How different is a road bike?
Discussion
Having recently come from the world of mountain bikes to road riding, I'll give you my initial impressions. In truth they are night and day... They are fast, they are twitchy (mainly because of narrower tyres and bars), the riding position is much different (more aggressive, bent over), they are hard, oh and they are fast 
Some of the above may sound like negatives, but in truth they are all positives. I love everything about my road bike, so much so that I haven't ridden my mtb since I bought it. The twitchiness I mentioned you get used to after a couple of rides and feels completely normal now, and once you get the riding position set up perfectly, it's a joy to ride.
Some of the above may sound like negatives, but in truth they are all positives. I love everything about my road bike, so much so that I haven't ridden my mtb since I bought it. The twitchiness I mentioned you get used to after a couple of rides and feels completely normal now, and once you get the riding position set up perfectly, it's a joy to ride.
I'm not a regular cyclists (and neither young nor terribly fit), but a few years ago I did a sponsored cycle ride on the day of my son's birthday party.
The wife was a miffed I'd not pulled out, but it was for Charridee, so I felt I had to do it.
Instead of tackling it on my Saracen MTB, I dug out my aged Peugeot road bike, pumped up the cracked, bald tyres and set off.
As soon as we got to any decent hills I was zipping past all the lycra clad youngsters and got round in a pretty quick time.
Road bikes are MUCH easier to ride, believe me!
M
PS I should probably add a LOT of that was tyre related. When I broke my knee a couple of year ago I stuck some road tyres on my MTB and road that around, it was much easier than it had been on the original off road tyres.
The wife was a miffed I'd not pulled out, but it was for Charridee, so I felt I had to do it.
Instead of tackling it on my Saracen MTB, I dug out my aged Peugeot road bike, pumped up the cracked, bald tyres and set off.
As soon as we got to any decent hills I was zipping past all the lycra clad youngsters and got round in a pretty quick time.
Road bikes are MUCH easier to ride, believe me!
M
PS I should probably add a LOT of that was tyre related. When I broke my knee a couple of year ago I stuck some road tyres on my MTB and road that around, it was much easier than it had been on the original off road tyres.
Edited by marcosgt on Wednesday 11th July 15:22
doesn't it depend on the MTB?
I've got carbon HT Specialized...with 1.8 semi nobblies on it....I average 16/17mph on it.
I've also got a Bianchi Nerone Tiagra.....I average 18 on that...
Not night and day (for me)
Both have an aggresive set up, weigh almost the same the only differences are tyre width, slightly more aerodynamic riding position on the roady and gearing...
I got a road bike as my commute is also road biased and I felt sure it would be quicker....it's not (much) but it's staying cos it's gorgeous and a whilst not massively quicker a whole world apart in terms of technique and feel.
I've got carbon HT Specialized...with 1.8 semi nobblies on it....I average 16/17mph on it.
I've also got a Bianchi Nerone Tiagra.....I average 18 on that...
Not night and day (for me)
Both have an aggresive set up, weigh almost the same the only differences are tyre width, slightly more aerodynamic riding position on the roady and gearing...
I got a road bike as my commute is also road biased and I felt sure it would be quicker....it's not (much) but it's staying cos it's gorgeous and a whilst not massively quicker a whole world apart in terms of technique and feel.
I have just got a Cube carbon road bike. I used to have an old Specialized Hard Rock mountain bike and couldn't cope with much more than cycling into town. There is a lot of resistance from off road tyres and also the bike was very heavy. The new Cube is unbelievable. I did a 25 mile ride the other day and felt like I could do it again. Speed requires barely any effort on the flats and uphill is easy in the right gear. I bet my MTB will never see daylight again.
Agoogy, as you said, it will depend on the MTB. I assume your case will be different because it sounds like you already had a lightweight MTB?
Agoogy, as you said, it will depend on the MTB. I assume your case will be different because it sounds like you already had a lightweight MTB?
I grew up riding a Raleigh Max. Oversize (for the day) tubes, alloy frame (I think that means it was made of cast iron and black holes), knobblies. I went everywhere on it, used to average 13-14mph or so when I was a 70kg late-teenager and in good shape.
Compared to that my hybrid (MTB alu frame, flat bars, roadish 700x38 tyres, roadish gearing, 14kg) is a featherweight and really very quick.
However, my roadie (CAAD8, 9.6kg in everyday trim including saddlebag) makes the hybrid feel like you're riding through deep mud. It springs forward from a standstill, bounds up hills, blazes down them, and generally makes you feel superhuman. God knows what pro-level bikes feel like... I assume they don't need pedalling at all.
Compared to that my hybrid (MTB alu frame, flat bars, roadish 700x38 tyres, roadish gearing, 14kg) is a featherweight and really very quick.
