Can a mountain bike be used more easily for riding on road?

Question

I intend to ride about as much on trails as on roads but don't know which way type of bike to get. Or is it easier to use a road bike for trail biking?

Also can u suggest some intro type bike names that range from low to mid-range price. I am trying to start cycling ( it is a great sport) but don't want to break my bank acct.

Thank you.

Answer 1

If you're talking relatively smooth trails rather than singletrack,  the answer might be a cyclo-cross bike.    

Answer 2

Mountain bikes will never be as fast as a road bike for road riding, but they can easily be ridden on the road. Especially if you buy one with lockouts on the suspension. I have 2 sets of wheels/tires that I swap out depending on where I am riding. One off-road set and one with smooth narrow road tires. This makes a huge difference. Most people find MTBs more comfortable  for casual riding with the more upright riding position. The road bikes are fast and agile on the road, but are not built as strong as an MTB. The skinny tires would be awful off-road and the frame could not take the beating of the bumps.

Now is good time to buy a bike because your bike shop probably has the '08 models on clearance. I went to purchase a Specialized RockHopper Comp today (great bike for around $800.00) and ended up spending way more on a StumpJumper FSR Comp. I highly recommend the RockHopper line for anyone getting into cycling, they start at $550. I have been a Giant rider for 8 years and switched now because I don't like Giant's new frames.  

Answer 3

Get a Specialized Rockhopper Disc. http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel... It will serve you well for years to come and when the time to upgrade comes, you can sell it for a decent coin to use towards your next rig.

Answer 4

Definitely go for the mountain bike if you intend on going off road and only want one bike.  You can purchase 26 inch tires that are suitable for the road, but a road bike is definitely not good for trails.  You'll probably break something.  

Answer 5

Well to answer your question yes you can use mountain bikes easily on the road but you can not use a road bike on trails (unless you want to break your new bike) if you really want a mountain bike try to get one with skinnier/ less nobby tires because they will make it a-lot easer to ride on the road (but you will slip more on wet rocks and mud on the trails)

But if you plan on riding both trail and road equally look at a hybrid bike you can find ones for a decent price they are not amazing on the trail or the rode but it might be just what you are looking for. If the trails you are looking at riding seem to be really rough as in really steep hills jumps stream crossings roots big rocks ect. you should probably go with a mountain bike.

The best thing for you to do is go to a bike shop and ask them there tell them were you will be riding and they will point you in the right direction. If you are looking for a good bike that will not break on you and will last you a long time do not go to a walmart or other place like that go to a bike shop! the bikes they have there may be a little more expensive but you will not need to buy a new bike in a year or so. Good luck I hope you find what you are looking for!!!

Answer 6

Go here

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 7

mtn bikes can easily go on road.  road bikes are just plain dangerous off road.  if you are going to do both and cant afford a bike for each, definitely go with a mtn bike.  

dont go to wal-mart!  or any other big box store.  find a couple of good bike shops and test ride.  look at trek, giant, specialized, gt.