For many years, I rode hybrid or mountain bikes to and from school every day because the streets were so dangerous there. For daily commuting, I’d prefer a mountain bike over a road bike because of this.
Mountain bikes, on the other hand, may not be ideal for everyday use. Whether you’re looking to replace an old mountain bike in the garage or simply want a new bike for your daily commute, this guide can help. I decided to share some of the advantages and disadvantages of riding a mountain bike every day.
A mountain bike can be use for daily commuting if you already own one. Adding lights and fenders, or changing tyres, may be necessary to meet these requirements. Regardless of the terrain, their design allows for both comfort and versatility.
When it comes to transportation, you have a wide range of options to choose from. You can use any mode of transportation in most developed cities. A mountain bike, on the other hand, offers advantages over other types of bikes that enhance the enjoyment of your ride.
Riding a mountain bike every day
When comparing a mountain bike to other bikes, its unique design is immediately noticeable. You can tell right away that this bike is capable of going anywhere. When it comes to daily commuting, this design gives it a distinct advantage over the competition.
For starters, it makes it possible to take any non-street terrain shortcut. There’s no fear of bumping into a few steps when you’re on the go thanks to this device. With mountain bikes, you never have to worry about getting stuck in a traffic jam. It’s useful when you’re running late.
Second, it can make commuting more pleasant and enjoyable. Due to its wide tyres, construction-related sand and gravel are no longer a problem on the road. These tyres also give you better control when making sudden course changes. Whether it’s a car door opening or an unannounced pedestrian appearing out of nowhere, this happens frequently in cities.
A mountain bike is well-suited to riding on roads that are riddled with potholes and cracks. The bike’s durability also saves you money in the long run because it doesn’t require as much upkeep as other bikes.
As a result, mountain bikes require a more upright riding position, which is better for the spine. It’s easy to feel like riding a bike is a chore if you do it every day. For a more enjoyable and stress-free ride, mountain bikes are equipped with shock-absorbing components.
In the end, the greatest advantage is that you can take a wide variety of routes because you can explore previously unreachable options. In contrast to the drab lines of public transportation, it encourages you to explore your city and have fun on your way to work or school. Having said that, you may want to make a few adjustments to improve the overall experience.
What do I need to do to ride my mountain bike?
Depending on where you live, you may be able to ride your bike as-as-is, but you must also adhere to local laws regarding the use of safety gear, lights, and reflectors. Avoid an unnecessary fine by consulting the laws of your state or country. You could also make some adjustments to your overall well-being.
Changes Due To Regulations
Lights – It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, you’re bound to come across some sort of lighting regulation. It’s okay if you never have to ride your bike at night, but it’s still a good idea in case something happens that necessitates it. Lights come in a variety of forms, including those powered by your vehicle’s tyres, those powered by batteries, and those that can be USB-charged. In most cars, the headlights are white, while the taillights are red. You should be able to see clearly enough to get around comfortably. Light or reflectors around your arm are require in some places.
Reflectors and reflective tape – Even though it’s not always necessary, it’s still a good idea because it makes you more visible to oncoming motorists after dark. Depending on your preference, you may want to use reflective tape or gear that is already attach. Make sure you can see the reflective areas. Taping the cranks with reflective tape might be a good idea because they reflect light in a dynamic way.
Safety gear – Helmets are the most common type of safety equipment required. It’s a good idea to use one even if you don’t have to. There isn’t any clear guidance on the topic of helmets, so check the rules to see if any certified helmets are mentioned. Even a small crack can drastically reduce your helmet’s protective capabilities, so treat it with extreme caution.
Quality of Life Changes
Tires – While wide mountain bike tyres are an excellent feature, they also add weight and increase the area of the road that is in contact with the tyre, necessitating more effort to pedal. You might want to think about getting a new set of tyres, this time with a smaller diameter but still fitting. These will still be able to get you through even the most difficult city streets..
Fenders/mudguards – Fenders are not included with mountain bikes. While it’s essential for mud-strewn trails, it’s a pain when you’re just going to the office. Keep your clothes clean and avoid the discomfort of working or sitting in class in wet pants by using a good mudguard.
Repair tool – It’s not uncommon for mountain bikes to have flat tyres or minor adjustments and repairs that need to be made while on the road. A bike multi-tool is a good option because they are small and lightweight, making them convenient to keep in your pocket or backpack.
Medkit – In the Netherlands, I quickly realised how useful one of these was. Small boxes of alcohol wipes and bandages of various sizes are commonly available at pharmacies. For minor wounds or road rash, this is all that is needed.
Good lock – There is no need to reiterate the importance of purchasing a high-quality lock if you intend to leave your bike unattended in the middle of the city. Make sure there is nothing that can be easily remove from your bike before you lock it up.
If you’re thinking about riding a mountain bike to work but aren’t sure if it’s the right decision, check out this article: commuting by mountain bike Mountain biking to work every day.
What kind of mountain bike should I get?
That being the case, either I’ve persuaded you to try mountain biking, or you just think mountain bikes are cool. It doesn’t matter what the reason is; you’re left wondering what bike to get. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to purchasing a mountain bike.
First and foremost, if at all possible, don’t skimp on quality but also don’t blow your budget. You should avoid buying a cheap bike because it is likely to be of poorer quality and thus require more maintenance or be rendered unusable at a moment’s notice.
High-end bikes, on the other hand, are built with features like suspension for heavy terrain, which raises the price but isn’t necessary when riding in the city. A full-suspension mountain bike is heavier to ride in the city, but if you plan to ride on the trails as well, it is more than manageable. You can find a variety of reasonably priced options for a regular hardtail bike that can handle anything.
Maintenance and servicing
Mountain bikes, despite their ruggedness, are still vulnerable to damage unless you take proper care of them. Clean and lubricate the chain and any other moving parts as needed. If you pay attention to how your bike rides and handles over time, you’ll be able to pick up on any potential problems. In addition, you’ll learn how to perform any maintenance or repair on your bicycle. If you’re just starting out, I recommend going to a local repair shop on a regular basis until you gain some experience.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a fun way to get around town, mountain bikes are a great choice. Even if you make only a few minor changes, the morning or evening traffic jam can be transform into something much more exciting. Get some exercise, and have a good time on your way to work with this option.
