mtb for road riding?

[PscyclePath]

One of the main reasons that mountain bikes are so popular is that they are so doggoned versatile... truly a go-anywhere bike, on-road or off. Plus, the generally upright position makes new or infrequent riders a lot more comfortable. And since it's the bike you already have and are comfortable with, it's the best bike to ride.

It's probably not the optimal bike to ride for a road time trial (which is what the bike phase of a du- or triathlon really is) due to the big knobby tires, off-road gearing, and overall weight, especially if you're looking to win the thing. Obviously that's going to depend on your engine...

[ilima]

Not optimal, but some slicks will make it faster. And it's common to see folks with mountain-style bikes at small races. You definitely won't be the only one.

[giuliagoolia]

If your mountain bike allows you to lock out the front fork, I'd do that for road riding - just because you don't need the suspension for road riding, and it makes you less efficient. If it doesn't allow you to lock out the front fork, and if you have air shocks, you can pump up the airshocks to make it stiffer so that you don't lose as much energy to that motion. You can let the air out when you want to actually go off road.

Thanks for the great suggestion Catriona, I never even thought about that! I can lock out the suspension and definitely will

It's probably not the optimal bike to ride for a road time trial (which is what the bike phase of a du- or triathlon really is) due to the big knobby tires, off-road gearing, and overall weight, especially if you're looking to win the thing. Obviously that's going to depend on your engine...

Ahh, very true. It'll definitely make for a greater challenge, but that's part of the fun, right? I honestly don't think I'll take first, but would be estatic if I was in the top 5 for my age class.

Not optimal, but some slicks will make it faster. And it's common to see folks with mountain-style bikes at small races. You definitely won't be the only one.

Thanks ilima, I hope not. I did a century ride last year on my mtb, but that was in no way a race and people were on bikes of all sorts. I figured being a race, I'd probably be the only one with a mtb at the duathalon, but you're probably right because it is a small race. I've never done one and really not sure what to expect.

[PscyclePath]

Thanks ilima, I hope not. I did a century ride last year on my mtb, but that was in no way a race and people were on bikes of all sorts. I figured being a race, I'd probably be the only one with a mtb at the duathalon, but you're probably right because it is a small race. I've never done one and really not sure what to expect.

Ahhh... but you'll clean their clocks on the hills and the short cuts...

Age, stealth, and treachery will beat youth, strength, and enthusiasm ever' derned time!

[sundial]

One of the main reasons that mountain bikes are so popular is that they are so doggoned versatile... truly a go-anywhere bike, on-road or off.

I agree! If I could only have 1 bike, I would take the mtb.