I use my Rocky Mountain Sherpa on road rides. It's the only bike I have.. so, not alot of choice. It's fine on the flats, I fly past everyone on the descents, and I get killed on the climbs. It works, but requires more effort. Now, I'm by no means talking about racing type of road rides, but rather recreational/fitness rides. The guidance on these rides says 16-20 mph. Each ride seems to include at least a few good hills. My pace for the rides is closer to the 16 than the 20. I know I'm working harder than the other riders... but nothing wrong with that, right? I do hope to get a dedicated road bicycle for these rides, but until then, I'll keep riding the the Sherpa.