MTB or mountain bikes are in high demand and very well-known in the market. People tend to prefer to buy one bike for all their cycling activities, both on-road and off-road. Many people choose to invest in this type of bike because the MTB can be used on various types of surfaces. However, even if you choose a mountain bike, it doesn’t mean you will be mountain biking daily. Therefore, the question arises about “whether MTB bikes can be used on paved roads or not”.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you want to make the most of your mountain bike on the road. In this post, we’ll cover the basics you need to know before hitting the road with your mountain bike.
Why Use a Mountain Bike on The Road?
You might be wondering why you would even want to use a mountain bike on the road. After all, aren’t mountain bikes meant for off-road trails?
Well, the answer is “Yes”, mountain bikes are meant for off-road trails. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use them on the road. Using a mountain bike on the road can be a lot of fun. And it can also be a great way to improve your fitness.
Mountain bikes are typically used for more aggressive riding than road bikes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a mountain bike on the roads. There is no rule saying you have to stick only to dirt trails with your MTB
Buying a bicycle according to different needs will certainly cost more—and also require more storage space. To work around this, you can buy an MTB such as the Cross-Country Mountain Bike: besides saving costs, it won’t take up much room in your house! But if you have another type of mountain bike, don’t worry, you can use it on the road as well.
On the other hand, you can usually get mountain bikes at various prices. Though some of them are more affordable than others—depending on what features they offer and how popular they’ve become with consumers.
Mountain Bike’s Factor Suited for Road
What makes a mountain bike suitable for use on roads?
First, mountain bikes can handle better when you are dealing with obstacles on the road such as potholes or bumps. Of course, this will make your trip more comfortable. This is because the volume of MTB tires is quite large compared to road bike tires which are thin and slick or slightly inflated. In other words, it’s more fun to “hit” a hole or a speed bump.
Another factor that supports MTB bicycles being suitable for use on the road is that they are designed with brakes that can help you stop quickly so you can avoid unexpected accidents.
The Different Between Mountain Bikes and Road Bikes
Although you can use mountain bikes for cycling on the road, basically there is a difference between Mountain Bikes vs Road Bikes. What makes it different? Let’s check it out!
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Suspension
Mountain bikes are generally designed to be better suited for rugged terrain than road bikes, and so they often come with a suspension system that helps riders handle bumps.
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Tire and Wheel
Road bike tires are designed for low-resistance racing, but they don’t offer much traction when the going gets rough. In contrast, mountain biking tires—built to grip the terrain commonly found on trails—are better suited for off-road travel.
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The Seat and Handlebar
Mountain bikes are designed to be ridden with the seat and handlebars set at a more aggressive position than most other types of bicycles so riders can easily take corners. When you ride on the street, however, you will need to adjust your position on the bike and lean forward so that you can see better and be more comfortable.
Tips for Using Mountain Bikes on The Road More Comfortable and Safe
When you take your mountain bike out on the road, there are a few things you can do to make it faster and safer. In this post, we’ll share some tips to make your ride more enjoyable. When you’re riding your mountain bike on the road, you need to be aware of your surroundings and adjust your behavior accordingly.
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Block the Suspension
You don’t need the extra suspension when riding on the road. By blocking it off, you’ll be making your bike lighter and faster.
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Change the Tire
A slick tire will offer you more traction on the road, allowing you to go faster with less effort.
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Change the Gears
If you’re going to be riding on a flat surface, you don’t need as many gears as you would going up a hill. The gear ratio on a mountain bike is designed for climbing hills and traversing rough terrain. For road use, you’ll want a higher gear ratio so you can pedal faster without overexerting yourself. By changing the gears, you’ll make your bike lighter and faster.
Before you make any changes to the gearing on your mountain bike, be sure to check its warranty conditions. If you have any questions about whether a particular modification will void the warranty (and what kind of penalty that might involve), contact your dealer. Or, you can visit Rodalink Malaysia, your one-stop shop that allows you to do a consultation on your mountain bike and ask for advice on how to make it roadworthy.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, you can still cycle the road on a mountain bike. Mountain bikes can make your ride on bumpy surfaces better than road bikes. Also, when comparing road bikes vs mountain bikes for sporting purposes, you’ll prefer the results that mountain bikes give, as mountain bikes offer the option to travel over different surfaces without worrying about damaging vital parts of the bike. Mountain biking can also help you build endurance and improve your fitness level.
For the best mountain bike brand suitable for everyday commuting, you can try Polygon Mountain Bike. The Xtrada 7 is built with a durable and lightweight ALX XC Frame, making it suitable for trails as well as city streets, and with a tapered tube that provides greater stability. Not only Polygon, but you can also find Marin Mountain Bike and other mountain bike brands at Rodalink Malaysia.
At Rodalink, you can find the bike that best suits your riding style, because Rodalink has a wide range of bikes of the best quality. You can also shop for accessories and spare parts there. When you shop with Rodalink, you will have the convenience of having your bike delivered to your door assembled and get local free shipping. What are you waiting for? Come visit our website and get the special offer!
