Does it matter what bike I use

thomasm

Howdy, Have got out on the bike recently and I'm really enjoying it. The bike is a big old mountain bike, weights a ton and has I guess what you would call off road wheels. Last couple of spins on the flat I have been in my opinion flying along in a high gear and thinking I'm doing a good speed when I have had other cyclists on road bikes literally cruise past me with what looks like half the effort. All I'm interested in is the exercise. I'm not heading off racing or anything like that but I'm wondering who is getting the better work out, is it me on the big beast or the person on the road bike who can go further and faster or is it more likely down to the individual. Any thoughts appreciated..

Try a road-bike out in your local bike shop. You will really feel the difference the lighter weight and smooth tires make.

mickydcork

thomasm wrote: »

Howdy, Have got out on the bike recently and I'm really enjoying it. The bike is a big old mountain bike, weights a ton and has I guess what you would call off road wheels. Last couple of spins on the flat I have been in my opinion flying along in a high gear and thinking I'm doing a good speed when I have had other cyclists on road bikes literally cruise past me with what looks like half the effort. All I'm interested in is the exercise. I'm not heading off racing or anything like that but I'm wondering who is getting the better work out, is it me on the big beast or the person on the road bike who can go further and faster or is it more likely down to the individual. Any thoughts appreciated..

Your probably getting a better workout on your mountain bike, if your both cycling equal distances.

Comparing a mountain bike to road bike is like comparing a 4x4 Land Rover to a Ferrari, in terms of speed.

quozl

You can get the same work-out on either. You'll just go further and faster in the same time on a road-bike - which makes no difference if all you're interested in is fitness.

Where a road-bike can help improve your fitness is that you might be able to do longer spins on a road-bike than on a mountain bike. I can't do more than 30km on a flat-bar bike without shoulder pain, so I'd be severely limited by a mountain bike. Some lads do 200k cycles on them. So depends on you, really.

ZiabR

quozl wrote: »

You can get the same work-out on either. You'll just go further and faster in the same time on a road-bike - which makes no difference if all you're interested in is fitness.

Where a road-bike can help improve your fitness is that you might be able to do longer spins on a road-bike than on a mountain bike. I can't do more than 30km on a flat-bar bike without shoulder pain, so I'd be severely limited by a mountain bike. Some lads do 200k cycles on them. So depends on you, really.

Would agree with this. For example, in this years Ring of Kerry, there were people on mountain bikes that managed the day no problems. It is up to you. But, go to the LBS and try out a road bike

thomasm

Thanks for the replies. Might browse the local bike shop if I keep it going.

diomed

A big factor for the higher road bike speed is that the tyres are probably pumped to 90 psi to 120 psi using a track pump. Other bikes might have tyres around 30 psi.

Example
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/topeak-joe-blow-max-ii-track-pump/rp-prod4949

Bravobabe

Hi, just bought a mountain bikes for myself and wife. In a past life my experiences involved a Raleigh tourer - which was a great bike but constantly had punctures or wheel problems so I switched it for a President Mountain bike, which was a tank, really heavy but never gave a problem and never seen the inside of a bike shop.
So when I went to buy the new bike, the old romantic or nostalgic memory of the "president" was at the forefront of my mind.
I didn't want a road bike (racer) as due to back problems I prefer straight handlebars and I wanted big tyres, so my choices were a hybrid or a mountain bike style.
All the new bikes were really light compared to my old bike (due to aluminium or alloys rather than steel frames).
The heart may have ruled the head and I went for a Trex X Caliber - which is effectively a MB with front suspension. The bike is comfortable on the road but gives the option of going off-road if/when I want.
So as the other lads say:
- Decide what type of bike would suit you best (racer, road, hybrid, mountain/off-road, suspension etc)
- Decide on your budget (whether you can avail of a cycle to work scheme)
- Visit your Local Bike Store, get advice and try a few out different bikes
- Consider used bikes also as a less expensive alternative
After many shop visits I eventually went to a store in Naas (Cahill's). I have to say they were really helpful (even gave me a spin on an electric bike, which was most enjoyable). They gave me a good deal on the bikes I got and so far so good.
But comfort, flexibility and reliability were my priorities, if speed and efficiency were priorities then the hybrid would have been the first choice. Enjoy your cycling