Marty232

I am getting a mountain bike because I don't have one. Is it ok to ride a mountain bike on the road if you think it’s the right thing for u?

My reasons being are.

I think mountain bikes are safer
I like sitting more upright.
Road bikes go to fast when I pedal and I have to concentrate on controlling the bike
Instead of pedaling.
Mountain bikes are more stable.
I only like doing sort rides.
I'm new to cycling.
I don't have to put much gear on to go out of the road.

yeamac 

YES! You can ride a mountain bike on the road, and it is a lot easier than riding a road bike in the mountains!

If you ride a mountain bike on the road all the time take off the 2" knobbies and put on some slicks. I have 1.6" slicks on mine. It is every bit as stable without the truck tire noise when you do get it up to a little speed. And it is a smoother ride, too.

urbanknight

Well, that's sacreligious, but sure you can do it For short rides with a more upright position, a mountainbike or hybrid will be perfect for you.

grahny

You can, but these are not good reasons... sorry, they really don't make any sense whatsoever

- safety has nothing to do with the type of bike you're riding
- you can sit plenty upright on hybrids
- if you have to concentrate on controlling the bike, you should be on a sit down trike, 'cause I hate to be the one to tell you, but road AND mtn bikes both have only 2 wheels, and they both go 'fast' when you pedal
- mtn bikes are not more stable or vice versa...
- you can ride any distance on any type of bike
- I don't even know what this last one means, 'cause you should probably get dressed no matter what bike you ride

I'm not saying don't get a mtn bike, I'm just saying that this whole thing made me dizzy

edit: I rode a mtn bike on the street for years and years... 'cause I bought it cheap from a friend and I couldn't afford any new bike at all. When I was able to, I got a cross bike for the best of both worlds, but I used it on and offroad.

formula4

If you've always had a mountain bike (such as I did), the first time you ride a road bike will be weird feeling. You will get used to it AND like it better

Marty232

Would I be better to get a hybird bike to go on sort rides instead of a mountain bike?

Little Darwin

Unless you want to do true mountain biking along trails etc, a hybrid may be a better choice.

Bike design is a series of compromises, a mountain bike is built to go over rocks, roots, mud etc... Unless you expect to do that type of riding, the compromises taken in a hybrid or comfort bike's design may be a better idea for you.

GuitarWizard

"Road bikes go to fast when I pedal and I have to concentrate on controlling the bike
Instead of pedaling."

Dude....seriously. Get an indoor exercise bike and be done with it.

Grasschopper

Yea for sure...unless you plan to do actual mountain biking. As a couple of others have mentioned go for a road hybrid and it will get you a more upright seating position and wider tires...but they will be smoother than MTB tires and will roll easier.

Whatever you get enjoy it and don't listen to the other boneheads in this post.

Come on guys the guy wants to get into cycling...just because he doesn't want an OCP canidate bike don't hate him. We should encourage everyone that wants to take up cycling.

GuitarWizard

I don't discourage anyone from getting a bike...but when someone makes a statement like the one I quoted above, they're better off indoors where it's safer for them.

oilman_15106

AND as my son, a dedicated Mt. bike rider, tells me road bikes are chick magnets! I have no reason to back up his statement but he lives in Montana and maybe they are just discovering lycra? Just kidding.

Pamestique 

Not certain why people believe MTBikes are safer - I've been more injuried on my MTbike than my road bike but than again I'm actually riding it on trail not road. Road bikes by the way can also go slow the design of the bike has nothing to do with the speed it travels. Mtbikes conversly can go fast, but generally not as fast as road bikes.

I get the feeling you equate stability with the wider tire found on a MTbike. If so road bikes can also be equipped with wider tire - I think up to 700 X 38's which are found on alot of touring and comfort bikes.

