Switching from MTB to Road
Discussion
mw1987 said:
It's made a nice change just stepping out the door and riding, rather than finding somewhere to ride, getting the mtb in the car with mud etc.
Funny, I have the complete opposite. On the MTB I roll out of the front door, 200 yards up the road and I'm in the forest. On the road bike I have to get ready, get dressed properly, put the special shoes on...
mw1987 said:
I've just gotten into road cycling and also went for the base Allez. I've been really surprised at how easy it was to adapt to. Think the bloke above got it right, it's just a bike at end if the day. It's made a nice change just stepping out the door and riding, rather than finding somewhere to ride, getting the mtb in the car with mud etc. Also haven't had any trouble building confidence in traffic, although I don't commute so can imagine it's a different story in rush hour.
Was my first time on a road bike too and haven't had any problems with cornering or the wet.
Did you go for the red or black? Was torn and went for black in the end. Looks ace!
Unfortunately the LBS phoned yesterday and the Allez is completely sold out nationally in my size (61cm). I have gone for the Trek 1.1 instead, which is basically the same bike.Was my first time on a road bike too and haven't had any problems with cornering or the wet.
Did you go for the red or black? Was torn and went for black in the end. Looks ace!
One benefit of the Trek is there are mounting points for panier racks which the Allez doesn't have which is useful for the commute.
I wanted to go for the Red. I have Red Spesh Rockhopper Comp and wanted a "fleet" of shiny red Specializeds. I am sad like that.
Vladimir said:
...I'd hate to think what you'd do if you REALLY needed to stop quickly on a road bike...
They'll stand on their nose pretty happily if you need them to, especially if you use the full length of the lever (i.e. from the drops rather than hoods). IME the one piece pads you get at Tiagra level and below are significantly worse than the ones with metal carriers higher up the range and Swisstop Greens are better again. It might be worth an upgrade next time you are buying some (just the pads, not the brakes themselves) if you are unhappy with your braking.Mr Will said:
They'll stand on their nose pretty happily if you need them to, especially if you use the full length of the lever (i.e. from the drops rather than hoods). IME the one piece pads you get at Tiagra level and below are significantly worse than the ones with metal carriers higher up the range and Swisstop Greens are better again. It might be worth an upgrade next time you are buying some (just the pads, not the brakes themselves) if you are unhappy with your braking.
Sounds a worthwhile, cheap upgrade; cheers!Mr Will said:
Vladimir said:
...I'd hate to think what you'd do if you REALLY needed to stop quickly on a road bike...
They'll stand on their nose pretty happily if you need them to, especially if you use the full length of the lever (i.e. from the drops rather than hoods). IME the one piece pads you get at Tiagra level and below are significantly worse than the ones with metal carriers higher up the range and Swisstop Greens are better again. It might be worth an upgrade next time you are buying some (just the pads, not the brakes themselves) if you are unhappy with your braking.I was amazed at just how good modern (and expensive) road bike brakes are, the tyre traction on the road is the limiting factor to how quick you can stop not the brakes. Get your positioning on the bike right and you can stop just as quick as you can on a mountain bike.
hellsbuddha said:
If you going to commute, and have the fittings I would definately get some mudguards.
Also my experience has been more punctures on skinny road tires so I fitted marathon plus. A little overkill but I am rubbish at changing tubes.
Even if you haven't got the fittings, Crud Roadracers will fit almost anything and they're really effective. Also my experience has been more punctures on skinny road tires so I fitted marathon plus. A little overkill but I am rubbish at changing tubes.
jfdi said:
Definitely agree, I've gone from Formula hydraulic MTB brakes to Ultegra on my road bike, my first road bike since i was a kid and I was expecting a big down grade in stopping performance.
I was amazed at just how good modern (and expensive) road bike brakes are, the tyre traction on the road is the limiting factor to how quick you can stop not the brakes. Get your positioning on the bike right and you can stop just as quick as you can on a mountain bike.
Hmm, I can't see how expensive road brakes are different apart from being lighter; there's no more leverage. I am comparing Tiagra to XO hydraulic brakes so near bottom end to near top but even so, I'd be amazed if a weedy side pull caliper brakes gripping a large rim can stop anywhere near as quickly as a decent hydraulic disk brake.I was amazed at just how good modern (and expensive) road bike brakes are, the tyre traction on the road is the limiting factor to how quick you can stop not the brakes. Get your positioning on the bike right and you can stop just as quick as you can on a mountain bike.
