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Mountain Bike VS. Road Bike

Discussion in 'Sports, Hobbies & Interests' started by alwaysfaded, Jun 7, 2013.

  1. Jun 7, 2013 at 9:34 PM
    #1
    alwaysfaded

    alwaysfaded [OP] Well-Known Member

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    What's up everybody.

    I am looking to start cycling to work. My commute is about 6 miles each way. Slightly downhill on the way there, and slightly uphill on the way home lol... Its an urban setting with moderate to heavy traffic. I am in the market for a new bike and don't really know which one to go with. I like the idea of a mountain bike because if I needed to I could jump on and off curbs with ease if need be. But a road bike might be faster?

    Any insight would be greatly appreciated! :D
     
  2. Jun 7, 2013 at 9:42 PM
    #2
    WHPLSH3

    WHPLSH3 Fortified with horsepower-adding goodness...

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    Road bikes are geared for ass-haulin'. They're also made with lighter weight materials so they don't sap so much from you. They'll still go off road, they just aren't suited for the climb up the goat trail out of the river valley
     
  3. Jun 8, 2013 at 11:58 AM
    #3
    toughtaco

    toughtaco Well-Known Member

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    1. You can only ride a road bike on the road.
    2. You can ride a mt. bike anywhere you want.....
    3. Go for the mt. bike!!!! A whole lot more fun!!!!
     
  4. Jun 8, 2013 at 12:08 PM
    #4
    TeamSarcasm

    TeamSarcasm Flawless Escalation to the Ludicrous

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    The better coast
    Check out a cross bike if you want speed and durability. Both will suit you fine I perosnally like road bikes for urban stuff because shocks soak up your power if you punch it, especially going up hills. Road bikes are good, but don't be jumping it and crap.

    Cross bikes are pretty sweet though! If I had a reason I would get one :D

    http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/sports-hobbies-interests/240936-anyone-do-cyclocross.html

    If you go with a road/cross style I suggest components between shimano tiagra or 105 and sram apex or rival. Those seem to be the best value for their money in my book.

    I've read tiagra is equivalent to apex and 105 is equivalent to rival but that's subjective.

    I think tiagra/apex is pretty decent for commuting, but if you get bit by the cycling bug 105/rival would be better cost effective wise. Cant go wrong with anything, I am rocking tiagra and have no complaints.
     
  5. Jun 8, 2013 at 12:08 PM
    #5
    mutilatedjak

    mutilatedjak n00b waffle

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    Get a hybrid bike or get some 1-1.5 in slick tires for the mountain bike to help it roll faster
     
  6. Jun 8, 2013 at 12:17 PM
    #6
    dually

    dually Low and slow

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  7. Jun 8, 2013 at 12:22 PM
    #7
    babytruck

    babytruck Babytruck, babytruck...I've got a babytruck :)

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  8. Jun 8, 2013 at 12:23 PM
    #8
    dually

    dually Low and slow

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    Its pretty much all I ride! Raced a gravel bike race on it too. :D
     
  9. Jun 8, 2013 at 12:25 PM
    #9
    babytruck

    babytruck Babytruck, babytruck...I've got a babytruck :)

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    I agree with a cross or hybrid. If you put thinner tires on a hybrid, keep in mind two things:

    1. If you plan on putting thinner tires on a mtn bike, Hybrid tires are not that easy to find in 26" tires, which is the usual size of mtn tires.

    2. If you DO plan to put on a hybrid wheel/tire combo on a mtn bike, keep in mind about brake contact.
     
  10. Jun 8, 2013 at 12:26 PM
    #10
    TeamSarcasm

    TeamSarcasm Flawless Escalation to the Ludicrous

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    The better coast
    I was about to mention that, If the bike will be kept out side go with lower end components, so if it does get stolen it wont be such a big hit. Which is a great excuse to buy a nicer one if you do get bit by the bug :D

    Also get one of these http://www.kryptonitelock.com/Pages/ProductInformation.aspx?PNumber=000952 or get their new york lock. Never use a cable or chain lock. I work at my campuses police station and I have seen every u-bolt lock cut except for this brand. Which is why I got one :D

    My rule is that if I am not on my bike, it is not outside, so far it hasnt been stolen :p. and doesnt matter if it is inside or outside, keep a lock on it :cool:
     
  11. Jun 8, 2013 at 12:26 PM
    #11
    babytruck

    babytruck Babytruck, babytruck...I've got a babytruck :)

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    Then you must have gargantuan legs! Are you a member of BF? (that's my cycling site)
     
  12. Jun 8, 2013 at 12:27 PM
    #12
    babytruck

    babytruck Babytruck, babytruck...I've got a babytruck :)

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    Our saying goes, "The lighter the bike, the heavier the lock". :p My lock is 10 lbs. My bike is 18 lbs. :eek:

    But I've never used the lock. I'm too scared to leave the bike unattended.
     
  13. Jun 8, 2013 at 12:43 PM
    #13
    teneighty

    teneighty I'd rather be skiing...

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    You'd have a much better time and easier time on the road bike... I personally hate road biking and have a Mt bike but when I ride mine into town town to get to a trail it sucks! I just truck it everywhere I go now. If all you want to do is jump off a curb here and there... Get the road bike skip the jumps. Or just buy both!!
     
  14. Jun 8, 2013 at 12:45 PM
    #14
    pittim

    pittim mittip backwards

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    I bought a 29er mtn bike thinking I'd ride it around my small college town plus the off chance that I'd take it on a trail or two.

    Hated it. Lockouts made riding on the road better, but I felt more comfortable on my dads 40 year old roadie than on a 2012 bike. If you're getting it to commute, get a bike that was designed for the road.
     
  15. Jun 8, 2013 at 12:53 PM
    #15
    babytruck

    babytruck Babytruck, babytruck...I've got a babytruck :)

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    Good tip! And yes, any lock can be cut or broken given the right tools and time. What's kind of strange is that although some of those locks have a built in "insurance" of up to $1,000+ (depending upon the lock), they say that in order to receive compensation, you have to send in the destroyed lock so they can examine it. But... Usually the thief won't leave the lock there. Or if they do, most likely someone cruising by will pick it up.
     
  16. Jun 8, 2013 at 12:54 PM
    #16
    dually

    dually Low and slow

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  17. Jun 8, 2013 at 12:58 PM
    #17
    dually

    dually Low and slow

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  18. Jun 8, 2013 at 1:28 PM
    #18
    alwaysfaded

    alwaysfaded [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thank you everybody who commented on this thread!

    This morning I left and it had 1 response LOL. That being said I went down to a local bike shop in my town and left with this :

    It was used, and I got it for a great deal. That being said I went on a 12 mile ride and I like it a lot so far! Although my butt hurts alittle bit..

    I definitely need to invest in a lock. I am scared to lock it anywhere though cause I know thieves are everywhere.

    I also bought a led front headlight, and a rear led tail light with all kinds of features on it. Pretty cool. I'm excited! I want to ride it all the time now. :D

    trek fx 7.2.jpg
     
  19. Jun 8, 2013 at 1:30 PM
    #19
    alwaysfaded

    alwaysfaded [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Oh yeah.. It's a Trek Fx 7.2. Bought it without any research on it at all. Seems great for my needs so far though
     
  20. Jun 8, 2013 at 2:09 PM
    #20
    babytruck

    babytruck Babytruck, babytruck...I've got a babytruck :)

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    Hybrid FTW!! :D
     

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