Mountain Bike FAQs

Can a MTB be as fast as a road bike?

Depending upon fitness and performance levels, mountain bikes can certainly be ridden faster than road bikes, but road bikes are approximately 10-30% quicker than a mountain bike. So much contributes to road bikes being quicker, including geometry, efficiency and weight.

How is a MTB different from a road bike?

Road bikes have no suspension, where a full suspension mountain bike has front and rear suspension. There are also differences in geometry, wheels, tyres, handlebars and components. The biggest difference is the rider's intention, road bikes are designed for tarmac only - whereas mountain bikes are designed to tackle off road terrain.

Are Expensive Mountain Bikes Worth it?

In almost all cases, yes! Mountain Bikes at the top end of the budget range, have been engineered to perfection, and kitted out with the very best suspension and components available. The performance they provide, and what they are capable of is massive - so they are most definitely worth it.

What age to stop mountain biking?

There’s no upper age limit to stopping mountain biking, and we have many customers enjoying their mountain biking well into their seventies.

Are Mountain Bikes good on the road?

Not really! Mountain bikes are designed for off road performance, riding over rough terrain such as rocks and roots - so they become pretty slow going on the road. Having said that, many commuters use mountain bikes for a comfortable and reasonably efficient ride.

How much to spend on a first mountain bike in the UK?

If you are looking for an entry level mountain bike, expect to spend between £500 and £1000. Towards the top end of this budget, you can expect a very well spec’d mountain bike that will provide you with excellent, and reliable performance.

Are cheap mountain bikes worth it?

It depends on your budget, what you see as cheap- and what you need a mountain bike for. Certainly, a sub £500 mountain bike will not provide a good level of performance on the rough stuff, and cheap full suspension mountain bikes are incredibly ill equipped to deal with any off road performance.

Is Mountain Biking an expensive hobby?

Although the entry price to mountain biking can be quite high, including the purchase of a mountain bike - a day out mountain biking can be as low cost as you want it to be. There’s plenty of smiles and fun to be had, as well as improvements in personal fitness - so we think mountain bikin overall, is pretty good value!

How long do mountain bikes last?

It’s possible for mountain bikes to last upwards of 20 years, with correct maintenance and a bit of love and affection!

Is Mountain Biking good for losing weight?

Mountain biking, like any cardiovascular activity - is great for weight loss. Mountain biking also builds leg muscles, especially on climbs! Providing greater fat burn and health benefits.

Is it worth buying a second hand mountain bike?

Buying a mountain bike second hand is a good way to save money, over the new purchase price of the bike. Second hand mountain bikes however can have had a pretty tough life and can be repaired in a way which is less than ideal.

What is Fast on a Mountain Bike?

As off-road terrain is so varied - it’s very difficult to know exactly what is a fast speed and what is slow. Typically, trails can be ridden from 3mph to 15mph - and the average speed for singletrack is around 7mph. Those riding gentler trails and solid trails can expect to cover 12mph.

Can you ride a Mountain Bike at night?

Yes! Many riders choose to ride at night. As well as allowing you to hit the trails after work during the darker months, riding a MTB at night provides an exciting way to spice up your riding, with even some of the easiest trails becoming challenging as visibility is restricted. Invest in the best mountain bike lights, and enjoy the ride!

How often should I mountain Bike?

If you are looking to increase your levels of endurance on a mountain bike, we recommend riding at least four times a week to improve both aerobic and anaerobic performance.

Are Mountain Bikes good for commuting?

A mountain bike can make an OK commuter bike, they are comfortable enough to ride and offer good visibility to help keep you safe. Hardtail mountain bikes make better commuters than full suspension mountain bikes.

Does mountain biking improve road cycling performance?

Yes! Any form of bike time is really helpful for your overall cycling performance. Off road terrain trains your muscles, including your legs, core and arms in different and varied ways - meaning that your conditioning and performance will improve once you get back on a road bike.

Why not ride a mountain bike on the road?

Mountain bikes are pretty slow performers on tarmac, they are inefficient to pedal and they lose speed quickly. This is because mountain bikes have large tyres, have a geometry for off road use, and are also heavier than road bikes - they are also less aerodynamic.