Racing vs MB

[bikerdave]

I'm not going to start a technical appraisal of cycle geometry but trust me the big bucks spent on R+D isn't all wasted.

All i'm trying to say is think before you reply "can i really help the person asking this question?" If you really feel you can fine but if not it's not compulsory to have an opinion.

I daredn't say any more as anyone who rides a 26" frame is al least 3 feet taller than me so i'm feeling intimidated. Unless you've made a mistake? No surely not!

dave

[bikerdave]

I mean that the geometry of mountain bikes and road bikes is different, even the geometry of a touring road bike differs from a road race bike. Just because a hardtail mtb frame looks superficially like a road frame does not mean they will handle the same, top tube length , seat tube angle, steerer tube angle and chainstay length are just some of the variables that can be altered to make a bike handle well for it's intended purpose. For instance a short wheelbase and steep steering racer will turn on a sixpence and sprint well as it is stiff. A superficially similar mtb frame will have shallower steering and longer wheelbase for stability, great off road but flexy and slow steering on tarmac. Horses for courses!
A frame is measured by seatube length not wheelsize!

Other than that i give in i just want Matt to have some sound advice, if you're still reading Matt how have you got on?

dave

[SPANNER]

If a mtb has an ahead set it would not be all that difficult to change the straight bars to drops and have brake/changer combined brake levers providing of course the cable guides for the rear brake and gears are on the top tube

[Happiness]

I have been thinking while following this thread (rather interesting for the passions expressed),
that if we could blow into something to start off the journey and create a streamlined pod around the bike like an inflatable microlilo, then we should all get home much quickly, and have more time for laughs on ctc message board. It would have to blow into the right shape to reduce wind resistance to the minimum to pierce the wind all the way home. Luminous too.

[TJ]

I'm losing the will to live!

[philw]

quote...have to blow into the right shape to reduce wind resistance to the minimum to pierce the wind all the way home./quote

You forgot to mention that this only works because the air being blown is hot.

Lance obviously had a lucky escape as no one ever challenged him on a Raleigh Burner.

[bikerdave]

So i need an inflatable bmx bike with drop handlebars to really get my times down on road commuting?

[TJ]

It also needs to be 6ft long, have oversize wheels, indicators and a brake light, it will then do 35 mph no matter who is riding it!

[belgiangoth]

Matt1982,
Wheel size (700c vs 26"), width and tyre type will all have an immediate and major effect on your time and effort to get to work.

I used to ride a badly fitted CroMo MTB, and have cheaply upgraded to a Revolution Courier Race (www.edinburgh-bicycle.co.uk the price has gone up from the 250 I paid for mine, but now with free shipping) it's like a whole new world!

Slick tyres will have the biggest difference, then wheel size and width. Obviously a racer will go even faster - but it's not easy to jump from a MTB style to tomething with paper-thin tyres and an agressive riding position.

[bikerdave]

I think the term "racer" is often misused to describe any bike with drop handlebars and perhaps this is putting people off road bikes generally. A true racer is not ideal for commuting as they're short, stiff, quick steering and difficult to fit mudgaurds and luggage to.
A tourer such as the Dawes Galaxy range is a little heavier but has more stable and comfortable geometry as well as weather protection, wide gear range and pannier racks and is practical for year round use.
dave