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What kind of bike is this ?

What kind of 'temperament' is best for either owning a road cycle or a mountain bike?

  • Strange question, I know, but wondering if someone could help me out. I'm looking to invest in a new bike having had a hardtail mountain bike for years; which is now starting to cause problems. When I cycle with it, which can be between 2-5 days a week I love going really fast and pushing myself to the limit, but have yet to use it often, off road, so I tend to stick to roads or cycle paths. My current bike is a men's bike and it seems to suit my build (I'm fairly tall), but I don't feel like I'm getting maximum speed and performance from; although It is a really old bike! I've borrowed a female friends bike in the past (women specific) and my 'stance' on it just feels odd and feels like I'm not recruiting muscles to their full potential (if that makes sense!). I know I should just go to a specialist shop and ask (which I have done), but they tend to try and push really expensive bikes on me, which I can't afford. Basically judging on what I use my current bike for (bombing around for distance and speed), should I go for a road bike (which seem to be much more expensive) or a mountain bike, which I have a soft spot for, even though I don't use mine for it's intended purpose! Thanks for any answers

  • Answer:

    If you're not racing, speed is relative. I have a decent triathlon bike, but do most of my training miles on an MTB. You're right, muscle recruitment on different styles can be quite different, although I've set up my MTB so it mimics the tri-bike, including aerobars. Why not train on the bike I race? 1. I do most of my training mileage on rails to trails paths which would be uncomfortable and possibly hazardous on a road bike. 2. I'd rather wear out $10 tires than $40-100 tires. 3. MTB tires don't flat as easily or often as road tires. I'd rather spend my time in the saddle than on the side of the road. I guess my point is, you don't have to live with other people's percieved "purpose" if your bike does what you want it to do. On the other hand, I know of no law that says you can have only one bike.... caveats: 1. If you do group rides, you'll want a road bike. The weight, gearing (especially gearing), and rolling resistance of the MTB will make it difficult to keep up even if you are a better rider than most of the group. 2. Whatever you get, make sure you get the proper size and fit. As you've already figured out, the wrong size and geometry just doesn't feel right, and has a huge impact on speed and efficiency. Your LBS can be a big help here, even if you're relatively experienced.

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Sounds like you want a road bike. They don't have to be expensive - the most important factor is a proper fit so that, as you noted with your friend's bike, you are comfortable and powerful on the bike. True, it can be a more "aggressive" position but should ultimately be comfortable and feel powerful. Ask at the local shops if they carry used bikes. A 2-6 year old used bike wll be just as fast / light / modern and dramatically lower cost. If the local shops can't help you then there are always sites like craigslist, ebay, and asking around the local cycling clubs.

scott.braden

Rent or borrow a variety of quality bikes, then time how long it takes to go a known distance. I have found a mountain bike is very comfortable, but slow, and a road bike is considerably faster on smooth roads. Over 17 mph or so, aerodynamic drag becomes a greater factor, so the easiest way to faster speeds is better aero position (think drop bars, time trial bars), combined with the lowest rolling resistance bike tires (usually skinny road tires).

johnm

Sounds like you would really enjoy a road bike, they are so much easier and faster on the road. Look for a used on on Ebay or Craig's list that is within driving distance so you can check it out and not have to worry about shipping costs. As others have stated, the proper fit is the most important thing. Go to this site to determine what you need. http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit I have a comfort/pathway bike that I take on rail-trails that is liter then my mountain bike and is faster, but there is no comparison to my road bike. I found that they do use the muscles differently. You already have a mountain bike, take your time and you will come across a nice road bike somewhere.

Bob A

If you want faster performance get a road bike. They are faster. Decent ones start out at about $600. Check out bikes from Jamis and Trek. They have less expsensive women-specific bikes. If you feel good a a men's bike buy that one, rather than having someone tell you what feels good. You can do you own fitting as well. Go to http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm and you will have more than enough information to carefully fit a bike yourself. If you really like mountain bikes, put some slicks on and ride your heart out. Good luck and keep it in the big ring.

dbrownee

The bike doesn't exercise you, you exercise on the bike. If you put in, you will get it back. The speed you go has no bearing on whether you're getting a good work out. You can work out just as hard on the mountain bike on the road, but you won't go as fast. Of course another females bike won't feel right. You're not built the same as her. Are You? I suggest you get the bike you feel most comfortable on which has been sized correctly for you. Ride it as hard as you can for as long as you can as often as you can.

gears suck

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