If your plan is to truly do slow, crusiy rides on the street or bike trails, I would consider getting a comfort or hybrid bike that has wider non-knobby tires and relax geometry (ie you sit more upright), BTW the sitting upright - Actually makes you more unstable - it's a physics thing but I understand for newbies it seems sitting upright you are in more control. Frankly - that sitting straight up and down on a bike scares me - I feel much more unstable; like the wind can blow me over.

Look at "Townie" bikes - that may suit your needs. Since you are new to cycling - do you not think at some point you might not be new? In otherwords, your skills will improve an you want to ride more? I would buy a bike that can accomodate your increase in skilll and experience. Find a good bike shop and speak to the owner about what would be best for you. Actually go to several shops and ask questions.

Good luck - cycling is a great sport! You'll be doing longer rides in no time! PS Always wear a helmet! Even going slow!

Marty232

I do have a road bike. Buying a hybrid would not make sense if I already have a road bike. I might do some off road riding.

DrPete 

Why on earth wouldn't it be?

Little Darwin

Then you have answered your own question... If you want to do any off roading, go with a mountain bike.

However, to cloud the water a little more, there are bikes that are closer to mountain bikes without actually being mountain bikes. For example the Giant line. They have true mountain bikes, they have mountain style comfort bikes (Sedona, 26" tires with some tread) They have road style comfort bikes (Cypress, 700c tires with more road-like tread) they have hybrids (basically flat bar road bikes) and then a couple of classes of road bikes. Other manufacturers have similar bikes in their lines as well.

It sounds like you are leaning toward mountain, so go to a shop and let them show you what they would suggest, and ride a couple... try another shop or two doing the same... Then buy the one you like.

I would go in and state just what you want, leaving some room for their suggestions... Something like, "I want a bike that is good for short road rides, but that I can also do some off road riding with" You could also let them know what price range you are looking for.

For example, the Sedona line has 4 bikes ranging in retail price from $230 to $470 dependng on how they are equipped... Again, fairly common with the bicycle manufacturers to have a variety of bikes for a variety of riders.

slowandsteady

Troll?

blonduathlongrl

yeah, I went mountain biking a couple times, managed to fly over the handle bars both times.. ouch..
Ive had less injuries riding my road bike

slowandsteady

Argumentative and arrogant perhaps, but troll, no.

roadfix

I wish I can say that about my road bikes...

Marty232

When I'm riding I allways get hurting neck on the right side of my body. It’s always my right shoulder that I use for tennis. When riding my neck and shoulders just seem to give in and my neck slumps forward?



And I would like to do some cycling indoors on a trainer. But the trainers that go with bikes are really expensive?

Marty232

should I try and round my shoulders to take the pressure off my collarbone. https://www.sheldonbrown.com/pain.html#shoulders

Marty232

I find all bikes uncomforatble and would rather run. I don't think we are designed to ride bikes.

OneArmedScissor

get yourself a jamis komodo and stick some semi slick tires on it.

that very well could be my next short distance bike.

leejb2

So why not just run? What do you want to get out of cycling?

I don't think riding a bike is the most natural thing, either. The thing is, I think getting comfortable on the bike (particularly a road bike) is even harder than "finding your stride" because there are a lot more factors that go into a good bike fit. Your body and your bike need to meet at a point that will allow you to do what you want to do. In part, that may mean adapting your body. It may also mean getting the right bike.

Perhaps you don't like your road bike because it is ill fitting. Have you had an experienced cyclist or fitter look you over? If you've just started cycling, know that it will take some time for your body to adapt and for you to figure out what an efficient and comfortable position for you is. If you have been cycling regularly and still haven't gotten comfortable, then it's likely that your bike simply doesn't fit. Find a bike shop who can help you adjust your current bike or recommend a new one.

I don't want to discourage you from cycling. I am a runner, and love nothing more than 50+ mile training weeks, but I have also found joy in cycling. Give it some time, and give it a proper chance, if you haven't already. It may turn out in the end that it's not for you, but you might also find the new love of your life.

Marty232

Is rounding your shoulders forward a good idea to take the weight off the upper back?