An important part of the mountain biking experience is getting on the road and putting in the training miles. To do this, you really need a road bike. But what if you already have a mountain bike? Can you ride a mountain bike on the road?
Yes, you can ride a mountain bike on the road. Yet, there are several things you need to know about it. Mountain bikes are designed to handle rugged terrain, so they’re built with thicker tires and a wider frame than road bikes. You’ll need to take precautions when riding in traffic, however – especially if you’re riding fast or going downhill.
The thick tires don’t have as much traction on smooth asphalt as road bike tires do, and the wide frame makes it difficult to maneuver around cars. In this article, we’ll examine the major differences between road vs mountain bikes, including using a mountain bike on the road.
- Can you ride a mountain bike on the road?
- Riding a mountain bike on pavement
- Is it bad to ride a mountain bike on the road?
- Is it harder to ride a mountain bike on the road?
- Benefits of using your MTB on the road
- Best mountain bike for road use
- Mountain bike setup for road
- Mountain bike to road bike speed conversion
- Road bike vs Mountain bike for commuting
- Can you ride long distances on a mountain bike?
- Benefits of road bike vs Mountain bike riding
- Road bike vs Mountain bike for exercise
- What are mountain bikes good for?
- What are hardtail mountain bikes good for?
- What is the average weight of a mountain bike?
- Why are mountain bikes cheaper than road bikes?
- Should I buy a mountain bike or a road bike?
- Conclusion
Can you ride a mountain bike on the road?

To briefly answer the question can you ride mountain bikes on the road: YES, YOU CAN. If you’re looking for a relaxed, easy ride, MTB will do the work just fine.
However, if you’re looking for a more serious ride, training, and longer distance, MTB might not be the best option for you.
Mountain bikes are designed for off-road use, so they’re built to handle rough terrain and rocky surfaces.
They’re also equipped with features like knobby tires and suspension systems that aren’t practical or necessary when you’re riding on asphalt.
Because of this, using your mountain bike on the road could be dangerous and unsafe. Mountain bike tires are wider than those on road bikes.
The wider tires make them more stable, but they also slow you down and make it harder to change direction quickly.
It’s really important to be able to turn quickly when you’re riding on the road – you don’t want to get hit by a car!
If you absolutely have to ride your mountain bike on the road, go easy on the brakes and try not to make any sudden moves.
And remember: if there’s ever another cyclist around you who looks like they might be faster than you, get out of their way!
Riding a mountain bike on pavement
Riding a mountain bike on pavement, while it may not be the most common occurrence, is a great way to get in some exercise and have fun.
The only difference between mountain bikes on the street and off-road is that you can’t take advantage of the traction offered by dirt and grass.
However, this does not mean that you cannot enjoy the ride.
Since you are not able to use the tires’ friction against the ground like you would when riding off-road, you’ll have to engage your core muscles more than normal.
Below you can find some basic pros and cons of riding a mountain bike on the road.
PROS | CONS |
It’s easy to do. You can just hop on your bike and go; It doesn’t cost much money – you can ride an MTB with the equipment you already have; It’s a workout all by itself. | MTB isn’t as fast as road bike; Less grip and less control. |
Is it bad to ride a mountain bike on the road?
Many people are asking, is it bad to ride a mountain bike on the road? To be clear: not a single mountain bike riding can be bad.
Whether you’re riding on the road or you’re riding through the mountains, it’s always better to be riding than not riding at all.
However, there are some reasons why it might not be the best idea to ride your mountain bike on a paved surface.
First and foremost: pavement is typically going to be smoother than dirt, which means that if you have a suspension fork (which most mountain bikes do), then you will get much less of a workout from your body.
This is because your legs aren’t absorbing as much shock from bumps in the road as they would from bumps in dirt or grass.
If you’re someone who enjoys using their muscles while exercising, then this could potentially mean that you’ll feel less tired when you finish your ride compared with when you finish an off-road ride – even though both rides take about the same amount of time!
Another reason why it might not be ideal for some riders to ride their mountain bikes on the pavement is that some bicycles were designed specifically for off-road use and therefore don’t handle as well on roads as others do.
This can lead to accidents where riders lose control of their bikes.
Is it harder to ride a mountain bike on the road?
Is it harder to ride a mountain bike on the road? -Yes, it’s definitely harder.
A mountain bike is designed to be ridden off-road and on trails, meaning that it is built for rugged terrain and not smooth, flat surfaces.
This kind of riding requires more muscle power than road cycling does.
Many people who are more experienced in mountain biking can ride their bikes on the road, but it will take them a lot longer to get used to riding on pavement and they might feel less comfortable until they get used to it.
Road cycling is much easier than mountain biking because you don’t have to worry about rocks or roots getting in your way – it’s just you and the road!
When you ride on pavement mountain bikes are slower than road bikes when you’re on a mountain bike because they’re designed specifically for speed rather than endurance.
Benefits of using your MTB on the road
Using your mountain bike on the road can be a great way to get some exercise, but it’s also important to know that you’re taking some risks by doing so.
Here are some of the top benefits of using your MTB on the road:
- It’s a good way to get in shape!
- You can use it as transportation.
- You can increase your comfort level while biking by using your mountain bike on the road.
- It’s easier than riding an actual road bike, so it might be more suitable for beginners.
Best mountain bike for road use
Choosing the best mountain bike for road use can be exhausting.
Hence, to save you some time I did some research, so I’m presenting to you a few options that will satisfy your needs.
1. Cannondale Trail 5 Bike

