Buy a road bike or MTB?

clairem

I'm looking for some help - I'm trying to get back into riding again after several years away from the saddle. I'd all but decided to get a road bike, as I'm hoping to do some triathlons once my fitness improves, however, I'm now wondering if a MTB would be a more versatile option? I'm not likely to be competing at a high standard, therefore would I be better off spending my money on a hardtail MTB and maybe some lightweight forks and slick tyres to switch for on the road? Given the state of the roads around here, it's a bit like riding off road even when you're on it anyway! I'm hoping to get a bike through the CTW scheme, so have been looking at the GT aggressor XCR or Boardman Team.

Anyone any thoughts?

RealMan

Well, you can do triathlons where its swimming, mountain biking, running, rather then road riding, but theyre not as common, so you will have less opportunities to do them.

It is true that you can road ride on a mtb, but not really mtb on a road bike, but I doubt you would be able to keep up with anyone on a road bike on your mtb, although it definetly would increase your fitness.

Youve said you are getting back into riding - what did you have before?

Daz555

Triathlons? Then no, an MTB is a terrible idea unless you don't mind losing stacks of time against guys who may not be as good as you but have the right bike. However, if you are after a good all-rounder then a slick-shod hardtail MTB is not a bad bet.

snig

getting fit you dont need to go fast but work hard and on a mtb you can do that,if you realy want a road bike try one out first,you could hate them.

clairem

Thanks for the feedback - I had a rockhopper before, but then some b**ger nicked it and I went back to having to use a very old Claud Butler! I think i can get 2 bikes on the scheme, but I think the total still has to be £1k or less, so I'd rather just get one better spec'd bike. Mmm decisions, decisions! I just know that as soon as I buy a road bike I'll be looking at all the people covered in mud after an afternoon in the hills with envy!

Andy B

Anyone who says you can't keep up with roadies on a MTB needs to read this:

http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/m ... tail-22736

supertwisted

Andy_B wrote:

Anyone who says you can't keep up with roadies on a MTB needs to read this:

http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/m ... tail-22736

That's impressive.

Andy

Yeah I was on form that day!

gbrnole

Its clearly a publicity stunt by Whyte hence the sponsored jersey and why the race was a measly 75km i have no idea - would like to see the official results and see what chainrings he was running

RealMan

Yes I know, but as this guy is talking about getting back into cycling I assumed he wasnt a complete pro, like the guy who won that race on that bike.


If you can get 2 bikes, then spend like 500-600 on a mtb, and you can still get a reasonable hardtail for that. Then spend 400-500 on a road bike. Should be able to get the lower end spesh allez 08 perhaps.

alex.hulme wrote:

Its clearly a publicity stunt by Whyte hence the sponsored jersey and why the race was a measly 75km i have no idea - would like to see the official results and see what chainrings he was running

There are such things as medium and even short distance road races. Not everything is TdF 120 miles or more..

And the sponsored jersey? Hes sponsored by Whyte to ride and race. If he entered a race and didnt wear their jersey, he would have a lot of explaining to do. In fact, if he rides his bike to the pub without the jersey on hed still probably be in trouble lol.