Road Bike

Is there really a difference between a mountain bike and road bike ridden on the street?

On a mountain bike on the street, there is more of a feeling of control and stability and it seems better going up hills.

However, there is more of a thrill with a road bike because it's faster and smoother.

Overall, I don't think there is that much of a difference. The guy at the bike shop said a mountain bike can be ridden anywhere not just on trails.

In the long run, does anyone feel there is a difference between the two?

Enormous difference. Mountain bikes usually have 26" tires that are much wider & a knobby tread pattern. That alone will slow you down. Yes, you can ride a mountain bike on the streets but they take more effort from the rider because of these wider tires. A wider tire that holds less air pressure will have a higher rolling resistance than a taller, thinner road bike tire. Also, the suspension parts of a mountain bike soak up energy. Not all of the rider's efforts is transmitted to the rear wheel. Some of it (a lot) is soaked up or absorbed into the bike's frame & suspension.

A road bike has no suspension. Most of the rider's effort is directed to the rear wheel. Then toss in those taller, thinner tires that pump up to a higher psi level & it rolls so much faster on the streets.

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