Road bike or mountain bike for my work commute?

[Hairy]

MTB keeps a deserted pavement open as an option. And if it's not deserted... well... get a bell. or a fog horn.

 

I have commuted with a roadbike for a few years and many more years on a MTB.

 

The MTB wins hands done due to being far more rugged, versatile, set up with Stans punctures will become a distant memory, MTB wheels take more abuse (Rider laiden with a heavy back pack) than roadie wheels, braking is far superior on wet rides and the position is more comfortable.

 

MTB I recon and then you can also play on the dirt over the weekends too if this appeals to you or if you are curious to try it out.

[Khoisan]

Yep, MTB is your answer.

 

You can use the road, pavement or the gravel that's next to some roads!!

[sluiper]

On the topic, I'm surprised there are so few hybrids on the road for commuting.

 

At moonlight mass (which is supposed to be about city biking but is actually more of a fixie/hipster/wtf scene), I must have been the only one on a hybrid.

 

If anyone else is thinking about getting a bike specifically for commuting, I can definitely recommend a hybrid.

 

In general, they're a bit lighter than MTBs and also quite a bit faster. I run 700-28 tyres on mine, which work fine on the occasional bit of gravel, but are still proper road tires.

 

On the downside: it's a pretty purpose built machine with little use besides the odd bit of light touring and commuting.

[beanz]

Hi everybody,

I stay about 5km away from work and I want to start riding a bicycle to work. I work in Sandton, so I will have to ride along Grayston drive (a busy road with no bicycle lanes).

 

 

From which side, the M1, or from Sandton drive? Either way you should be looking to avoid riding on Grayston drive in any direction, or cranking up your life insurance. There's plenty of side road alternatives to get into Sandton, and your pavement hopping options are better on a mountain bike.

[bj horn]

On the topic, I'm surprised there are so few hybrids on the road for commuting.

 

At moonlight mass (which is supposed to be about city biking but is actually more of a fixie/hipster/wtf scene), I must have been the only one on a hybrid.

 

If anyone else is thinking about getting a bike specifically for commuting, I can definitely recommend a hybrid.

 

In general, they're a bit lighter than MTBs and also quite a bit faster. I run 700-28 tyres on mine, which work fine on the occasional bit of gravel, but are still proper road tires.

 

On the downside: it's a pretty purpose built machine with little use besides the odd bit of light touring and commuting.

Use My Gary Fischer Zebrano (R2500) to commute but those 700 x x28's dont like potholes in the dark and at speed

[TK-Sp3cialiSt]

You can always get removable valve tubes...Kenda make them...and put stans in them....found it good for a long time...

 

You guys are fixated on forcing people to ride mountain bikes whenever wherever. As mentioned above, running a road bike with flat bars and wider tyres will work nicely, even for the odd bit of curb hopping....get a higher spoke count wheel and you should have a sturdy bike. Hybrid will work nicely for your use.

Edited August 23, 2013 by TK-Sp3cialiSt

[Sepia]

Standard cheapish MTB with Stans gives you more options. I would not/never commute on a road bike. Tried it and left skid marks all the way to work. I was petrified.

[porqui]

Geometry on mtb more comfortable!

 

(plus you can put a fat arse seat on)

[nomoregravity]

If you buy a bike just to ride the 5 km along Grayston twice a day, you'll be selling it again before Christmas. In that case, buy an entry-level brand name mtb, as they are the easiest to get (and get rid of) at a reasonable price...

 

If you're already thinking of longer routes to work, chances are that, sooner rather than later, you'll own at least one of each (road and mtb - hybrids fail on the fun scale).

 

Get a bike this weekend, ride on Monday, enjoy :-)

[simpythegimpy2]

Road bike with Gatorskins and a flat handlebar. If it is good enough for a bicycle courier then it is definitely good enough for you. MTBs are too heavy and unresponsive, and who needs suspension on the road. My 2 cents. Borrow some bikes from friends and try both.

[imagedee]

Here's a great commuting bike. A bit out of your price range, but an extremely versatile bike. You can take part in CX Sundays too (http://huntercycling.com/?page_id=1375)

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/56835-genesis-croix-de-fer-size-large-56cm/

Edited August 24, 2013 by image_D

[Khoisan]

With an MTB "THE WORLD IS YOUR SINGLE TRACK"

[Kranky]

Mountain bike, especially as you say you've never owned a road bike. It's dangerous out there, you need to feel comfortable.

 

I use a 2001ish Gary Fisher with 'slick' mtb tyres and a rigid fork, feels great. I prefer riding in the road but it still allows the odd pavement jump and urban off-road. I also find it stable when carrying extra weight in my bag.

Edited August 26, 2013 by Nick.

[timefly]

How about a commuting bike? Road and Mountain bikes are not suited to riding in your suit and tie.

[scotty]

How about Premium Rush style, steel frame, flat bars, single speed and no brakes

Edited August 26, 2013 by scotty

[cat-i]

From which side, the M1, or from Sandton drive? Either way you should be looking to avoid riding on Grayston drive in any direction, or cranking up your life insurance. There's plenty of side road alternatives to get into Sandton, and your pavement hopping options are better on a mountain bike.

 

From Rivonia downwards, rather take North going down, and join Grayston again at Linden.

 

Beanz - do you know the area well? Our offices recently moved to Sandton and although my ride into town is quite safe, getting out is a nightmare. Any roads you could suggest for getting from Grayston/Rivonia crossing to William Nicol?