Can a mountain bike be used for touring? Mountain bikes are perfect for mountain biking but not so much for road biking, right? Wrong! Mountain bikes can be used to tour both mountains and roads. They have different features.
A good example would be that mountain bikes have wider tires than regular bike tires because of the rougher terrain you will encounter while touring in the mountains. In contrast, a commuter bike or hybrid has narrower tires since it is mainly used on paved surfaces like streets or sidewalks.
People often mistake this as meaning that mountain bikes aren’t good enough to use as road bicycles, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Mountain bikes are best suited for mountain biking because of their tires’ suspension and rugged treads, but they can still be ridden on the road with no trouble!
Can A Mountain Bike Be Used For Touring?
Mountain bikes stand out from other types of bicycles thanks to their mountain bike tires. Mountain bike tires are more rugged than regular mountain bike tires and have grips on the side of them to help keep your mountain bike from sliding, even on a grade.
They also come with suspensions for a smoother ride and braking systems that are far more powerful than other bicycles. You can take your mountain bike off-road with ease thanks to mountain bike brakes, and if you’re biking on a mountain tour, mountain bike suspension will keep your ride from getting too bumpy.
Moreover, Mountain bikes are also built better than other bicycles because they have more gears, can carry heavier loads, and are more robust overall. Mountain bikes are made for rugged terrain, so they’re the perfect choice for mountain biking.
The Benefits Of Using A Mountain Bike For Touring
What’s a mountain bike for? You may think a mountain bike is only suitable for mountain climbing or biking, but mountain bikes are also ideal for road touring.
The significant advantage of mountain bikes over other types of bikes are:
Maximum Traction
A Mountain bike has a wider wheelbase covered by a thick rubber tire, generating more friction with the road surface for better grip during mountain climbing or mountain biking. This characteristic of mountain bikes also gives mountain bikes good traction during road touring or urban commuting.
Good Suspension
Mountain bikes have front and rear suspensions, which cushion the impact on uneven surfaces (e.g. bumpy mountain paths) for a smooth ride.
Good Gear Shifting
Mountain bikes have 21 to 27 gears, which are easier and more convenient to shift, especially when cruising through mountain paths or highland roads with many ups and downs.
Durable
Mountain bikes are sturdy and rugged, mainly if you use a reasonable mountain bike frame from a reputable brand with superior quality control.
Geometry of Mountain bike
Mountain bike geometry has been specially designed for mountain biking activities. It also allows for a more extended arm reach and a comfortable riding position as you go uphill. It also has a lower handlebar position, perfect for taking control of the steering and lowering your centre weight as you ride downhill.
Versatile
Mountain bikes can be used for touring (e.g. mountain climbing or mountain biking), urban commuting, grocery shopping, and recreational sports.
Safe
Mountain bikes are equipped with good brakes (e.g. hydraulic mountain bike disc brakes) for a responsive and safe braking experience, especially when riding downhill or on slippery surfaces or huge potholes on the road.
Good Handling
Mountain bikes can be manoeuvred easily on bumpy paths, with reasonable control over your speed, and provides perfect angles at any surface. Mountain bike frame also enables you to turn the handlebars quickly and easily, especially when your steering needs to take a quick right or left turn.
The Drawbacks:
Aluminum Frame
Most mountain bikes do not have a steel frame like regular bikes. Instead, they have an aluminum frame. Steel is heavier than aluminum, but it’s also much more vital and lasts much longer than aluminum frames because it can withstand more pressure and damage.
Aluminum frames will bend or break more accessible than steel frames, so they need to be replaced more often.
Straight Handle Bars
Straight handlebars are found on mountain bikes, which causes fatigue in the wrist and hand because of the inability to use different hand positions. These handlebars will be uncomfortable and hard to ride with for anyone unfamiliar with them.
Try butterfly bars, as they will allow you to change the position of your wrist. You can also try other uncommon options like aero-bars or tri-bars.
Saddle Pain
Try to ride as much as possible before your long trip, as it will train you to be comfortable with the saddle. Otherwise, it will cause severe saddle pain, which is frustrating and painful. Choose seamless pants to avoid friction.
Costly
MTBs are expensive as compared to other traditional bikes. Entry-level MTB will be a good option if you don’t want to spend big bucks.
Suspension of MTB
The suspension of MTBs is built to absorb shock from off-road obstacles like terrain, bump, rocks, etc., and is not built to use on long flat rides. Rest can make the rider feel like they’re bouncing more than usual, and this bouncing effect can cause a lot of pain.
How To Turn Your Mountain Bike Into A Tour Bike?
If you want to go on longer trips on your MTB, you will need to make some changes to MTB parts and modify it to be super friendly for flat roads, but before that, you will need a bike in a well-maintained condition.
Let’s take a look at the modifications you need to make:
Change your Handlebars
Mountain bikes come with flat handlebars, which do not allow to change of arm position, which causes fatigue in the arm and hand. The handlebars must be adjusted, so you’re in an upright position while riding. The grip should also be comfortable for your hands, as this can cause hand fatigue.