Cannondale Trail 5 Bike is one of the best mountain bikes for road use.
It has a lightweight aluminum frame that can easily be operated by people with a large range of heights.
Whether you are a professional rider or just a beginner, you’re gonna love this Cannondale bike.
REASONS TO BUY | BEAR IN MIND |
Light and simple; Extremely durable; Great choice for both the road and off-road rides. | A bit too tall. Not designed for smaller people |
2. Giant Talon 1

Giant Talon 1 is an all-star. The drivetrain is fully Shimano XT/XTR and features a Deore level Shadow Plus clutch rear derailleur and SLX shifters, which are both solid performers.
Giant makes very impressive wheel sets for their bikes and that’s good news for you when it comes to braking.
REASONS TO BUY | BEAR IN MIND |
ALUXX-Grade aluminum frame; Hydraulic Disc Brakes; Affordable and Economical; 100 mm Suspension fork. | Non-tubeless tires on Talon 3 may be problematic in thorny areas. |
3. Airtracks Apolon

Apolon has long been a favorite mountain bike for road use. This 6061 aluminum frame is built with Shimano components that are normally reserved for high-end hardtails.
The Apolon is durable and versatile while remaining lightweight and efficient.
Whether you’re looking for a Sunday ride or race cross-country, Apolon will keep you at the front of the pack!
REASONS TO BUY | BEAR IN MIND |
Frame warranty 30-day return option Powerful disc brakes | No cage or mount for water bottle |
4. Licorne Bike Diamond Premium

