Can You Ride a Mountain Bike on the Road?
The bicycle was first introduced during the 19th century and after thousands of years, it’s still one of the most popular personal vehicles in the world. In the hundred years or so that has passed, the bicycle spawned different types to suit various needs of travelers. One of the most well-known bicycles is the mountain bike, also known as the MTB.
The mountain bike was designed specifically for off-road biking, specifically mountain trails. Some of its features include powerful brakes, durable wheels, a suspension fork, and wide handlebars. You might be wondering though, can you ride a mountain bike on the road? The short answer is yes, you can. If you want more details on how this is possible, keep reading.
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Mountain Bike Adjustments
Now that you know you can ride a mountain bike on the road, you might want to make minor adjustments to your bicycle. It is of course okay to use your mountain bike as is, however, you can make yourself more comfortable with the following adjustments:
Shocks
It’s best to adjust your shocks if you want a more enjoyable trip in the city using your mountain bike. The default setting of a mountain bike’s shocks is set to a high level where it can absorb high force. High shock absorption is not needed for smooth city rides.
Tires
The tires on a mountain bike are designed for rough terrain. If you plan on using your mountain bike in the city for a long time, it’s best to switch it up with something slicker. Tires designed for smooth pavements and concrete will be better for riding around the city.
Height
Riding on smooth pavement is quite different than going on mountain trails. That’s why it’s important to change the height of your seat as well as your handlebars on your mountain bike depending on where you will be riding.
Mountain Bike Advantage
If you ever wondered why you should ever choose a mountain bike over any type of bicycle, it’s because it has a lot to offer. Here are just some of the few features of a mountain bike and how it can be ideal for riding on the road:
Durable
Mountain bikes are built to last, from their solid frames right down to their durable wheels. If ever you find yourself in an underdeveloped part of town, you don’t have to worry about going through potholes or huge humps.
Different Speeds
Unlike other bicycles, one of the best things about a mountain bike is it has gears. This means you can go at multiple speeds on the road. You can easily go faster or slower by just shifting your gear on the handlebars. This makes it perfect if the city you’re living in has a few hills or steep ups and downs.
Comfortable
Mountain biking is an activity that can last for hours. That’s why the mountain bike is designed to make the rider comfortable. You can expect the saddles on the mountain bike to be wider. At the same time, it also has more padding as mountain cyclists expect bumpier roads. On city roads, these saddles are quite comfy.
Better Brakes
Mountain bikes usually have disc brakes, which are excellent for various conditions be it muddy or wet. Unlike rim brakes, disc brakes will not damage your bicycle’s rim and at the same time are also easier on your fingers. You can have better control on the road even in different weather conditions.
Riding a Mountain Bike on the Road
Now that you have answered the question, can you ride a mountain bike on the road, it doesn’t mean you can zoom off already. There are some things you should be reminded of:
- Again, the mountain bike is designed specifically for rough trails and not smooth roads. There might be a little bit of adjustment required, especially if you are used to riding your mountain bike in rougher conditions.
- Just because you have a bigger bike that can take on big obstacles means that you should. Be sure to follow the bicycle guidelines in the city or area you are riding in.
- You might get a bit of judgment. Some bicycle riders will probably take a look at you and your ride and wonder if you are lost. Pay them no mind and just carry on riding your mountain bike in the city.
Answer: Can You Ride a Mountain Bike on the Road?
To sum up the question, can you ride a mountain bike on the road, yes. Yes, you definitely can use your mountain bike pretty much anywhere. You can use it for errands and commutes or go to your riding trail. However, if the riding trail is a bit far, you can always use a tailgate bike pad instead. This way, you’ll have all of your energy saved up for the exciting trail ride ahead of you.