Bikes for fitness

[leedsmick]

Now I've established im probably riding the wrong bike for what I'm mainly doing, ie MTB on roads, is it making a difference to how fit in getting?

In 4 weeks I've already seen a massive change in my body shape and my beer belly is disappearing, but would I be more effective on a road bike?

Is it better training to ride on the roads on my MTB as its taking more effort or am i just wasting energy with the front suspension and wide tyres?

 

[Milkfloat]

It is harder work on an MTB, so covering the same distance as a road bike will get you fitter. If you aim is fitness, then you can stick with the MTB, if you aim is a different type of cycling such as speed or seeing more of the area then a road bike could be great for you. You can get just as fit on a road bike as an MTB, but in general you will travel further and faster.

 

[leedsmick]

Thanks, that's just what I wanted to hear, im not that fussed at speed just now and love the versatility of being able to ride whatever terrain I cone across. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I am and as my original target was fitness I think I might have made the right choice.

 

[bpsmith]

I rode MTB's as a kid, mainly on road and some gravel tracks. Came back after a while away and bought a road bike. Amazed at how much more I enjoy the road bike, but I now only cycle on the road anyway. If you enjoy a mix then stick with it.

 

[Citius]

Is it better training to ride on the roads on my MTB as its taking more effort or am i just wasting energy with the front suspension and wide tyres?

If health and fitness is your objective, then cycling (on anything) for differing amounts of time at varying effort levels is all you need to do. The actual type of bike is irrelevant.

 

[Steady]

Stick with the MTB if it's sole purpose is weightloss and if you do enjoy cycling then set a road bike as a goal for achieving x amount of weight loss. My "fitness" bike was a dual suspension heavy beast that I rode as if it was a road bike ie. not shying away from hills, doing typical 'roadie routes', it looked ridiculous I'm sure as it was the "wrong" bike for the style of riding, but it was very much the right bike for what my purpose was.

The idea that it's a waste of energy is down to perspective, if losing weight is the purpose then that's a good thing as all that lack of efficiency energy to speed is working the body, if it's trying to get point A in the quickest/fastest time possible then it's a bad thing.

The only downside is that it will be significantly much harder on a heavier MTB. When I haven't engaged sloth mode I am glutton for punishment so it didn't deter my motivation knowing it would be harder and I pushed for speed within the capabilities of the bike/myself, for some people that would be both a motivation killer, and enjoyment killer, which is another crucial point - if you're not enjoying it you won't get back out on the bike next time, so it's all about balance.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

If you are mostly riding on road can I suggest replacing the knobbly tyres with something a little more road oriented. It'll make the bike better to ride and you'll find yourself being able to go further and faster than before.

I'll put forward Schwalbe Marathon as a good tyre for mostly on road but with the odd bit of off road thrown in. There are plenty of other choices out there

 

[leedsmick]

Cheers , some great ideas there. I'm itching to find out how different it would feel on a road bike but am just working on building up my stamina and legs for now. New tyres will come next I think rather than getting another bike

 

[bpsmith]

Cheers , some great ideas there. I'm itching to find out how different it would feel on a road bike but am just working on building up my stamina and legs for now. New tyres will come next I think rather than getting another bike

If you enjoy mixing up the surfaces which you cycle, as stated above, then putting a set of new slicker tyres on isn't going to help you. It will only limit your options.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

A touring tyre won't limit the options that much. Mine cope with rough bridleways and trails quite happily. They won't do stuff that's boggy but to be fair you'd be wanting a fairly full-on mud tyre for that kind of riding anyway.

 

[cyberknight]

Yup, get some slicks for your bike and you will certainly make it a lot more fun, i picked up a pair of city jets for £8.99 each last week for mine , make sure you reserve online as in store they are double the price on the shelf sticker
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-parts/bike-tyres/schwalbe-city-jet-bike-tyre-26-x-1-5
Can you lock out your front suspension ?

 

[leedsmick]

Cheers for that tip. Suspension can't be locked out unfortunately

 

[i hate hills]

Now I've established im probably riding the wrong bike for what I'm mainly doing, ie MTB on roads, is it making a difference to how fit in getting?

In 4 weeks I've already seen a massive change in my body shape and my beer belly is disappearing, but would I be more effective on a road bike?

Is it better training to ride on the roads on my MTB as its taking more effort or am i just wasting energy with the front suspension and wide tyres?

Found this thread very interesting folks . Thank you all . Using my MTB for losing weight purposes .I am of the view that if i did 10 mile on it i would have to do a bit more on a road bike to get the same weight loss effort. Someone at my work argued that this would not be the case . Having read this thread this has made up my mind. Thanks again very interesting and helpful.

 

[Citius]

Using my MTB for losing weight purposes .I am of the view that if i did 10 mile on it i would have to do a bit more on a road bike to get the same weight loss effort.

What matters is energy expended, or calories burned - and calories burned depends on effort + duration - not what bike you are on.

 

[Milkfloat]

Yup, get some slicks for your bike and you will certainly make it a lot more fun, i picked up a pair of city jets for £8.99 each last week for mine , make sure you reserve online as in store they are double the price on the shelf sticker
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-parts/bike-tyres/schwalbe-city-jet-bike-tyre-26-x-1-5
Can you lock out your front suspension ?

20% off this price using code B16ACC02. I just found a gouge out of my front tyre on my commuter, do have reserved a pair for less than £15.