I found there to be a different mentality between the MTB and road, I tend not to road in the wet if I can help it, the MTB does mud and wet stuff, but the road is wonderful for covering distances, chomping up the country miles to get home and see youve clocked a 50/60/70+,
Relax, enjoy and embrace.
Relax, enjoy and embrace.
B1G GK said:
I found there to be a different mentality between the MTB and road, I tend not to road in the wet if I can help it, the MTB does mud and wet stuff, but the road is wonderful for covering distances, chomping up the country miles to get home and see youve clocked a 50/60/70+,
Relax, enjoy and embrace.
much like my view, get up Sunday, dry - roadie, raining - get the mountain bike out Relax, enjoy and embrace.
My roadie has arrived.
First impression on the commute this morning is wonderful. Soooo much lighter than the MTB, accelerates really well, nice comfy position. The reviews on the web of the Trek 1.1 mostly said that the saddle was horrible but it is more comfortable than my MTB one.
I thought the lack of gears compared to the MTB would be an issue but because it is lighter and easier to move the usual hills are actually easier than on the MTB on the granny ring.
My MTB had rim brakes anyway but the new ones are not as effective. That is mostly because it is harder to pull the levels when on the hoods. Brakes work perfectly fine when on the drops. Might upgrade the blocks anyway.
Surprisingly comfortable over the bumps, especially as the MTB has front suspension. Steering is slightly twitchy but I actually prefer it. The MK Redways have a lot of tight turns and plenty of people to navigate around and it is easier on the roadie.
The gear shifting is not a slick because the MTB has mid-range Shimmano stuff where as the trek is entry level. Probably needs a bit of time for the lube to work its way round.
Anyway, as some said above I was over thinking it and its just a bike.
First impression on the commute this morning is wonderful. Soooo much lighter than the MTB, accelerates really well, nice comfy position. The reviews on the web of the Trek 1.1 mostly said that the saddle was horrible but it is more comfortable than my MTB one.
I thought the lack of gears compared to the MTB would be an issue but because it is lighter and easier to move the usual hills are actually easier than on the MTB on the granny ring.
My MTB had rim brakes anyway but the new ones are not as effective. That is mostly because it is harder to pull the levels when on the hoods. Brakes work perfectly fine when on the drops. Might upgrade the blocks anyway.
Surprisingly comfortable over the bumps, especially as the MTB has front suspension. Steering is slightly twitchy but I actually prefer it. The MK Redways have a lot of tight turns and plenty of people to navigate around and it is easier on the roadie.
The gear shifting is not a slick because the MTB has mid-range Shimmano stuff where as the trek is entry level. Probably needs a bit of time for the lube to work its way round.
Anyway, as some said above I was over thinking it and its just a bike.
944fan said:
My roadie has arrived.
The reviews on the web of the Trek 1.1 mostly said that the saddle was horrible but it is more comfortable than my MTB one.
Totally agree with that review! I started off on a Trek Alpha ... I persevered with the seat which I wish I had never done. After 35 miles or so, the chaffing to the inside of my thighs was unbearable. Current Trek Madone has a Bontrager Afinity 2 saddle which is far better ... so my advice is if you get some decent miles in and its not comfy, change the seat! The reviews on the web of the Trek 1.1 mostly said that the saddle was horrible but it is more comfortable than my MTB one.
Another long time Mtber here and currently thinking of getting another vie so I can commute (around 13 miles).
We can get a bike through Halfords on the cycle to work scheme so I've been thinking about either a Hybrid, or going for a full road bike.
Anyone have any experience of how they would compare in terms of ease of covering longer distance?
I have had neck/shoulder issues before which makes me think a hybrid might suit me better as from what I can tell the only differences would be the full road bike would be a bit lighter, and have dropped bars?
We can get a bike through Halfords on the cycle to work scheme so I've been thinking about either a Hybrid, or going for a full road bike.
Anyone have any experience of how they would compare in terms of ease of covering longer distance?
I have had neck/shoulder issues before which makes me think a hybrid might suit me better as from what I can tell the only differences would be the full road bike would be a bit lighter, and have dropped bars?
MrChips said:
Another long time Mtber here and currently thinking of getting another vie so I can commute (around 13 miles).
