gek@ihu1j.UUCP (Glenn Kapetansky) (08/06/84)
A couple of weeks ago I asked if anybody had facts about using mountain
bikes (all terrain bikes) on the road. It seemed to me that roads are
halfway between off-road fun and track racing; apparently it seems that
way to others, too:
...Here in trend-setting Californy, I see loads of people hauling
themselves along Hwy. 101 (The popular coastal touring route) on these
machines. It's sort of a macho trip: "How many hills can I take standing
up all the way on my big, heavy bicycle with only one gear ratio, and
keep a stupid grin on my face?" Extra points if you carry a surfboard.
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...i...got...several (2) suggestions for looking at univegas (good bikes,
a bit cheaper, also with an urban model), cannondales, stumpjumpers and
(a surprise to me) bike nashbar's mt bike (very reasonably priced)...an
employee in my local bike shop has a cannondale for touring and a mt bike
...he finds himself using the latter for much of his touring.
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I recently purchased a Terra mountain bike from Bike Nashbar, a reputable
mailorder bike shop which always advertises in Bicycling magazine...The
(standard offroad) nobbies introduce much more rolling resistance (than on
my 12-speed)...The rolling resistance was reduced (with street stomper
tires(1.75) from Specialized), but still not down to my standard 1 & 1/8
inch wheels. There is more wind resistance, but by adjusting the handlebars
and seat I still maintain a somewhat horizontal position.
...There is quite a bit of construction and torn-up streets along my
commute route. It's great fun crashing through that rubble instead of
gingerly picking my way through the bumps and holes...I have returned to
my standard skinny-tire 12 speed for commuting(at least for the summer)
and save the Terra for short evening fun rides and jaunts in the dirt.
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I spoke to a lad at my favourite Edmonton bike shop (High Country) a year or
so ago....he said his mountain bike is five minutes slower to work (10-15 km
or so I think)...
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Last year I got tired of fighting bad roads, cars, dogs etc. and bought
myself a mountain bike. These are the plus and minus points, as I see it,
after nearly a year of commuting 15-20 miles a day.
Minus side:
Weighs more- 29 lbs versus 24?
I don't think this is really significant.
Rolling friction- Maybe 25% more with 2.5 in knobbies. Can be
reduced greatly by using newest 65+lb road or road/trail
tires. For kicks, I raced mine in a 27 mile road race on a
local hilly course. The only change I made was a 52 tooth
chainwheel for the high end. I used the 2.5 inch knobbies
and placed in the top 25% beating lots of people with
sewups and nice racing bikes.
Aerodynamics- This makes a fair difference above 20 mph. I usually
commute at about 15 mph. If you have adjustable handlebars
you can achieve a more aerodynamic position for road
riding by lowering them.
Acceptance- You might be as popular at your local bike club as
someone with a Hobie Cat at the New York Yacht Club. Be
prepared for skeptics and snobs.
Plus side:
Training effect- All the minus side items increase the training
stress you get from riding. So if you're into fitness they
are really plus factors. Some of the bike racers I know are
now training on mountain bikes to increase their strength.
Roads- You can ride on any road. Even ones where cars can't go.
Chuckholes, glass, and railroad tracks cease to be problems.
Handling- You can stop on a dime, even in inch deep water because
of the superiority of cantilever brakes, fatter tires, and
longer frames. Manueverability is better too, just try a
two wheel drift in gravel on a typical 10 speed.
Cars- You can avoid them by going where there are none, and escape
them by riding off onto gravel shoulders or over curbs if
you have to.
Riding position- No more stiff necks and sore backs. Much improved
visibility in traffic. You can see them and they can see you.
Dogs- Aim at their midsections! They make a funny thump thump
sound as you roll over them (;-)!
Maintainance- Probably half as much. You fix flats by pulling the
tires off the rims with your bare hands. There is no need
to remove the wheel from the frame. Just pull the tube out,
patch it, put it back, and viola.. back on the road in
about 2 minutes using only a pump and a patch kit.
Touring- I think they are ideal because of their ruggedness and
flexibility. You can tour both roads and trails. I just
read an article on some guys who toured China (mainland)
on mountain bikes along the great wall etc.
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YES! I have been riding a ROSS Mt. Hood all terrain bike back and forth
to school for about 4 months now, and I think it's the best thing to
happen to bicycles since the rubber tire... I remember reading in Bicycling
magazine that mountain bikes were about %10 slower...They have had a couple
of really good articles on Mountain bikes over the last year...
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--
glenn kapetansky
"The time has come", the Walrus said,
"To talk of many things..."
...ihnp4!ihu1j!gek