[synack]

You should be able to find a really cheap (free?) steel road bike on craigslist to test out. I would bet that you will like the ride a lot better, even with the rough surface. I'm not saying that road bikes are better than Mtn bikes (I have both) but that a road bike is probably a better choice for a commute. I doubt you will have much issue with the slightly rough surfaces.

You get there faster with less work.

[greenhorn]

Just one other thought for you to process. In many states it is not legal to ride your bike on the sidewalks. I know in PA many riders use the sidewalk but according to state law you could get a ticket. Just more to think about with your decision. Maybe a road would suit you if you stayed off the sidewalk.

[rawhite1969]

Originally Posted by hophead

You may want to look into a hybrid for the type of riding that you are doing. They have bigger tires than a road bike and will handle rough surfaces better. They also offer a more comfortable riding position. Another option is a cross bike which is similar to a road bike but has bigger tires and is designed for mixed surface riding.

You could also just buy a set of slicks for your mountain bike. I used to commute 24 miles round trip on one and it did a great job. Obviously, a mtn bike with road tires will not be as fast as the other options, but it's a vast improvement over knobbies on the road.

If you really want a road bike, I would go with something steel over aluminium. Steel soaks up the bumps much better than beer can material does.

I switched from a cross bike to a hybrid, and am carrying more avg speed (by 1.5mph) and am more comfortable. Riding with flat handlebars with bar ends, so I have the ability to get out of the wind on the downhills, and have extra leverage on the uphill climbs. 100 miles a week on it and is a geometry that works well for me (the cross bike was never comfortable).

[whitey818]

As far as the sidewalk goes, I have cut down the use of it to less than a mile on my commute to work by finding an alternate route,( even added 2 miles to the trip!) but the road that I use the side walk on is way to busy to attempt riding with traffic, the only way to risk it has you riding on white line and dodging gutters. My mtb does have a flat bar w/bar ends, I have learned to use the bar-ends to stretch out and make the ride much more comfortable and get under the wind a little. I rode my Raleigh Sports for a couple days this week and really appreciated the light weight, multi-geared MTB today, lol.
I still haven't been on a road bike but not going to rush out and spend money just yet, the mtb is not too bad, but I am keeping my eyes out at the thrift stores and Craigslist. Even if I end up getting a bottom line one or older one it would give me an idea what to look for, plus I like to turn wrenches.

[fixxt]

Turning wrenches is the big reason I still have my mountain bike. Its probably easier to just go out and buy a nice roadbike, but I've had a pretty good time tweaking and altering my big heavy mtb to run better on the road. Mtb components are usually cheaper, too, and 26'' slicks seem to be a bit cheaper than their 700c counterparts.

It also feels pretty good passing people on expensive bikes when you're riding a mountain bike so old you can't even tell what brand the frame is anymore.

[whitey818]

Hear ya on the old mountain bike, lol. The slicks makes a world of difference in speed, comfort, and feel.
Here is my bike with the Kwest's on, just yesterdat I watched the 500 mile mark roll by on them:


I think I am going to order these, Nashbar Slick Wire Bead MTB Tire - 26x1.0 to 26x1.75 , next week to see how I like the skinnier, higher p.s.i. tires.

[retromike3]

I used to sell UNAVEGA B.I.T.D. first "real" job I got at a bike shop.(cool) I still have a pair of Ned Overand drop handle bars made just for mountain bikes. Unfortunately I don't have a bike for them.(yet)

Something that is real demoralizing is being passed on your road bike on somebody on a mountain bike. That happened to me on Saturday when my riding buddy and I were going up a steep part of my usual route. I got dropped and he waited at the light at the top of the hill laughing at me. Then when we took of again he dropped me again.

I think I need to get in better shape or find slower friends.

As for tires I set him up with IRD 26 1.5 semi-slick tires. Next time Ill fill them with water.

Mike

[whitey818]

Lol, you won't have to worry about me passing you on hill or flats, I am probably in far worse shape. Did a 20 mile ride earlier and my average was 16mph, that is an improvement but on my commute with traffic my average is around 13mph.