retails for about $1000+ US. Equipped with a CrMo (triple butted) frame, and you can put a rack and fenders on this baby.

It comes with a 11-32 cassette (9spd) so those tough ascents aren't so tough and has 700x35c tires.

Chris,

A lot depends on your mountain bike and its setup, and the road/touring bike you are comparing it too.

If your mountain bike is a suspended one, then locking out the suspension will make you faster because you won't swing up and down. A non-suspended bike is also much lighter.

If your MTB is equipped with fat knobby tires, replace them. Get tires as narrow as decently fit on your bike (probably 26 x 1,75"), and high pressure slicks (i.e. smooth surface) at that. You will reduce the road buzz to nil and will increase your speed a lot. Tires is the most interesting improvement you can make.

Finally, you could play with your stem, handlebar position and bar-ends to get a lower, more streamlined position.