I love my road bikes, I've always really enjoyed my 12 mile each way commute when I can but about 3 years ago I had a big off in the ice damaging my right shoulder and because I didn't get it fixed quickly, a load of associated damage to C6 and C7 discs and nerves
I've been trying for the last year to get back into the road bike scene, but I could no longer ride my main bike, not only did I have big confidence issues, my shoulder was killing me in all riding positions.
I bought a gravel bike for the slightly more relaxed geometry but still decent manners on the road, had a fit and everything but after 8 months I have to finally give in. The pain is just too much and no matter what I've done by way of changing bits around to get a better fit the fact of the matter is every time I get on a drop bar bike I'm in agony for days after.
I rode my lads mountain bike at center parcs last week and of course because of the ride position I was pain free.
So I think the time has come to accept that I'm not going to be able to do this any more and if I want to continue riding to work I'm going to have to sell my road and gravel bikes and buy a mountain bike. But I just can't get my head into the idea of commuting on a tractor when I have been commuting in a Ferrari
Anyone else commute on an MTB, is it as bad as I think it might be
Comments
More Ferrari than tractor!
I have had a persistent bad back from years of playing tennis, but I ride my old Klein Attitude MTB to work and everywhere else without issue.
Dont worry, you can still wear your Lycra if you wish ;-)
The best bike's the one you're riding, and all that.
I just went from a nice Scott hybrid to a bottom of the range Giant road bike, the Giant is a bit faster and better acceleration from stop.. but the engine still conks out at the same distance.
I'vebeen commuting on this MTB/hybrid for 9years.
It's never missed a beat & as you can see has been adapted to cope with my growing family!
https://i.imgur.com/zoV31hD.jpg
It's nowhere near as fast as a road or gravel bike, but it's comfortable & always gets there. As with any bike, make sure your points of contact are comfortable & it's fine.
Regarding tires- I won't use anything other than the Specialized Armadillo range. Bullet proof but faster & less heavy than the Marathons.
I bought a 1 x 11 29er a few weeks ago - not for commuting but light off road stuff. But if I worked in central Brum I could get to work nearly all the way on the tow paths if I wanted.
Bicycles? I used to commute on a Trek hybrid that I still own (I just don't commute any more). Fun, not too heavy and an easy riding position compared to a specialist road bike. I put a rack, panniers and mudguards on mine, but that's just because it's everyday transport whenever possible.
It's not the end. Just different.
Need to go and try one out though
I guess it's time I grew up
http://www.m5-ligfietsen.nl/site/EN/Models/Carbon_High_Racer/