Commuting on a Mountain Bike: What You Need to Know (2024)

Are you a commuter with a mountain bike in the garage collecting dust? Well, there are several people just like you who are unsure if mountain bikes are a good choice for their commutes. So, is commuting on a mountain bike possible?

Mountain bikes are valid options for commuters. They are strong, fast, and comfortable. You can use your mountain bike exactly as it is or make a few changes to accommodate its new function. Regardless, you should have no issues getting to the office using a mountain bike.

You might own a mountain bike or may be planning on buying one, but do you know everything you should know about commuting with them? This article will discuss what makes mountain bikes so lovable, the benefits and drawbacks of commuting on them, and the difference between them and road bikes when commuting. Keep reading to learn more about what makes mountain bikes a great choice for your commute!

Why People Love Mountain Bikes

The reason why people love mountain bikes (MTB) so much is because of the diversity they offer. With a mountain bike, you get the best of everything. Everything about a mountain bike is just right, from its speed and durability to the little pedaling effort it requires. In addition, mountain bikes are fun to handle, and you feel comfortable riding on them.

Even though they are ideal for off-road trips, you can use these bikes on any surface. They even perform better than certain bikes specifically designed for certain surfaces. For example, mountain bikes are better at plowing through wet mud than gravel bikes.

Pros of Mountain Bikes

Their frames are durable, and their components are just as strong.
They make for comfortable rides (even against bumps).
They can withstand the worst of terrains.

Cons of Mountain Bikes

They are heavy.
They require constant cleaning and maintenance for efficient rides.
Suspension reduces pedaling efficiency.

Benefits of Commuting on a Mountain Bike

You can have a great experience commuting to work on a mountain bike. Here are some reasons why.

Comfort

Mountain bikes come with suspensions, and these suspensions are specifically designed to handle the most uncomfortable off-road trails. Therefore, when you use your mountain bike to commute to work on an asphalt road, you can enjoy the trip.

This means the suspension allows you to smoothly rider over potholes or any other obstacles you might encounter. In addition, the lower pressure of the tires allows you to land softly, which adds to the ride’s comfort.

Easier Journey

Asphalt roads tend to be flat and smooth. However, these roads tend to degrade with time and end up with bumps, potholes, and other obstacles. Construction workers might also block part of the road while trying to repair it.

In cases like these, you need to maneuver easily to avoid these obstacles. Fortunately, a mountain bike is perfect for this. With a mountain bike, you can easily dodge and avoid anything that comes along your way. On the other hand, road bikes do not have this flexibility because they are typically designed for straight roads.

Suitable for Any Terrain

When commuting to work, there is a high probability that you won’t stick to asphalt roads. This is probably because you can take shortcuts that will allow you to reach your destination quicker. But, these shortcuts do not always have smooth surfaces.

Therefore, you need powerful equipment like a mountain bike to ride over these foreign terrains. With a mountain bike, you do not need to worry about avoiding muddy fields or hills; you can simply ride past them.

Resistance To Weather

You must constantly consider the weather when using a two-wheeler to get around. You have to consider how well you would be able to move in the rain or snow. But, most of these concerns do not matter if you have a mountain bike. A mountain bike is steady in the rain, snow, or other harsh weather conditions. Furthermore, the weight of the bike adds to its steadiness.

Drawbacks of Commuting on a Mountain Bike

Using a mountain bike to get to work is not always pleasant. Here are some reasons you might not have the best time commuting to work on a mountain bike.

Uncomfortable Position

Road bikes can offer you comfort for a long period as you ride. However, with mountain bikes, manufacturers prioritize function over comfort. This means that they designed these bikes for you to control your bike over rough terrain efficiently.

Most times, mountain bikers don’t even sit on the saddle. That said, getting accustomed to the new position shouldn’t take long. You can even opt for changing the saddle on your bike to increase your comfort as you commute.

Slower on Roads

One factor that makes mountain bikes slower than their counterparts is their weight. Another factor is their large tires. These tires provide safety and are optimal on wet roads. However, this increased rolling resistance and adhesion level affects how quickly your bike moves on urban roads.

