Pros and Cons of Using a Mountain Bike for Commuting
Mountain bikes are ideal for going off-road and exploring bike trails as this is what they’re made for, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be ridden on other surfaces too. In this article, we’re taking a look at the main advantages and disadvantages of commuting with a mountain bike.
The Pros
There are several pros to using a mountain bike for commuting.
Sturdiness
Mountain bikes have bigger, sturdier frames designed to tackle rough terrain and their weight can make them feel sturdier on your commute, which can boost your confidence when driving on busy roads.
No Pothole Worries
Mountain bikes are made to handle bumpy, uneven surfaces so potholes, rocks or uneven surfacing won’t prove a problem.
Comfort
With their off-road capabilities, mountain bikes offer improved suspension over road bikes for a less bumpy, more comfortable commute.
Wide Tyres
The added width of mountain bike tyres can make it easier to control your bike on wet, muddy or icy roads or when cycling during bad weather.
Great Exercise
Cycling is an excellent form of exercise and commuting by bike is one way to improve your overall health and fitness. The added weight of a mountain bike compared to a road bike will increase these effects, working your muscles harder and building strength over time.
May Suit Your Route
The large, knobbly tyres of a mountain bike may be perfectly suited to your specific route, particularly if you find yourself needing to commute along rough road surfaces, slippery cycle paths or dirt tracks.
Two-in-one
If you know you’ll be mountain biking at the weekend do you really want to buy a separate road bike to ride on your commute when you’re already familiar with the weight and handling of your mountain bike? Using your mountain bike for both commuting and leisure makes it a two-in-one option for some people.
The Cons
Of course, there are drawbacks to using a mountain bike for commuting too.
A Heavier Bike
The most obvious con of using a mountain bike to commute is that they’re far heavier than a standard road bike, which makes them more difficult to handle and will result in a tougher climb if you need to go up an incline.
Wear and Tear
Riding your mountain bike to work every day will wear down your tyres quicker and take its toll on your bike, subjecting it to greater wear and tear than if you only used it for off-road adventures.
A Slower Commute
Mountain bikes are not designed for speed, so it’ll take more effort from you to get you where you’re going.
A More Challenging Ride
Mountain bikes can be more difficult to manoeuvre on narrow roads or busy cycle paths.
The Price
Mountain bikes can be a significant investment and you may feel uneasy about riding one on a busy commuter road or leaving it parked up outside your workplace. The daily grind of the commute will also cause more general wear and tear, which could lead to expensive repairs or needing to replace tyres and other bike parts sooner.
In Summary
Whether you choose to use a mountain bike for your commute is an entirely personal decision that will depend on multiple factors, including the length of your commute and what it looks like, as well as your cycling abilities and confidence.
Ultimately, the best bike for your commute is the one you feel safest and most comfortable with.
