Feb 19, 2010
Can A Mountain Bike Be Converted To A Commuter Bike?
Comfort seat-raising the handle bars (stem) as much as possible-thinner tires -as much as rims will support-raising seat post—I have a mountain bike that rides real smooth as well as shifts smoothly.
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It will work fine. When I was last in graduate school I converted my hardtail mountain bike to a commuter and rode it almost every day, 22 miles round trip in city traffic. I put street slicks on it and mounted panniers on a Blackburn rack. I didn’t see any need to raise the stem any higher than the normal mountain bike position, and recommend that you not make this change at first, because normal position is high enough to see traffic but gives a modicum of aerodynamic advantage. The only problem I had was bouncing of the front shocks while climbing vigorously. Wish I’d had either a lock-out or a non-suspension fork.
Even if you are not riding at night I recommend flashing lights front and rear. They are inexpensive and increase your visibility a lot.
I’m pleased to hear that there will be one less commuter car on the road. Just be aware that lots of people driving automobiles are not fully awake in the early morning, so be extra alert then.
Absolutely a mountain bike can be a great commuter! You are absolutely on the right track with all of your ideas.
In addition to the thinner tires, make sure the tread is as smooth as possible. Smooth tread is most efficient, knobs are least efficient on pavement. Smooth tread also has the best grip on pavement. I will always recommend touring types of tires with puncture resistance. Continental, Panaracer, Specialized, Ritchey, and WTB are excellent brands that will last.
You can also get a riser stem and riser type of handlebar. You can see a nice selection at the links below, but I would go to a bike shop to see them in person and get a better feel for what will work for you.
The others have the right idea.
Slicks make a big difference to non-road bikes performance & handlebar height can be easily adjusted for your needs.
The other good thing about mountain bikes is that they have a sturdy frame & it’s easy to add on some rear racks and pannier bags.
The ability to carry items when commuting is really useful.
Fenders are also quite easy to fit, which would come in handy when riding in all kinds of weather.
Years ago, when I couldn’t afford both a road bike and a mountain bike, I just bought some slick (actually they have some tread just not knobby tread) tires and my mountain bike worked great as a commuter bike.
Its an easy swap.. all you need are slick tires.
You can change the tires to thinner ones but you can’t go smaller then the width of the rim. You can get riser handle bars or a stem riser. Talk with your guys at the bike shop, they can help you out.
hell yes, did it to by mounty bike.