More Frequent Maintenance and Cleaning

You must clean and maintain your mountain bike often if you use it to commute to work and take off-road trails. This could be as often as every weekend. Without doing so, your rides won’t feel as smooth, and your bike won’t be as reliable.

The frequent cleaning is due to the dust and grit your bike collects. These elements mix with your lubricant to form a paste that eats your bike’s components and chain. Therefore, you need to clean frequently to get rid of this paste.

Inconvenient in Public Places

You might want to lock your bike for safety when you reach your workplace. However, locking and unlocking mountain bikes can be tedious and require a little more effort. Additionally, these bikes take up lots of space on public transport, so you might not only be inconveniencing yourself but a fellow passenger.

Incompatible Tires

Mountain bike tires don’t work well on roads. Therefore, the knobby tires on these bikes make a lot of noise as you ride on urban roads. Also, you might notice that the tires wear quicker on these surfaces than on others. Fortunately, you can swap the knobby tires for slick ones to help on the road.

Are Mountain Bikes Good for Commuting?

Mountain bikes can move over rougher terrain than asphalt roads. Manufacturers create these bikes for harsh and dangerous off-road riding. They can weather through the toughest conditions, such as muddy grounds and slippery slopes. Furthermore, they have suspensions, and their wheels have thick treads.

Mountain bikes are good for commuting on any terrain. Some variants are more comfortable and efficient than others, especially when you use them strictly on roads.

However, mountain bikes are not perfect and have certain drawbacks you need to consider, such as their weight and speed. If you can look past these drawbacks, commuting on a mountain bike is not bad.

That said, if you tend to use road bikes and recently switched to mountain bikes, you need to take certain precautions. Firstly, consider leaving your home earlier than usual. You should try this the first time you use the mountain bike.

This test will allow you to understand how much time it takes to reach your place of work using the new bike. Therefore, you can adjust your departure time accordingly. Keep in mind that this adjustment is only temporary, and you might need to change it again based on how fit you become or how quickly you adapt to the new weight.

Changes To Make on a Mountain Bike Before Commuting on It

After considering all the factors and deciding that you want to use a mountain bike for commuting, you will need to either buy one or use the one you have.

While you can choose to use your mountain bike as it is, there are certain modifications you can make to ensure your bike lasts longer and you enjoy your daily trip. Here are some of those changes.

Tires

The first thing you can do is replace the heavy off-road tires on your bike with slicker, narrower ones. The heavy tires may be optimal for dirt roads, but they are heavy and add unnecessary weight when using your bike on the tarmac. This extra weight might be inconvenient as you maneuver through the road.

There is a possibility that your MTB might not be compatible with thin or lightweight tires, but you should be able to find narrower ones that are less knobby. Replacing the bulkier tires should cause significant changes in the feel, speed, and weight of your bike.

When replacing the tires, ensure the use of the appropriate tube sizes. Also, opt for puncture-proof tubes. If you are unsure about the best type for your bike, speak to a bike expert. They will have some ideas on what would work for you.

Lastly, ensure to pump the new tires properly; they should be hard enough to reduce rolling resistance as you ride.

Install Mudguards

Mountain bikes are perfect for use on mud and dirt roads. However, they do not all come with fenders. This is because mud easily gets lodged between your tires and mudguard, and when this happens, your bike becomes immobile.

However, you do not have to worry about this when using your MTB on an asphalt road. Therefore, installing mudguards on your bike might come in handy. You can mount a set of fenders on both the front and back tires.

This will prevent water and grime from splashing on your work outfit. Conversely, you can commute to work in an alternate outfit and change when you get there. This way, you look and feel fresh when you walk into the office.

Mudguards are inexpensive and readily available at most bike stores. Furthermore, you can install them without a lot of stress or the help of a mechanic. There are different types of mudguards, but you might prefer retractable ones. This way, you can mount or remove them depending on the weather.

Install Lights

Lights are a necessity, according to US bike light laws. Moreover, you require them for your safety. For example, maybe you leave for work before sunrise and need the lights to see where you are going. The same rules apply if you commute at night, long after sunset. Keep in mind that local and state laws differ, so you need to know what the laws in your state and county say about installing lights on bikes.

