I think they actually compliment each other. I was all mountain bike rider until my hubby broke his back and we got into road riding. I stopped so as not to drive him nuts with jealousy. Back then, you were either a roadie or a trail guy. I just last week got the Jamis out and dusted it off and took to the trails. Had a blast. Road riding gets a little same old-same old. The trails keep you thinking and looking ahead. I did alright after five years, just have to remember to look ahead and find my line, not look down at every rock and root. Now I want a new mountain bike. Oh lord! There are alot of shops with demo bikes. See what you can find. Have fun.