Road or Mountain... Which are you?
Poll: Road or Mountain... Which are you?
Total Members Polled: 148
Discussion
I reckon about 95% of my miles are done on tarmac, but that's only because a young family dictates that the overwhelming majority of my riding time is my commute. Given the choice however, I'll always go in search of mud and roots!
I was prompted to think about this today, as I went out on the road bike not for a commute for the first time in months, so I thought I'd see where everyone else's proclivities lie?
I was prompted to think about this today, as I went out on the road bike not for a commute for the first time in months, so I thought I'd see where everyone else's proclivities lie?
Daveyraveygravey said:
I don't understand why you wouldn't be both? They aren't THAT different.
Now, BMX and fixies, they're weird... ;-)
Really? To me, that's like saying there's not much difference between football and rugby, as both are played on a field with a ball!Now, BMX and fixies, they're weird... ;-)
To me, road is basically about exercise. Sure, I like it if I go faster on Strava than I've been before, and I'll feel good about it afterwards because the exertion triggers endorphins, but it's totally different to mountain biking.
Mountain biking, on the other hand, is all about fun! It's about finding new ways down trails, getting covered in mud, scaring the crap out of yourself doing things you don't think you can do, then wondering why you thought you couldn't do them, and doing it all with a huge grin constantly stuck on your face! The fact is that I'll end up knackered from all the exercise it entails, but I don't generally think about that until I suddenly realise in the pub afterwards that I'm totally shattered!
I went 75% Road. But really, I like both equally. But I've been without a functioning MTB now since February, so getting on for 90% of this year's miles have been on a road bike. Ultimately, though, 'Road or MTB?' is a redundant question, as either one will put a silly grin on my face.
yellowjack said:
I went 75% Road. But really, I like both equally. But I've been without a functioning MTB now since February, so getting on for 90% of this year's miles have been on a road bike. Ultimately, though, 'Road or MTB?' is a redundant question, as either one will put a silly grin on my face.
Now that's exactly why I went 100% MTB. If a road bike ever looks like it's putting a silly grin on my face, it's a cunningly disguised grimace! Track! if you think road riding puts a grin on your face, try the track....
I don't actually have an mtb at the moment so I guess I'm a 100% roadie but I'll buy another when I think I'll have the free time to use it. I do miss it and enjoy it just as much. I prefer road simply because it's more satisfying to rack up the miles.
I don't actually have an mtb at the moment so I guess I'm a 100% roadie but I'll buy another when I think I'll have the free time to use it. I do miss it and enjoy it just as much. I prefer road simply because it's more satisfying to rack up the miles.
I said "both equally".
Road has its positives - the feeling after you have done a big distance, the almost effortless wafting along when you are on smooth road with a tailwind and in your perfect gear, and it has really improved my fitness. On the other hand, road riding scares me a bit - having come off a couple of times, i know its either going to really hurt, or be fatal. On road i am impacted more by other people - cars, pedestrians, other cyclists - and also by road surface and obstacles.
Mountain biking (XC - im not a nutter that likes downhill) is what i find more fun - either on my own going for maximum speed around the local trails, or with a bunch of mates. Its a different type of exertion than road of course, but they complement each other - mountain biking more of a full body workout, about explosive acceleration and shifting weight around on the bike, and road about getting your head down, focusing on cadence and breathing and maintaining rhythm.
Road has its positives - the feeling after you have done a big distance, the almost effortless wafting along when you are on smooth road with a tailwind and in your perfect gear, and it has really improved my fitness. On the other hand, road riding scares me a bit - having come off a couple of times, i know its either going to really hurt, or be fatal. On road i am impacted more by other people - cars, pedestrians, other cyclists - and also by road surface and obstacles.
Mountain biking (XC - im not a nutter that likes downhill) is what i find more fun - either on my own going for maximum speed around the local trails, or with a bunch of mates. Its a different type of exertion than road of course, but they complement each other - mountain biking more of a full body workout, about explosive acceleration and shifting weight around on the bike, and road about getting your head down, focusing on cadence and breathing and maintaining rhythm.
I use MTB's in the city both for commuting and general faffing about.
I like their general indestructableness (indestructability?) and comfort. Appreciate the way they handle broken tarmac, drain covers and the occasional kerb. Like the discs.
If I didn't have MTB's I'd go hybrid with a similar geometry.
I like their general indestructableness (indestructability?) and comfort. Appreciate the way they handle broken tarmac, drain covers and the occasional kerb. Like the discs.
If I didn't have MTB's I'd go hybrid with a similar geometry.
Cyclocross comes top for me, I've got a proper road bike now, been doing some long rides and entered my first crit this weekend. But it's all because I want to get fitter and faster for the main season which starts in September.
I haven't touched my MTB in 2 years so I sold it this week to fund more kit for the cycling I enjoy (and free up a bit of space in the shed).
I haven't touched my MTB in 2 years so I sold it this week to fund more kit for the cycling I enjoy (and free up a bit of space in the shed).
Daveyraveygravey said:
I don't understand why you wouldn't be both? They aren't THAT different.
Now, BMX and fixies, they're weird... ;-)
Couldn't be more different.Now, BMX and fixies, they're weird... ;-)
Road riding requires near constant pedalling. My MTB riding is primarily downhill so there is very little, if any pedalling.
Road riding requires the wheels to be in constant contact with the floor - when I'm riding MTB I try and ensure my wheels stay off the ground as much as humanly possible.
Road riding shouldn't be scary - if you get scared riding road something has gone wrong. If you don't scare yourself whilst riding MTB you aren't doing it right.
etc etc
In cycling terms I consider myself a MTBer - I got my first "MTB" aged 13 (25 years ago!) and never looked back. Raced a few times in my late teens, but generally just like XC riding. Nowadays I rarely get out on the MTB except for collecting the sprog from pre-school and I have a basic road bike for commuting. If I get out on a bike for recreation on my own, it's the MTB. The road bike is a utility vehicle, the MTB a fun vehicle.
I'd say about 90% roadie but have a lot more fun on my MTB. The road bike is a lot easier in terms of going out for a ride as I just put on clothes and start at home. However I take road cycling as a fitness / distance challenge, whereas the MTB is for getting muddy / having fun (or going XC between a few pubs ;-) )
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