Speed is one of the most important factors when buying a bike. It also makes road bikes more popular than mountain bikes among speed enthusiasts.
But how fast is a road bike compared to a mountain bike? We will give you a complete answer in this post. You can also discover more interesting facts about the two kinds of bikes, so let’s join us!
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How Fast Is A Road Bike Compared To A Mountain Bike?
Road bikes outperform mountain bikes by 10 to 20% in speed.
More specifically, a road bike can finish a one-mile distance in no more than five minutes, while a mountain bike needs six minutes to get that far.
Road bikes have a long history of racing, but they are mainly designed for addressing a daily commute in an urban environment.
With lightweight structures and smooth, thin tires that allow you to tear through paved surfaces easily, their primary purpose is speed.
Meanwhile, mountain bikes can be ideal for those who enjoy exploring dirt trails.
They have a tough and heavy structure. Combined with their sizable tires and suspension systems, they allow you to travel any terrain comfortably.
It is vital to emphasize that mountain bikes require much more work to pedal, up to 51% more power, due to their heaviness and suspension systems.
Several factors contribute to the gap in speed between the two bikes. We will discuss each in detail as follows.
Posture
The posture you ride a mountain bike is upright, making it slower than other types of bikes.
Meanwhile, your body is the largest source of drag pressure and air resistance when you ride a road bike.
Owing to the shorter aero bars on a road bike, you will tend to be more curled down, boosting speed and acceleration.
Moreover, these bars are wide enough to enable you to maneuver between small gaps effortlessly.
On the other hand, a mountain bike’s flattened handlebars provide more control and facilitate braking.
In the long run, the bard makes it much more difficult on your back and wrists.
Physical Health
The physique, endurance, and fitness of a cyclist greatly impact how quickly they can go. Your performance may vary depending on your physical condition.
Most pro cyclists are the only ones who consistently reach speeds of 25 mph or more on road bikes.
The difference in maximum velocity is less significant for most beginner cyclists and fitness bikers. They are more concerned with average speeds.
Tires
The characteristics of the tires are a key aspect with a significant effect on the speed difference. We will refer to their pressure, size, and treading.
On-road bikes can travel on paved roads as long as there are no obstructions in their path. The speed improves because the tires are narrower and have no treading during the curvature.
Yet, mountain bikes are an entirely different story. They need more traction. Thus the wheels have prominent treads that assist in the bike’s performance.
A mountain bike’s wheels are wider because they must be able to navigate through much rougher terrain than a road bike would.
The treading, also known as elevated aggressive lugging, features claw-like elements that grip the ground as it makes a turn and offers control. Sadly, this kind of control sacrifices speed.
Weight
Mountain bikes typically weigh a lot more than their road bike counterparts because they are robust and rigidly designed.
The gap in their weight can be up to 5 kilograms, affecting how fast they can go.
A mountain bike’s parts have wider wheels and tires. Moreover, since they aim to handle rough terrain, they must be more durable and sturdier.
The additional weight of the bike tires with the wider lugs also limits your ability to accelerate, thus holding you down.
On the contrary, road bikes come with lighter components but are more expensive. It applies more accurately to race bikes, where every gram matters.
Gear Ratio
The mechanical limits of the gear set are responsible for most of the speed reduction. Depending on the details of your gear system, like the chaining teeth, tire size, crank length, and more, this reduction could be considerable.
Bikers use mountain bikes for off-road riding. They typically feature smaller gears, a difference that is only noticeable at greater velocity.
Despite having a larger power output, those bikes have a lesser top speed because of the lower upper gear. This feature is crucial since most road bikes cannot handle the high inclines they must ascend.
Frame Geometry
Road bikes have frame geometry that emphasizes aerodynamic paddling.
On the other hand, the build and construction of mountain bikes pay attention to the bike remaining stable on rugged terrain.
Regarding the chains, most road bikes typically have three chainrings, while their mountain counterparts often have two.
It implies that you cannot switch them. Your bike may suffer badly from damage as a result.
Please remember that mountain bikes have thinner frames and shock absorbers.
However, the rider must work harder because the bike requires considerable pedal power to speed up and perform as expected.
For max velocity on road bikes, the stronger frames guarantee less power gets lost to the suspension system. Instead, more of the power will transfer to the wheels.
Pros And Cons Of Road Bike And Mountain Bikes
Road bikes can travel faster than mountain bikes, but speed shouldn’t be the only consideration while buying a bike. Both of them have pros and cons.
Hence, check both sides before deciding the better one for your needs.
Road bikes
Road bikes will be the best option if you just ride on pavement and need a faster bike because they simplify cycling and climbing hills.
They are also easy to operate at faster speeds because of their light weight.
Pros:
- Long distance: These bikes are well-equipped that help you ride great distances and maintain a high speed across your trip.
- Year-round cycling: You can ride on road bikes any time. Of course, when traveling on snowy and icy terrain, ride with more caution.
- Group cycling: Road bikes make an excellent group activity. Your group can help each other, especially on the open highway.
- Lightweight: Compared to mountain bikes, road bikes weigh less. They allow you to store, transport, and use them easier.
Cons:
- Expensive: Road bikes are more costly than mountain bikes. The extra gear for better performance will add up the cost.
- Flat tires: The thin construction of road bike tires makes it hard to deal with the debris on the road.
Mountain bikes
Mountain bikes are a popular suggestion for casual commuters.
They have features that adapt to the pavement and bike lanes, making them significantly more enjoyable off-road.
If you love mountain biking, you will never go wrong with these bikes.
Although mountain bikes will never be as fast as road bikes, you may like the shock absorption and riding position that help you handle curbs and potholes at ease.
Pros:
- Comfort: Thanks to the rear and front suspension system, your riding trip will be more pleasant even when traveling across bumps and shocks.
- Workout: Mountain bikes are heavier and aim to cope with rough terrain. Hence, you will find riding on a mountain bike an effective workout.
- Sightseeing: Mountain bikes allow you to travel to more places. It means you can explore new destinations and enjoy beautiful scenery during your trip.
Cons:
- Damages: Traveling on rugged surfaces exposes your bike to more obstacles. There will be more damage to them over time.
Speed: Because mountain bikes are heavy, they can’t beat road bikes in terms of speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much harder is it to ride a mountain bike than a road bike?
It depends on the terrain you ride your bike on. On paved surfaces, road bikes are quick and simple to pedal. Unfortunately, off-the-road bikers may not favor this option.
You will ride slower on the pavement using a mountain bike. However, it offers an upright riding posture, a comfortable ride, and can move smoothly on different surfaces.
2. What is a good average speed on a mountain bike on the road?
17 mph is a good average pace for a mountain bike on the road for the average biker.
3. Is 25 mph fast on a mountain bike?
Yes, it’s a little faster than the standard for mountain bikes, which is 17 mph.
Conclusion
Road bikes are generally 10 to 20% faster than mountain bikes. The structure and weight of the bikes lead to the speed gap.
Road bikes are easy to use and the best options for on-road traveling. Mountain bikes, despite being slower, can help you maneuver on off-road terrain better.
Hopefully, you will find this article helpful. Thank you for reading!