MTB or Road/Racing Bike???

[WorcesteRob]

I've recently got back into cycling after a break of around 10 years and now regulary doing 15 mile trips on and off road on my mtb. Going forward I would like to do sponsored/charity events of 100mile+ and my question is do many people do these on mountain bikes or do I need to invest in a decent road bike?

 

[ushills]

Get a road bike or a tourer, 100miles is too much on a MTB especially if it has suspension and knobbly tyres.

As you already have an MTB keep that for off-road, you'll feel the difference.

 

[EYE-TYE-MAD]

I've recently got back into cycling after a break of around 10 years and now regulary doing 15 mile trips on and off road on my mtb. Going forward I would like to do sponsored/charity events of 100mile+ and my question is do many people do these on mountain bikes or do I need to invest in a decent road bike?

Definitely get a roadbike. Most mountain bikes of any calibre have suspension which is ok on the rough stuff but to be honest is as useful as a chocolate fire guard when coverting effort into efficiency on anything with a remote resemblace to a flat surface. The more miles you cover the lighter & the more efficient you need to run!

 

[cyberknight]

Another vote for road bike /tourer/ cx bike .

 

[biggs682]

road bike all the way , just because they are called racers it does not mean you have to race everywhere

 

[rollinstok]

I would opt for a touring bike for long rides though it is possible to use the mountain bike if you can lock out the suspension and put road tyres on it. Lots of people use them on charity rides but it would be extremely difficult with knobbly tyres. In the early 90,s my only bike was a ( very nice ) hardtail mountain bike and I took that bike all round the country and Europe fully loaded with camping gear with no problems..if only I could have afforded that Dawes super galaxy as well though !!

 

[Peteaud]

Forget the MTB for that distance, invest in a roadie.

 

[bucksgill]

+1 for the road bike. When I was younger I had a MTB and really did not enjoy cycling. Recently bought a road bike and absolutely loving it. Plus it will be far better for the distances you want to be doing. But what do I know, I'm just a newbie

 

[WorcesteRob]

Thanks everyone, what I thought but nice to hear it from the experts just need to get saving up whilst thrashing those canal paths on the mtb.

 

[briantrumpet]

Belatedly ... yes, road bike. My getting a MTB because it was cheap was a BAD mistake - basically because MTBs are not built for riding on roads, feel sluggish, are hard work, and ... are no fun on roads. Getting back on a road bike after that mistake released the speed genie in me. Back in love.

 

[billy1561]

Two completely different bikes. One is bombproof and loves potholes and mud, the other is like having a sail on your back by comparison.
No brainer for me, it's got to be the road bike for that kind of distance.

 

[User16625]

I've recently got back into cycling after a break of around 10 years and now regulary doing 15 mile trips on and off road on my mtb. Going forward I would like to do sponsored/charity events of 100mile+ and my question is do many people do these on mountain bikes or do I need to invest in a decent road bike?

Definately get a proper road bike. I have a road race bike and a mtb, huge difference in how much speed you get for a given amount off effort. I would such efficiency is essential for cycle marathons, you wouldnt wear wellies for running etc.

+1 for the road bike. When I was younger I had a MTB and really did not enjoy cycling. Recently bought a road bike and absolutely loving it. Plus it will be far better for the distances you want to be doing. But what do I know, I'm just a newbie

Why didnt you enjoy your mtb? I know they are horrid to ride on road, but getting in the rough and dirty is bloody good fun, and so are the views you get when you make it up a rocky mountain slope!

Also what kind of training would be required to be able to ride 100+miles?

 

[kishan]

why not look into a hybrid bike? be ideal for on and off road

 

[guitarpete247]

My MTB, although old (like me ) is now only used with the trailer and grand-kids. My road bike (even older) bowls along much easier. As has already been said tyres (rolling resistance) and weight make a big difference on tarmac. Suspension adds more flex to the frame than you need and saps energy, you'll feel knackered sooner. My MTB is that old it has no suspension at all and fitting Schwalbe Land Cruisers has helped on the road but it's still like Land Rover vs Ferrari (even old models) when riding on the roads.

 

[ColinJ]

Compromise: Replace the MTB with a touring bike, hybrid bike or cyclocross bike.

Ideally: Keep the MTB, and buy a racing bike (or an audax/touring bike if you think you'll want to carry a lot of stuff with you, want mudguard protection etc.)