We can get a bike through Halfords on the cycle to work scheme so I've been thinking about either a Hybrid, or going for a full road bike.
Anyone have any experience of how they would compare in terms of ease of covering longer distance?
I have had neck/shoulder issues before which makes me think a hybrid might suit me better as from what I can tell the only differences would be the full road bike would be a bit lighter, and have dropped bars?
A road may have racier gemoetry (is the hybrid a roadie-ised MTB, or a MTB-ised roadie?), drop bars, different gearing, and may be lighter.We can get a bike through Halfords on the cycle to work scheme so I've been thinking about either a Hybrid, or going for a full road bike.
Anyone have any experience of how they would compare in terms of ease of covering longer distance?
I have had neck/shoulder issues before which makes me think a hybrid might suit me better as from what I can tell the only differences would be the full road bike would be a bit lighter, and have dropped bars?
The road bike will be "better" at longer distances: you're more aero (thus more efficiency) and may have taller gearing. A hybrid puts you in an un-aero, sail-like riding position,
If you've neck/shoulder issues in the past, then try before you buy. Just remember than a road bike also gives you three hand placement options (tops, hoods, drops) which may help/hinder said problems. A hybrid plonks you firmly in one position.
Jimbo. said:
MrChips said:
Another long time Mtber here and currently thinking of getting another vie so I can commute (around 13 miles).
We can get a bike through Halfords on the cycle to work scheme so I've been thinking about either a Hybrid, or going for a full road bike.
Anyone have any experience of how they would compare in terms of ease of covering longer distance?
I have had neck/shoulder issues before which makes me think a hybrid might suit me better as from what I can tell the only differences would be the full road bike would be a bit lighter, and have dropped bars?
A road may have racier gemoetry (is the hybrid a roadie-ised MTB, or a MTB-ised roadie?), drop bars, different gearing, and may be lighter.We can get a bike through Halfords on the cycle to work scheme so I've been thinking about either a Hybrid, or going for a full road bike.
Anyone have any experience of how they would compare in terms of ease of covering longer distance?
I have had neck/shoulder issues before which makes me think a hybrid might suit me better as from what I can tell the only differences would be the full road bike would be a bit lighter, and have dropped bars?
The road bike will be "better" at longer distances: you're more aero (thus more efficiency) and may have taller gearing. A hybrid puts you in an un-aero, sail-like riding position,
If you've neck/shoulder issues in the past, then try before you buy. Just remember than a road bike also gives you three hand placement options (tops, hoods, drops) which may help/hinder said problems. A hybrid plonks you firmly in one position.
Gizmoish said:
Agreed. I commute 13 miles and wouldn't want to do it on anything but the lightest and most roadiest hybrid, but on the road bike it's pretty easy.
I have a full road and slicked out steel mountain bike and a 10-15 mile commute. Personally I prefer the mountain bike, its harder at first but gets you so much fitter and builds muscle because of the extra weight, I can also hit pot holes and not have to worry and corner quicker in the wet. Using the roadie every day would be too easy and it would get wrecked due to the poor state of roads700c (road bike wheels) hybrids are great for urban comuteing, but once you get on the open road on long rides you realise their downfalls. However they are a lot more relaxed for people with injuries.
MrChips said:
Another long time Mtber here and currently thinking of getting another vie so I can commute (around 13 miles).
We can get a bike through Halfords on the cycle to work scheme so I've been thinking about either a Hybrid, or going for a full road bike.
Anyone have any experience of how they would compare in terms of ease of covering longer distance?
I have had neck/shoulder issues before which makes me think a hybrid might suit me better as from what I can tell the only differences would be the full road bike would be a bit lighter, and have dropped bars?
I'd be looking at "sportive" geometry road bikes if I were you. You'll be as upright as a road-hybrid but with more choice of hand/body positions. It'll also be suitable should you find that you like it and want to start doing some weekend road riding. We can get a bike through Halfords on the cycle to work scheme so I've been thinking about either a Hybrid, or going for a full road bike.
Anyone have any experience of how they would compare in terms of ease of covering longer distance?
I have had neck/shoulder issues before which makes me think a hybrid might suit me better as from what I can tell the only differences would be the full road bike would be a bit lighter, and have dropped bars?
Obviously disregard this if your neck/shoulder issues really disagree with drop bars, but I wouldn't expect them to.
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