When people are about to embark on a multi bike racing event or they’re simply obsessed with speed, it is natural to wonder which bike will give them that edge. So if you’re competing with a road bike on your MTB, would you be able to keep up? Let’s find out!
Can a Mountain Bike Keep Up with a Road Bike?
If you’re riding on a smooth paved road, a road bike will undoubtedly be faster by about 40-50%. But on rougher, unpaved trails, a mountain bike would be a better option.
A few modifications such as replacing knobby tires with slick ones, locking out the suspension, and using clipless pedals can help improve the speed of a mountain bike on paved roads. [1]
By swapping knobby tires for slick ones, a mountain bike can achieve greater speed, especially when inflated to near-maximum PSI.
Locking out the suspension or investing in a stiff fork will reduce the loss of momentum in shock absorption, which increases pedal power and speed.
Furthermore, clipless pedals and lowering the handlebars can improve aerodynamics and increase power transfer while reducing air resistance.
Despite these modifications, road bikes still hold an advantage due to their lighter weight and more aerodynamic frame.
However, for those who enjoy off-road riding or cannot afford a road bike, a mountain bike is a versatile option.
Why road bikes are faster on the road
Road bikes are designed for speed and are optimized for maximum efficiency on paved roads. Here are some reasons why road bikes are faster than mountain bikes on the road:
1. Tires: Road bikes have thin, slick tires that optimize speed and reduce resistance, resulting in less effort needed to propel the bike forward. In contrast, mountain bike tires are thick and have a lot of tread, which makes them slower on the road.
2. Aerodynamics: Road bikes have a light frame and are designed to reduce wind resistance, which makes them faster and more efficient. The riding posture on a road bike is more aerodynamic and places less resistance on the rider.
3. Weight: Road bikes tend to be lighter than mountain bikes, making them easier to accelerate and maintain speed.
4. Gear ratio: Road bikes have higher gear ratios, which allows riders to pedal at a faster rate and maintain speed without getting tired quickly.
So road bikes are built for speed and efficiency on the road, making them the best choice for dedicated road cyclists. [2]
Why people ride mountain bikes on the road?
Here are some reasons why people ride mountain bikes on the road:
– Versatility: Mountain bikes are designed for off-road riding but can also be used on the road, making them a more versatile option compared to road bikes, which are primarily built for on-road use.
– Comfort: Mountain bikes typically have a more relaxed riding position compared to road bikes, with wider tires providing more cushioning on rough roads.
– Adrenaline Rush: Riding a mountain bike on the road can provide an adrenaline rush, with the challenge of navigating through traffic and obstacles.
– Budget: Mountain bikes are often more affordable compared to road bikes, making them a cost-effective option for those who want to commute or ride for recreational purposes.
– Durability: Mountain bikes are built to withstand rough terrain and harsh conditions. This means they can handle the wear and tear of regular road use with ease.
– Exploration: Riding a mountain bike on the road can offer new and exciting routes for exploration, taking riders beyond the limits of paved roads.
How to Improve a Mountain Bike’s Performance on the Road
Conversion options for mountain bikes are available to help them keep up with road bikes on paved roads. To a mountain bike’s performance on the road, there are several tips you can follow.
Firstly, replace your knobby tires with high-pressure slicks that are lighter and roll quicker.
Secondly, lock out or stiffen the suspension to reduce the loss of momentum and enhance pedal power.
Thirdly, clipless pedals that attach to your shoes and pedal strokes connecting to your bike can boost power transfer and increase speed.
Fourthly, lower handlebars to reduce air resistance.
Finally, have spare wheels with slick tires that can give you the best of both worlds of speed and climbing ability.
Another option is to purchase a conversion kit specifically designed for this purpose, which includes components such as straight handlebars and v-brakes.
Final thoughts!
While a mountain bike can certainly be used on the road and can even be modified to increase its speed and performance, it is unlikely that it can truly match the speed and efficiency of a road bike.
The slick tires, locked suspension, and other modifications discussed in this article can certainly improve a mountain bike’s performance on the road, but ultimately, the design and construction of a road bike give it an advantage over a mountain bike.
That being said, if you enjoy both road and off-road cycling and don’t want to invest in two separate bikes, a mountain bike can still be a versatile and practical option.
