Any cyclists? What would you do?

[Imagineer2802]

Hi all,

So, bit of a dilemma. I'm a keen cyclist and invested in a rather pricey (for me!) mountain bike about 2 years ago which I love dearly. I have a friend who I cycle with, but he uses his (even more expensive) road bike for most cycles now, and I just can't keep up on the roads (a little embarrassing to say the least!)

Now, I am also the sustainable travel leader at the school I teach at and am launching a cycle to school campaign, starting with a 2-week cycle to school competition. Now, I can't launch that and not cycle to school, but I also don't want to feel dead after having cycled to school, and then having to teach all day before cycling home again! My mate also works at the school, and I just can't face the humiliation of him reaching school 10 mins before me

I can't justify the cost of a proper carbon road bike (the dream!) so the options are
A) locate some road bike tyres for my mountain bike (£50-60)...also a 29" wheel which seems to be tricky to find.
B) get a cheap £150 road bike
C) stick with the MTB and humiliation...

Anyone had any experience of road bike tyres on a MtB? Online reviews seem to be split as to whether they actually make any difference or not on a MTB frame. Or of using a low end road bike?

[Bobby]

I am a keen cyclist, Cycle to work most days (10-12 miles each way) and two years ago switched from my mountain bike which had decent road tyres to a cyclocross bike with road tyres and it made very little difference. Effectively 43 minutes average to 41-42 minutes average.
However in the summer when I use my road bike I only get there in 40 minutes. Feels a lot easier on a road bike however with current road conditions potholes etc I don't think its worth it.

That's the sensible stuff out of the way. More bikes the better.

Happy shopping

Bobby

[ROSIE13]

Is your mtb a 29er?.if it is you can fit 700c road or hybrid tyres as the rims are the same diameter just be careful not to go with a tyre that's too skinny. a 28mm wide or wider road tyre should be fine for most rims.if your not riding a 29er changing to road tyres will make some difference but because of the smaller diameter of the wheel your mate will still be faster.

[Omega1]

What a dilemma! One thing for sure, a mountain bike on the road is a nightmare - the rolling resistance is a killer. I have a hybrid with touring tyres for riding trails and tracks (nothing too tough) and a carbon road bike which is my favourite - it’s a dream to ride.
IMO the best thing would be a road bike with more robust tyres (commuter type). It doesn’t need to be a carbon frame, probably an aluminium frame would be better for a regular commute - something that has sufficient frame space to fit mudguards. Two years I got a second hand road bike to go on a turbo trainer for £125, something like that would be ideal.

[gl20]

I was going to say same as above - decent second hand roadbike. It's a buyers market. That's assuming you know you'll be comfortable with the geometry v an MTB and that it's sufficiently practical for your use.

And remember the n-1 bike buying rule

[mitch84]

eBay yourself a road bike. Doesn’t have to be cheap then.

[Blue nose]

Check out eBay. Lots of people sell this time of year ready for a new one on bike to work schemes that usually start with new financial year.

Have you considered getting one on the Bike to Work scheme assuming it's offered where you work?

[COL41]

I would def try and invest in a road bike if you can, a lot of employers do cycle to work so worth checking if yours does.
If not I’m sure that road tyres will make some difference to your MTB. DH has a mountain bike, gravel bike and road bike. Uses the gravel bike to cycle to work during the worst months and road bike in the summer

[Second2Mickey]

Get a decent second hand road bike - loads to choose from online or through specialist second hand retailers - it is the gearing on the road bike that will make all the difference over your MTB.

[Tetrarch]

I’d echo the second hand road bike.

If someone offers you a white Specialized Roubaix with a “Clermont Bikes” sticker on it, the. Let me know as some so-and-so swiped mine from Central London a couple of weeks ago!

Regards

Gary