Is it okay to ride a mountain bike to school?
I’m a junior in high school, and I live a little under 4 miles from my school. I plan on riding a bike to school, but I have a huge mountain bike. My route to school isn’t that busy, so to say, but mountain bikes technically are meant to ride on mountains. Would it be safe or lawful to drive in around Boston, MA?
There is absolutely nothing wrong with riding a mountain bike on the street. It’s just like taking a SUV on the road. Lots of people do it. For short distances (under 10 miles) a mountain bike will do just fine.
That being said, a mountain bike requires alot more effort than a road bike. Mountain bikes can go 10-12 mph while a good road bike can go 30+ mph. If you want to buy a new bike, try a road bike. The knobby tires of a mountain bike are great for mountain biking trails, but not so great for roads. The skinnier road bike tires are smooth and much easier to go distances.
You could also compromise. Just put smooth tires on your mountain bike. That would only be ~40, instead of a new bike. Your mountain bike could then go 3-4 mph faster on the road than with the knobby tires. However, you’ll need to switch back to the knobby tires when you take your bike offroad.
The most economic way to ride on the streets with a "mountain" bike is to change your tires. It is like auto tires, if you have mud tires then it sounds horrible and uses up more fuel on the road. Highway tires would be great but is worthless off-road. Then there are all purpose treads, all terrains. This is what is on most SUV. If you have 26" wheels, try out some Continentals town & country tires. great tires for both road and trails.
Check out the web: nashbar or performance bike. They usually have good sales on tires.
Sure you can ride a mountain bike to school. Riding a mountain bike is like driving a Jeep - it’s made for off-road, but it can do on-road just fine, if a little slower.
Be sure to lock it well.