Consider a Mountain Bike for Your Daily Commute
Commuting to and from work by bicycle is a smart idea for a number of reasons. Not only does this method of transportation save you money because you aren't buying gas or paying to park, but it can also provide a valuable form of fitness during the workday. People often associate road bikes with commuting, and there's little doubt that this type of bicycle offers some benefits in this application. It's not your only option, however. Another idea is to buy a mountain bike for this purpose. Here are some reasons that a mountain bike can work well for riding to and from work.
You Can Take Shortcuts
With a road bike, you're essentially limited to traveling on roads, paths, and sidewalks. Depending on the nature of your commute, there may be an opportunity to take a shortcut over terrain that isn't paved. For example, perhaps there's a large park between your home and place of work, but it doesn't have a path through it. If you were to use a road bike, you'd likely have to stay on a paved surface and travel around the perimeter of the park. A mountain bike's rugged frame is designed for off-road conditions, so you'd likely have no trouble cutting across the grass — and potentially reducing the length of your commute in the process.
You'll Feel Confident in Inclement Conditions
While some people commute by bicycle only during the summer months, there are those who remain dedicated to this transportation method even during the winter. However, a road bike is a poor choice in snowy conditions, as its tires provide little traction. A mountain bike, however, is equipped with tires that offer a high degree of grip. This can allow you to pedal through snow and slush with the confidence that you won't take a tumble.
You'll Enjoy More Comfort
A major difference between mountain bikes and road bikes is that the former typically has shocks. Shocks are valuable for people who use their mountain bikes in bumpy, off-road conditions, but this can be a feature that you also enjoy while commuting. For example, if you occasionally hit a pothole or ride off a curb, the mountain bike's shocks will absorb the impact. On a road bike, your body absorbs the impact of hitting a pothole. In fact, this impact can jostle you significantly, potentially to the point that you lose control of the bike — which is something that you certainly don't want happening on your commute.
To learn more, contact a mountain bike distributor near you today.