Licorne Bike Diamond Premium is a mountain bike with an efficient, comfortable, and durable design for road use.
Licorne Bike Diamond Premium features a Shimano drivetrain, TRP HY/RD disc brakes, and a FACT carbon frame that blends durability, stiffness, and strength into one rideable package.
REASONS TO BUY | BEAR IN MIND |
Top-quality and endurance; Ideal for every terrain; Great value for money spent. | Some riders have complaints about seat comfort. |
Mountain bike setup for road
When you’re riding on the road, you need to make sure your mountain bike is properly set up for the road.
If you’re riding on the road, you should have a more relaxed position than on a mountain bike trail.
This means that your handlebars should be lower and more centered on your body.
You also want to make sure that your saddle is higher than it would be if you were riding off-road.
The most important part of setting up your mountain bike for the road is making sure that the tires are wider than they would be if they were designed for off-road use.
This will help with traction and stability during turns and stops.
Mountain bike to road bike speed conversion
Mountain bike to road bike speed conversion can easily be calculated.
Mountain bikes generally have a lower gear ratio than road bikes.
If you want to convert mountain bike speeds to road bike speeds, then you need to multiply the speed by 1.5x.
For example, if your mountain bike is able to travel at 15 mph, then you’ll be able to travel at 22 mph on a road bike.
Road bike vs Mountain bike for commuting
The decision between a road bike vs a mountain bike for commuting is a tough one.
If you’re looking for a bike to commute with, you might be wondering whether you should choose a road bike or a mountain bike.
We’ll help you understand the difference between these two types of bikes so that you can make an informed decision about which one is best for your needs.
The first thing to know is that both bikes have their own unique advantages.
A road bike is typically lighter than a mountain bike, making it easier to carry upstairs or lift onto your car rack.
Bike road tires are thinner than a mountain bike, so it’s better suited for paved roads.
However, those same features mean that they don’t handle as well off-road as mountain bikes do – and the thinner tires are more likely to puncture on rough terrain.
Can you ride long distances on a mountain bike?
If you’re wondering can you ride long distances on a mountain bike, the answer is simple: OF COURSE YOU CAN.
In the end, traveling long distances with your bike will mostly depend on your muscles.
Of course, you’ll need to use more force than on a road bike, but in the end, your power of the mind will make the difference.
Mountain bikes are very versatile and can be used for many different activities, including racing, cruising around town, commuting to work and school, or riding long distances across the country.
Benefits of road bike vs Mountain bike riding
They both have their benefits, but they also have a few differences that make one of them better suited for your needs than the other.
If you’re not sure which one is right for you, here’s a quick rundown of the benefits of road bike vs mountain bike ride.
MOUNTAIN BIKE | ROAD BIKE |
Endurance Suits for every terrain Suspension Affordable price Easily handle any off-road condition | Lightweight Aerodynamics Fast traveling Easy to pedal |
Road bike vs Mountain bike for exercise
Road bikes and mountain bikes are both great for exercise and training.
They can be used for a variety of different exercises and activities, from short, intense rides to long-distance rides.
So, how can we compare road bike vs mountain bike for exercise? It all depends on your personal training preferences.
The main difference between these two types of bikes is their design: road bikes are designed for riding on pavement, while mountain bikes are designed for off-road riding.
Both types of bikes have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to exercise and training.
Road bikes are lighter than mountain bikes, which makes them easier to maneuver around corners or up hills.
This also means that road bikes will offer a smoother ride than mountain bikes, especially over rough terrain.
Road bike seats are more comfortable than mountain bike seats because they’re often made out of softer materials like leather or mesh.
What are mountain bikes good for?
Mountain biking offers several benefits over road biking.
Firstly, you’re outside in nature instead of stuck inside on pavement; secondly, you can tackle a steep and technical climb more easily; thirdly (and most importantly), you’ll be burning more calories!
However, this comes at a cost: if you perform mountain bike exercises and try to tackle an incline too steep for your skill level or weight capacity then you need to put extra effort.
What are hardtail mountain bikes good for?
If you’re considering buying a hardtail MTB, then you must wonder what are hardtail mountain bikes good for?
Hardtail mountain bikes are good for riding on trails and dirt roads, but not as good for riding on pavement.
They have a rigid frame, which means there’s no suspension.
This means that the bike is more stable and less likely to get thrown off balance when you’re riding over bumps and rough terrain.
Hardtail mountain bikes are also good because they’re lightweight, which makes them easy to carry around if you need to walk your bike up a hill or carry it over obstacles.
What is the average weight of a mountain bike?
Before buying, it’s good to know what is the average weight of a mountain bike.
The average weight of a mountain bike is about 25 pounds.
While the exact weight of your specific bike will vary depending on the components you choose, most mountain bikes weigh between 20 and 30 pounds.
Why are mountain bikes cheaper than road bikes?
Even though it’s not always the case, many people are wondering why are mountain bikes cheaper than road bikes.
Mountain bikes are cheaper than road bikes because they are designed to be used in rough conditions.
Road bikes are designed for riding on smooth pavement, and even though you can use them off-road, they aren’t as durable as mountain bikes.
Should I buy a mountain bike or a road bike?
If you’re buying a new bicycle, there’s the main question you should ask yourself: Should I buy a mountain bike or a road bike?
The answer depends on your personal riding preferences and habits.
If you’re driving only in cities and on paved roads, then the road bike would be a better choice for you.
If you, though, like to go off-road and ride over the mountains, buy a mountain bike.
Conclusion
So… Can you ride a mountain bike on the road? Of course, you can. There’s no reason not to ride your mountain bike on the road.
It’s a great way to add variety and fun to your riding. But make sure that your bike is in good shape before you head out.
If you have any questions and ideas on this topic, feel free to leave a comment or follow me on my social media accounts and I’ll gladly respond.