However, my roadie (CAAD8, 9.6kg in everyday trim including saddlebag) makes the hybrid feel like you're riding through deep mud. It springs forward from a standstill, bounds up hills, blazes down them, and generally makes you feel superhuman. God knows what pro-level bikes feel like... I assume they don't need pedalling at all.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
I realise I'm asking an impertinent question to such an experienced rider as yourself, but have you checked what your top gear is on the Bianchi? I expect it's 50x12. With 700x23 wheels, to have hit 39mph you were pedalling at 119rpm. (Maffs, innit).Having a smaller rear gear makes a surprising difference: my bike has a 50x11 and I've hit 43mph (Strava says 69.6kph) which equates to 120rpm.
To be honest - to save you money, I'd just use a MTB with well pumped up slicks and you are benefitting from both worlds really. If you are after out & out speed then get a road bike, and they are a great experience, but it really won't make a huge amount of difference on a shortish commute and they're not fun in traffic.
The MTB will give you a stable ride in a safe position and won't fold in two if you are sideswiped by someone turning in front of you! The better MTB brakes are useful, and a heavier frame will help with you getting fit too!
I reckon there seems to be two types of hybrid - one is essentially a MTB on slicks, possibly with fixed, not suspension forks and reduced/road gearing, so good for anything up to fairly tough, dry trails, and the other is essentially a road bike with flat bars. The latter is likely to be much quicker and closer to a road bike, but as fragile (have seen some with disc brakes which look usefuk).
The MTB will give you a stable ride in a safe position and won't fold in two if you are sideswiped by someone turning in front of you! The better MTB brakes are useful, and a heavier frame will help with you getting fit too!
I reckon there seems to be two types of hybrid - one is essentially a MTB on slicks, possibly with fixed, not suspension forks and reduced/road gearing, so good for anything up to fairly tough, dry trails, and the other is essentially a road bike with flat bars. The latter is likely to be much quicker and closer to a road bike, but as fragile (have seen some with disc brakes which look usefuk).
Agoogy said:
doesn't it depend on the MTB?
I've got carbon HT Specialized...with 1.8 semi nobblies on it....I average 16/17mph on it.
I've also got a Bianchi Nerone Tiagra.....I average 18 on that...
Not night and day (for me)
Both have an aggresive set up, weigh almost the same the only differences are tyre width, slightly more aerodynamic riding position on the roady and gearing...
I got a road bike as my commute is also road biased and I felt sure it would be quicker....it's not (much) but it's staying cos it's gorgeous and a whilst not massively quicker a whole world apart in terms of technique and feel.
Bianchi nerone? Isn't that the really nice frame with massively heavy wheels? Would prob be why there's not much difference between it and your super slick mtb!I've got carbon HT Specialized...with 1.8 semi nobblies on it....I average 16/17mph on it.
I've also got a Bianchi Nerone Tiagra.....I average 18 on that...
Not night and day (for me)
Both have an aggresive set up, weigh almost the same the only differences are tyre width, slightly more aerodynamic riding position on the roady and gearing...
I got a road bike as my commute is also road biased and I felt sure it would be quicker....it's not (much) but it's staying cos it's gorgeous and a whilst not massively quicker a whole world apart in terms of technique and feel.
I feel like a broken record but if you don't have many hills - I would seriously consider a single-speed.
I used to commute 20 miles round trip on a slick-shod MTB.
I found I was killing the bike: spokes, cassette, gear cables, brake pads.
I then bought a £200 second hand Langster and never looked back.
All I ever replaced on it was chains - I went fixed, so LOTS of chains.
I probably knocked 5 mins off my c.40min commute.
The MTB just felt incredibly heavy by comparison.
Not to mention the difference in RR: 1.8in slicks vs. 23mm tyres don't really compare!
These really hold their value too so you can always sell and upgrade to a proper road bike if you like it so much you want something for the weekend...
I used to commute 20 miles round trip on a slick-shod MTB.
I found I was killing the bike: spokes, cassette, gear cables, brake pads.
I then bought a £200 second hand Langster and never looked back.
All I ever replaced on it was chains - I went fixed, so LOTS of chains.
I probably knocked 5 mins off my c.40min commute.
The MTB just felt incredibly heavy by comparison.
Not to mention the difference in RR: 1.8in slicks vs. 23mm tyres don't really compare!
These really hold their value too so you can always sell and upgrade to a proper road bike if you like it so much you want something for the weekend...
RossiT said:
I have never ridden a road bike before but I'm currently doing approx 15-20 road miles a day on a mountain bike with slicks. I'm considering getting a new bike, just wondering how different road bike are to mountain bikes?
Thanks
Very. And in a good way. More efficient. Faster. Better handling. More comfortable at speed and/or over distance.Thanks
BliarOut said:
I managed 46.9 MPH on my MTB, haven't managed to equal it on the roadie as yet
If the hill is that steep you need to get aero for a decent speed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tFpNsZXWgc&fea...
For what it's worth, I own all four variants of bike already mentioned.
I started off riding my mountainbike (an '05 Scott MC40) everywhere before deciding it was a little dirt-specific for the daily 25 mile round trip to work. At that point I bought a Specialized Globe hybrid, which was being sold at half price by Leisure Lakes.
It still had enormous 700/42 tyres (since reduced) but I thought it was a revelation!
My ride to work suddenly became faster whilst still feeling a bit like riding a mountainbike, thus keeping me in my comfort zone. It also meant I could keep the Scott for the purpose for which it was intended.
