Road Bike Vs Mountain Bike Speed Difference

Road bikes are slender and more aerodynamic to achieve higher speeds.

Road bike vs mountain bike speed difference.

Jim s numbers indicate about a 17 20 increase in mph for a road bike versus a mountain bike. Mountain biking became a sport in 1970s and has since then diversified into cross country riding became an olympic sport in 1996. When it comes to speed you can t make a road bike vs. As we mentioned before mountain bikes get pawned more so you might save on the used market.

In the design of the road bike and that of a mountain bike is different. Mountain bikes can scramble over roots and rocks that would stop a road bike in its tracks but when it comes to pavement a road bike will take the lead every time. However if you put the mountain bike on the same touraine i e a smooth paved trail the difference in speeds between mtb and road bike should be closer. Mountain bikes are harder to pedal and slower on pavement.

On any given day road bikes have greater speeds than mountain bikes. They are not as well suited for operating off the road. Decent mountain bikes and road bikes will run upwards of 800. Road bikes can easily speed up to 50mph the frames of road bikes are thinner and more aerodynamic that help a biker achieve high speeds.

One interesting thing to note is that a lot of the speed difference in the test seemed to come in the first 10 yards along the test track as the bikes accelerated up to speed. Road bikes are fast and easy to pedal on pavement. Mountain bikes are created for off road cycling in non paved rough environments. In general it takes more energy to propel a heavy mountain bike than it does a road bike.

Based on the speed test i found the road bike rolled on average about 11 faster than the mountain bike. Less popular as difficult to film and televise and is the only mountain biking event at the summer olympics. Some people find the dropped riding position difficult to maintain comfortably for a long time. A mountain bike comparison.