If you plan longer trips, you must change your handlebar. The ones on road bikes are preferable, like butterfly bars, trekking bars, etc.
Get Rid Of Knobby Tires And Install The Road Tires:
The tires of MTB are 2.5 inches made for use on terrain and bumpy roads for firm grip and better friction off-road, but it will be very tough to ride on flat paved roads to go on longer trips.
Go with slicker ones with 1.25 to 1.5 inches; they need less pedalling to maintain good speed.
Remove Suspension
MTBs are designed for the strenuous terrain of off-road riding. MTBs have suspension for a smoother ride over uneven surfaces but can be uncomfortable while riding on pavement because of their rugged nature.
Clipless Pedals Or Install Platforms
To improve your mountain bike’s efficiency, swapping clipless pedals for larger platform ones is highly recommended. This will give you a more comfortable ride and help prevent falls when the terrain gets more arduous because of slippery conditions or obstacles.
Install Fenders
Attach fenders to cover the front and back spokes/spokes giving you protection from rain, snow, mud, or dirt (depending on where you’re riding). Fenders are very useful in keeping the drivetrain and gear clean.
Adjust the Saddle
Adjust the saddle to be level with the ground and easy to get on/off of. Since you will likely spend more time on your bike, you need a more comfortable option, like a leather saddle.
Install A Mirror
You are riding your bike, whether a mountain or road bike, which can be an exhilarating experience. One of the most important things to consider when riding long distances is car mirrors that allow you to see oncoming traffic and avoid any potential collisions.
Add Lights
If you plan to ride in the dark, like late evening or at dawn, you will need a bike light.
Racks, Bags, and Panniers
Installing a rack on your bike will always be tricky, but it can be made more accessible by contacting the experts in town at your local bicycle shop. Different parts of bikes might get in the way when installing racks, like disc brakes or tire size differences; however, with some helpful advice from an expert, you’ll have no problem getting that new storage space!
Mountain Bike Tire Pressure for Road Touring
Mountain bikers should keep pressure on their tires low for better traction for tackling tracks and trails. You need low tire pressure to maintain speed and momentum on the road with less pedalling. It will make your trip much smoother, and you’ll save energy because there’s less resistance against those turning pedals.
Repair Kits and Spare Parts
Make sure to bring the essentials for an adventure! Bring a repair kit and at least one spare tube. When you’re on your bike, you never know what will happen, no matter how careful of a driver you may be.
If something goes wrong during your trip, someone can help make it right again with these essential items, so nothing stands between having fun or returning home safely.
Minor Position Changes
If you’re a mountain biker with aspirations of some road riding, lower your handlebars for more control. For road riders, lower handlebars are used for better aerodynamics, while mountain bikers prefer raised handles to have better handling.
Tips for Short Tours
Always remember to pack light! If you’re on tour for 4-5 hours, you only need water and some essential tools. Remember your repair kit, spare tube if necessary to keep rolling down the road (or just carrying it in case), and pump, so those pesky flats don’t stop your trek.
Essential Tips for Extended Touring (like days)
- Make sure you have enough water and snacks at all times while riding! You never know when it will be time to break down or if you’ll get lost, which means making sure you’re prepared with what you need to stay hydrated and fed.
- Strap on a backpack or purchase a bike rack to carry what you need while riding, such as extra clothes, food, water or anything else that may be important for your ride!
- Plan your trip ahead of time. It will make for a much more enjoyable and less stressful ride.
- Make sure you have a spare tire and pump if needed.
- Bring extra cash to buy supplies or food when necessary and any other items on your list of essentials for the ride!
- Prepare an emergency contact card with insurance information if something happens while riding.
- If you stop for lunch, be sure to bring a road map so that you know where you are!
- Remember the sunscreen and bike gloves to avoid getting sunburned or blisters on your hands.
- Bring items like toilet paper, feminine hygiene products or anything else personal if needed! Travelling can lead to these items being forgotten, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
- Tighten any screws or bolts that are not tightened properly so there is less chance they will come loose on the road.
- Ensure there is enough air in your tires and that they are not worn down or have any significant cracks, which can lead to a blowout on the road!
Last but not least, have fun out there! Remember, this is supposed to make your riding experience better and more enjoyable, not harder!
Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Bike Touring
Q: Can I Use A Full-suspension Mountain Bike For Touring?
A: Yes, but remember that the added weight and suspension may make pedalling less efficient.
Q: How Much Weight Can I Carry On My Mountain Bike?
A: This will depend on your bike’s weight limit and the strength of your racks and panniers. Check your bike’s manual for weight limits, and distribute weight evenly.
Q: Do I Need Special Clothing For Mountain Bike Touring?
A: You don’t necessarily need unique clothing, but it’s essential to wear comfortable and breathable clothing that will protect you from the elements.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, a mountain bike can be used for touring, but there are pros and cons to consider before embarking on a tour.
With suitable adjustments, however, you can convert your mountain bike into a touring machine and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime. Happy touring!
Here is an article on my website that you must read, its about Can You Spray Mountain Bike With a Hose?