Riders often install a white light on the front of their bikes and a red light on the back. These lights should be enough to help you navigate through the dark. Furthermore, the rear light helps to notify cyclists or car riders of your presence. Keep in mind that in most cases, these lighting colors are legal requirements.

You have several options when it comes to selecting lights. Some options include USB rechargeable, battery-powered, or generator-powered lights.

Attach Reflective Tape and Items

Reflective tapes have a similar effect to lights. Now, they do not have the brightness you require to see where you are going. However, they increase your visibility on the road as you ride in the dark. Reflective tapes are easy to find, and you should be able to find some at your local bike store.

You should try and install the tape in places that allow it to shine properly in the dark. One of the best places would be your cranks. Installing them on your cranks means that the reflective tape would constantly be in motion, which is a great way to get a fellow road user’s attention.

Besides reflective tapes, you should try and install other items that increase your visibility on the road.

Here are some of those items:

Reflector bands for your cuffs.
A bike bell.
A reflective vest.
A reflective raincoat.
Helmets with lighting (these helmets need to abide by light regulations).

Replace Pedals

This is not a configuration you need to make. You can use your current pedals if you do not have a problem with them. However, other pedals are more suitable for road use (like stopping at a red light). Furthermore, you might need to change your pedals based on how comfortable you feel using them when wearing tour office footwear. Clipless or flat pedals are great options that offer better control.

Adjust Tire Pressure

Your tire pressure plays a vital role in how well you enjoy your commute. The best pressure for your bike depends on the bike’s weight, your weight, and rolling resistance. These contribute to the adhesion and traction of your bike to the ground.

The appropriate pressure can improve your performance, keep you safe, boost your speed, and avoid punctures. Ultimately, the right pressure can help maintain your tires and provide enjoyable commutes.

Thicker tires, like the ones found on mountain bikes, have a high adhesion level because of their large width and contact surface. However, you can lower the pressure by 5-10 PSI to increase your safety when it is wet outside.

On the other hand, you should opt for higher pressures during dry conditions. This is because the higher pressure leads to decreased rolling resistance, which allows you to ride faster and smoother. In short, the lower the rolling resistance, the lower the traction.

Install a Carrier or Rack

Unlike other bikes, such as road and utility bikes, mountain bikes rarely come with a rear rack. This is because you do not need a lot of luggage when traveling through mountain paths and rough regions. However, if you plan on using your mountain bike for commuting, you need a safe place for items like your laptop and documents. Hence, you need to find a solution to that.

The best option is to install a rack because it is quite affordable and easy to install. You can also have your rack custom-made or buy a generic model. Regardless, these racks help you store items on either side of your wheels or behind your saddle.

Here is a video on how to attach a rack to your bike:

Mountain Bikes vs. Road Bikes for Commuting

Mountain and road bikes each make for great commuting in their own ways. Here are some characteristics of each bike type:

Features of Road Bikes

Generally, road bikes (and utility bikes) are ideal for commuting. They provide space at the back for you to carry luggage and are quite fast on paved roads. Also, their decreased wheel width reduces adhesion to the tarmac, which allows you to reach the office quicker.

Here are some features unique to road bikes:

Lightweight Frame

Road bikes are easy to pick up, move around, and park. Additionally, they are ideal for new riders who need time to get used to cycling. These bikes require less effort and energy to operate.

Narrow tires

The narrow tires on these bikes make them fast on paved roads. The reduced width reduces adhesion to concrete and rolling resistance. This characteristic allows you to pedal much faster and with less effort. There are downsides to this feature that we will explore below.

Aerodynamic Riding Position

Road bikes work based on aerodynamics. Therefore, their frames position you to lean forward. This position allows you to ride faster as there is less resistance. On the other hand, this position can lead to discomfort after riding for long periods.

Features of Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes are ideal for uneven terrains, but you can use them for commuting to work. Here are some key features of mountain bikes

Heavy Frame and Flat Handlebars

Mountain bikes have larger wheels and drivetrains that are noticeably bigger than the ones found on road bikes. Therefore, these bikes tend to become bulky as you ride.

