Making the mountain bike more for commuting use

mrkev83
mrkev83 Posts: 184
edited October 2019 in Commuting general
My commute is mainly road and park gravel paths. On top of that, the state of the roads near Preston are awful so I've decided to rest the road bike for nicer rides and use the mountain bike for my commute (7 miles each way).

I've already got hybrid tyres, mudguards but I'm considering different grips (I've heard of Ergon) and a better saddle as I feel like I'm riding on the bones of my arse (even wearing padded shorts)

I'm also considering narrower bars and a comfier saddle. Is there anything else to think of? Raising the handlebars maybe?

It's a Jamis Komodo mtb with lock out suspension
http://www.strava.com/athletes/mrkev83

Built for comfort... Not for speed

Comments

  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    You are MEANT to sit on the bones of your 4r5e!

    For commuting I'd be looking at lowering the bars to reduce aero drag.

    What do you feel is wrong with the grips you have now?
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • mrkev83
    mrkev83 Posts: 184
    The Rookie wrote:
    You are MEANT to sit on the bones of your 4r5e!

    For commuting I'd be looking at lowering the bars to reduce aero drag.

    What do you feel is wrong with the grips you have now?

    I meant it feels like I’m sat on rocks even with padded shorts on...the same that are perfectly comfortable on my road bike

    The angle of the grips seem wrong down to the way my hands sit. Naturally when I ride there a gap pf half my hand off the grip
    http://www.strava.com/athletes/mrkev83

    Built for comfort... Not for speed
  • PhilipPirrip
    PhilipPirrip Posts: 616
    I use an old mtb converted for commuting.

    As well as hybrid tyres, guards and rear rack I fitted a pair of Ergon GR2 that I got cheap off of ebay but previously had a cheaper Ergon copy from Aldi or Lidl which weren't as comfortable. Fitted a comfy saddle - an SMP TRK medium - as most saddles are too narrow at the front for me. It's an ugly saddle but does the job well.

    Bar-wise I left the width and low height as they were as I'm used to the forward position with the benefit of the Ergons giving a few hand positions.

    I did also electrify mine, which makes it a pleasure to ride, but maybe more change than you're thinking about.
  • Ped8
    Ped8 Posts: 8
    Hi
    I also have modified my MTB for commuting use, I've gone a bit further by fitting rigid forks, slick tyres & also removing the front mech, inner & outer chainrings as my commute is flat. If I could work out how to attach a picture I would put some on!

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