I started a couple of months ago on a MTB and saw a gradual improvement in my time. ON my 20 mile a day ride I started to average 17mph on the flat parts. Then I was lent a road bike by my LBS and I was amazed at how fast I flew. I had to give it back earlier this week and convert back to my old MTB - the difference is shocking! I now struggle to reach 17mph on my MTB because it is so heavy compared to what I have been used to recently (hills are where I notice the biggest difference).

I am buying a road bike this weekend but I have officially decided that I will do at least one ride a week on the MTB because it does wonders for fitness (kind of like running with weights in your socks!)

Anyone who cycles a MTB is going to have to push twice as hard as anyone on a road bike. Dont let it get you down when a roadie whooshes past, just tell yourself that when you can afford a road bike you will probably be much faster than them!

Get a road bike on finance - its sooooo worth it. Im practically wetting myself about collecting my new Bianchi tomorrow