Then, two years ago, my company decided to join the ride to work scheme. As an aid to training I thought a single speed would be a good idea.
I bought a Charge (can't remember the model) from my LBS and suddenly found an even quicker way of getting to work. Anyone who's ridden a singlespeed will know that the faster you go, the easier it gets so I tend to ride flat out everywhere. However, despite a lack of hills around these parts, trying to pedal into a serious headwind can be an absolute nightmare on a long ride. Mind you, its silver and white colour scheme and red chain still make it the most attention grabbing bike I own.
I swapped back and forth between these two bikes until earlier this year when I thought I really ought to own a proper road bike.
So, back in May I decided to by a Cube Pelaton Race from the same LBS and it has changed my life. My other bikes barely leave the garage now as I can't really see the point of riding anything else at the moment. I know it's not particularly light in the great scheme of things but it is way lighter than anyhting else I own and the gearing, riding position and tiny tyres mean it absolutely flies. The only downside is the constant cleaning (it is white after all) and the complete lack of brakes when riding in the wet.
I rode my first sportive last weekend and have already booked another one for next month.
The other day I rode my mountainbike to work because I intended to try a cross country route home and my god it felt heavy! The suspension and tyres made it nice and comfy (like riding a couch!) but I can't believe I rode that thing to work and back every day.
I'll keep the Globe for days when I really don't want to get my pride and joy dirty and the singlespeed will probably get used again when the weather improves and the novelty of the new toy wears off.
I've rambled on a bit now but, in short, if you want to do serious miles or aspire to do serious miles on road then a 'proper' road bike is the way forward. There's nothing specifically wrong with any of the others, all of which serve me well, but riding on road at speed and in comfort is what road bikes were designed to do.
I started off riding my mountainbike (an '05 Scott MC40) everywhere before deciding it was a little dirt-specific for the daily 25 mile round trip to work. At that point I bought a Specialized Globe hybrid, which was being sold at half price by Leisure Lakes.
It still had enormous 700/42 tyres (since reduced) but I thought it was a revelation!
My ride to work suddenly became faster whilst still feeling a bit like riding a mountainbike, thus keeping me in my comfort zone. It also meant I could keep the Scott for the purpose for which it was intended.
Then, two years ago, my company decided to join the ride to work scheme. As an aid to training I thought a single speed would be a good idea.
I bought a Charge (can't remember the model) from my LBS and suddenly found an even quicker way of getting to work. Anyone who's ridden a singlespeed will know that the faster you go, the easier it gets so I tend to ride flat out everywhere. However, despite a lack of hills around these parts, trying to pedal into a serious headwind can be an absolute nightmare on a long ride. Mind you, its silver and white colour scheme and red chain still make it the most attention grabbing bike I own.
I swapped back and forth between these two bikes until earlier this year when I thought I really ought to own a proper road bike.
So, back in May I decided to by a Cube Pelaton Race from the same LBS and it has changed my life. My other bikes barely leave the garage now as I can't really see the point of riding anything else at the moment. I know it's not particularly light in the great scheme of things but it is way lighter than anyhting else I own and the gearing, riding position and tiny tyres mean it absolutely flies. The only downside is the constant cleaning (it is white after all) and the complete lack of brakes when riding in the wet.
I rode my first sportive last weekend and have already booked another one for next month.
The other day I rode my mountainbike to work because I intended to try a cross country route home and my god it felt heavy! The suspension and tyres made it nice and comfy (like riding a couch!) but I can't believe I rode that thing to work and back every day.
I'll keep the Globe for days when I really don't want to get my pride and joy dirty and the singlespeed will probably get used again when the weather improves and the novelty of the new toy wears off.
I've rambled on a bit now but, in short, if you want to do serious miles or aspire to do serious miles on road then a 'proper' road bike is the way forward. There's nothing specifically wrong with any of the others, all of which serve me well, but riding on road at speed and in comfort is what road bikes were designed to do.
Big Worm 1 said:
Sorry to jump in, but can someone tell me how they compare to hybrids also?
I've got a MTB at the moment and trying to decide between a hybrid and a road bike. Admittedly, most of my riding is on the road.
Hybrid is a good compromise MTB frame and handlebars so not bent over in the racing position still got the thin tyres so you get the effortless speed but you can wear your MTB gear so no need for lycra I find if you wear your MTB gear on your road bike you dont look the part. I've got a MTB at the moment and trying to decide between a hybrid and a road bike. Admittedly, most of my riding is on the road.
I have a hybrid and a MTB.
BoRED S2upid said:
Hybrid is a good compromise MTB frame and handlebars so not bent over in the racing position still got the thin tyres so you get the effortless speed but you can wear your MTB gear so no need for lycra I find if you wear your MTB gear on your road bike you dont look the part.
This is a good point. As a newcomer to the road bike scene I'm still wearing my MTB helmet and have fitted MTB pedals because I can't afford to change all my kit at once, so I get some strange looks off other roadies. I feel a bit naked without my baggy shorts as well!Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff