Is a Mountain Bike Good for Long Distances?

Aug 5, 2022 — Thought experiment: If you were biking long distances, and all roads were nicely paved and maintained, in mostly straight lines, would you really take them?

Experience dictates that the road less traveled is usually where beauty is tucked away. You have to seek it out, beyond paved highways… outside the A to B travel mentality. And unless your long trip goal is purely functional, this philosophy does well to remind us of a few things:

1. Long distance biking isn’t just about where you’re going. So much of what is remembered of a trip is first unfamiliar, unknown, and unexpected. To quote Springsteen: “Mama, that’s where the fun is.”

2. Once a route is traced, and a killer playlist selected, it’s all about what you’re going to do and how you’re going about it. There's discovery hidden in every nook and cranny of a given journey, and if pursued, many an opportunity to better your own riding skill.

3. There’s no denying that this adventurous type of riding requires a capable means of transport. Only one option comes to mind: the mountain bike.

One With the Elements

When it comes to gravel, dirt, and unfamiliar terrain, mountain bikes will be the most versatile riding option bar none. Their durability alone makes them reliable for long distances, and with a few smart packing tips, you can tackle the toughest trails until your legs give out. Moreover, you’ll be glad you have fatter tires, along with a nimble frame and decent suspension to navigate around… or through obstacles.

It’s now become a common misconception that mountain bikes are heavier than a dead donkey. While it’s true that full suspension models are on the heavier side, you don’t really need to dish out the extra cash for a fully equipped downhill devil to ride long distance. Most newer models are constructed with lighter materials like carbon fiber, and you can further save on weight by upgrading your wheelsets, not to mention going tubeless.

Even if we’re talking about a couple of extra pounds here, this shouldn’t be seen as a bad thing. MTB models are designed this way to provide extra stability and even greater speed. Though when it comes to traveling on pavement alone, there will be some drawbacks. For instance, the amount of energy required to keep pedaling will be more taxing than on a road bike, there’s no way around it.

In the end, it’s all about the type of trip you’re going on. Any time we’re talking about a situation with off-road trails and uneven terrain, the mountain bike is to be preferred. Plus, you don’t have to worry about some car clipping you as you desperately try to avoid debris your tires can’t handle on the shoulder of the road.

Think Ahead

Alright, you’re about to head out and lay into the gnarliest trails and downhills. Before you leave too hastily, make sure you’ve packed smart. This typically involves your brain, and the following:

• Prepare for the type of ride. Heavily geared towards off-road? Make sure the tires and suspension are up to the task. A little more pavement? Think about road-friendly tires. Speaking more generally, look at small improvements that go a long way: comfortable handlebars in your neutral riding position, and an aftermarket seat that won’t numb your backside.

• Maintenance is a must. Check tire pressure, and inspect every component of the bike. It also wouldn’t hurt to go on a shorter test ride as the trip draws near.

• Repair tools. Anything can go wrong, especially long distance, so just get a compact kit that will get you out of a sticky situation.

• Pack light, pack the essentials: hydration pouch, snacks, first aid, protective and lightweight gear, more than 1 pair of your favorite Spongebob underwear; you get the idea.

Set the Pace

You’re at the precipice, geared up and all, with one decision left to make: am I truly ready to brave the storm ahead?

Truth is, it doesn’t have to be this dramatic. Conventional wisdom indicates that it’s far safer to pace yourself. This means starting off with lower mileage in a given day of riding. It also means tackling tougher terrain once you’ve had time to warm up.

Now I’m not here to pitch some kind of exercise program. You really don’t need to be an Olympian to reach a pace of up to 50 miles a day. It’s all about being comfortable on your bike, and building up to this point, if you’re looking to log some distance. Start with whatever feels comfortable, and keep track of the distance you reach at the end of the day. If you need to plan stops for the night, it’s better to have them much closer together in the beginning, this way you get some positive reinforcement and optimism as you reach your destination.

Don’t get me wrong, physical fitness is not negligible if you’re aiming for the 50 mile mark. Having a baseline of endurance prior to the trip is recommended. Heck, even trying to ride the bike on a nice flat, paved road is enough to get you used to time in the saddle. It’ll also be a good indicator if your seat is comfortable enough long distance — and this definitely isn’t something you want to discover later.

Shorter trail rides are also to be favored, as is an awareness of one’s skill level which, incidentally, can only be tested or discovered in the thick of it. If the same trails are traversed frequently, you’ll have a nice area to really get familiar with the peculiarities of the bike’s handling, and it’ll serve well to build up confidence.

Did I make it seem like you’re all alone in the fight? If that’s your thing, by all means, but definitely don’t shy away from inviting a riding buddy or two, especially if they are more experienced and can offer useful pointers along the way.

It’s almost like magic, you tackle a trail by yourself one day and feel totally defeated. You then try it the following day with a friend; suddenly, your confidence receives a nice boost, and you push through the same levels of fatigue with greater ease. I wouldn’t have a name for this phenomenon… I guess if I wanted to make you roll your eyes, I could call it camariderie.

Are Mountain Bikes Good for Long Rides?

So, is MTB the way to go for long-distance travel? Abso-freaking-lutely, and in the most complete sense. The sport is just as challenging as it is rewarding, and you come out of it feeling like you can handle anything Mother Nature has up its sleeve.

4,000 plus vertical feet climbed and descended? Check. 50 plus miles traversed in a single day? Check. When you finally reach the end of it all, you look back. This voyage will not only be remembered for the gorgeous landscapes; it will serve as a testament to your capability as a rider, through sheer determination and will.

Why? Simple. Because you just kept pedaling.