new to mountian biking on road

[bikerHen]

I ride my mtb on the road during the winter months. I just figure pushing the extra weight and fatter tires makes me stronger. bikerhen

[Brandi]

I have a mountain bike that is extremly light! About 19 pounds. It is a 14 inch frame (I am short) with carbon components. I have slicks on my wheels. Not only does that help with speed but it takes the vibration out too. My hands would go numb from my mtb tires. I will never go faster then the road bikes. just the way the bike is. Mtb's are not as stream line. I can keep up to a point but it sure is a lot more work. There was a pro once on my route and we talked for a while (me trying hard to keep up and not pass out) and he said the excersize I was getting riding my mtb on the road was a lot more then he was getting. That if i ever went over to a road bike I would be really stronge from all the extra work I have to do with my mtb.
I look at it this way, I ride by myself mostly so it doesn't matter. I am getting a little more of a work out which is why I started riding in the first place. So it works for me. Besides I feel safer on a mtb then a road bike but I have not had much experience on a road bike. I would like to though. My husband would not be happy buying me yet another bike!

[RoadRaven]

Hey there CR... PedalWench has succintly listed the things that make the difference... just nodding my head in agreement here...

I suggest you do change from knobblies to slicks or semi-slicks - you will still find that a mtb on the road gives you a good workout.

Have fun!