I started commuting 9 miles to one of my jobs. I was wondering if there are any negative long term effects on my body using a mtb for the commute. The ride is not difficult and i really enjoy it. I usually jack my seat up when im on the road and i throw on some semi-slicks instead of the knobbies i use for the trails. What do you guys think
Thanks!

I use my MTB for running errands and just for fun. I used to use slicks when I knew I would be on pavement more than dirt. But now I just keep the same tires on all the time, maybe use a little more tire pressure on pavement. I have some Bontrager Jones ACX on right now. The raised middle knob tracks well and is smooth on pavement.

I think the MTB is better on the body on pavement. The fat tires absorb shock better than skinny one. If you have suspension it might sap a bit of power on the uphills, but rewards you on the DHs. I also "FEEL" more secure with a backpack or loaded rack on the fat tires. Nothing scientific, just a feel.

I think what is doing is great. I just rode a century on skinny tires. Trained for a month on the road bike as well. I enjoyed it, but this morning when I was back on fat tires, I remembered why I prefer them. Smooths the pavement out. You feel every little bump on skinny tires pumped up to 115.

Commuting on an MTB is fine, especially for shorter distances. Both my commuter bikes are "streeted out" MTBs with slicks and fenders, and I've never had any ill effects from riding either one. I like the quick handling and faster acceleration of 26" wheels, even if it comes at the expense of some speed.

mountain bikes are great commuters, they are rugged and can hop curbs and take shortcuts down stairs and do a bit more than a regular street bike. i think if you are comfortable and having a good time, there is no problem at all and you just wanted to brag that you get to enjoy an awesome daily commute. which is very cool. enjoy!

haha thanks for all the input. i just didnt know if it would be better to invest in a used road bike. I have never ridden a road bike so i dont know the difference. I hit trails 3 or 4 times per week so im in decent shape to commute. im picking up some road slicks from someone on my local sorba forums. they're kenda kwest 26x1.95 and he wants $25 for the pair. i had a pair of serfas drifters that i loved but the tubes blew out the side walls on both tires and i have no idea why. I change tires multiples times per week because i hate riding the full knobbies on the road so i throw on the semi slicks and have never had a tube explode on me like that.
Anyways thanks everyone!

I take my Fuji MX-200 atb on the same 30+ mile loop the SS/FG & road bike goes on. It's 15 miles each way with several hours in between to be the tourist. Add roughly 10-20 minutes to the ride and while it's a extra time with a slightly harder workout for the legs, the rest of the ride is more comfortable, so the ride is just fine. I find for errands, the atb is the truck of bicycles. Handles a bigger payload and is more stable to ride while carrying a bag and still steering with the same hand. After riding the atb, riding the others seems to be easier going. So the heavy sled is better to train for using the others and get in shape for me. Probably because I'm hammering away at it for those extra minutes. I'd say that's more a positive long term effect.

My commuting bike is a MTB. It works great. My only advice is invest in a 2nd wheelset to put your commuter tires on so you don't have to change the tires all the time.

yea im planning on getting a 2nd wheel set. I have a disassembled mtb i can use the front wheel but for the rears, the one i use has 7gear cassette and the disassembled one has 8 gear cassette. Not familiar with bike parts but could i use the 8 even tho the shifters on my bike go to 7

I weighed another set of wheels as well. Mine doesn't have quick release hubs, so if the new wheels had them, switching back and forth would be easier than both having just the nutted axles. What made me stay with the single set of wheels (tires) was that the tires that originally came with the bike are still good after all these years. They are also knobbies for off road that really are a off & on road knobby. Meaning the contact patch in the center is solid and behaves more like a straight line commuter/urban tire rather than a dirt grabbing off road tire. That also translates for faster rolling on harder packed trails too. I think I'm going to stay with these tires even as a replacement for that reason. One set of wheels and an all purpose tire that doesn't tie up funds and space when one or the other aren't used. Just as an example here's what I'm trying to relay:

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...3_20000_400238

Forté Dartmoor MTB Tire With the Forté Dartmoor MTB Tire you can dart down the trail with greater speed and cornering confidence than ever before!

• Low profile design with a tight, center tread pattern delivers fast-rolling performance on hardpack trail or road surfaces
• Shoulder knobs provide excellent corning traction and stability when you pick up the pace
• 60 TPI casing is highly resistant to punctures and maintains comfort at lower tire pressures

It all boils down to what your needs are, what you want to do with it too ? For me, I'm not big on the effort of swapping, I'm frugal even with how much time and effort in that way just as I am with spending money. Getting an all purpose knobby, I'm not spending top dollar on tires either on the highest end tires.

I do some pretty rough trails so im grateful for my knobbies. i dont mind switching the tires but i will be getting a new wheel set to stop wasting so much time changing! I love the commute to work, its perfect! and i get shift beers!

The tires & tread pattern I have are a discontinued Duro brand 26 x 2.10 Nylon tires. The closest thing I could find was this model:

https://198.171.70.68/products/bicycle/xc/matador.php