Mountain bikes come with flat handlebars, which work best over rugged terrain. They even perform excellently on roads. However, these handlebars can cause strain on your arms, which might make you more tired before you reach your destination.

Thick Tires

One reason why mountain bikes are so heavy is because of their thick wheels. The tires on mountain and road bikes are arguably the most noticeable difference. Mountain bike tires range from 27.5-29 inches (69.85 – 73.86 cm) in diameter, while road bikes use 700C wheels. Moreover, these thick tires are knobby and increase adhesion and traction to the road, leading to better control.

Which Bike Is Better for Commuting?

When comparing a mountain and road bike, you will notice that they have some similarities. However, you will also notice that they have distinct features that make them suitable for certain conditions. So, which one is the best option for commuting? Here are some differences between these bike types.

Taking Shortcuts

You can ride your mountain bike anywhere. With a mountain bike, you should be able to reduce your commuting time by avoiding crowded areas and traffic jams. Instead, you can pass through parking lots, pedestrian malls, and dirt alleys. However, you cannot easily do this with a road bike.

Balance

Mountain bikes have thick tires that cover a larger area. Therefore, they are optimal for keeping your balance on the road. This is especially helpful when carrying your laptop bag over your shoulder.

In addition, the tires help keep you steady as you dodge oncoming riders. Road bikes do not offer this sort of balance, and you might struggle to maneuver around if you do not have a rack for your load.

Gearing

Compared to road bikes, mountain bikes have easier gearing. This allows you to move easily on challenging climbs, which will help you move through your commute with minimal effort. This will help you stay cool in your commute and avoid showing up to the office covered in sweat!

Road Condition

If the road to your workplace is in good condition, then a road bike is a good option. On the other hand, if the road is in a sorry state, the best option would be to use a mountain bike. After all, a mountain bike works best on natural, rugged terrain.

Furthermore, you will ride through loose gravel and potholes more easily using a mountain bike instead of a road bike. These conditions can lead to the quick demise of your road bike.

Handlebars

Most riders feel more comfortable using the flat bar on a mountain bike than the aerodynamic handlebars on a road bike. Additionally, your reaction time is quicker when you use the flat bar. However, this bit is subjective.

Positioning

Mountain bikes allow you to position yourself more optimally compared to road bikes.

While adjusting to the positioning of a mountain bike might be tough, it is good for you in the long run. When you are on a mountain bike, you are generally more upright, which provides comfort for your spine and strengthens it.

Additionally, this position allows you to see what is in front of you a lot better. Therefore, you do not have to worry about struggling to see cars and bikes approaching you.

Speed

The difference in speed between the two bikes is not much, especially when commuting at a steady pace. However, the time it takes to reach your destination varies on certain occasions.

For one, if you take your mountain bike through shortcuts, you will reach your destination quicker. This also applies even when it’s raining because the bike can easily move in the rain.

Conversely, mountain bikes are heavier, so you might be able to use a road bike to get to the office faster. However, you should adapt to the weight of the mountain bike in time and move faster.

What Is an Acceptable Distance To Commute?

If you choose to commute to work on a bike, you need to consider the distance you will cover daily and decide if it is practical.

Using your bike when your workplace is 10 – 20 km (6.21 – 12.42 mi) from where you live is ideal. However, people who live farther than that might have some issues getting to work. It is not impossible, but the trip would be more demanding.

A road bike might be the best option for you if you live 20 km away from your office area. This is because you can quickly use a road bike to cover a great distance on asphalt roads without damaging your bike.

You need to consider your fitness when using a mountain bike for long distances. Some people might have difficulty traveling 1 km, while others can do it without breaking a seat.

The most important thing is to remember that you might have to commute daily. Hence, you need to make a plan for that. You can start commuting every other day and work your way up there.

Wrapping Up

Ultimately, mountain bikes are fantastic options for commuting to work. In some cases, they are even better than road bikes.

If you choose to use a mountain bike to go to work, you can try changing some features on your bike to make it more suitable. However, most of these changes are unnecessary, and you can do without them. So, if you have a mountain bike and want to use it for commuting to work, go right ahead!