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Are Road Bikes Good for Long Distance Rides?

Not all bikes are built the same. While some types of bikes are great for racing, others can be excellent choices when taking a break and exploring the wilderness. However, when we talk about long commutes, many people wonder if road bikes are the right choice in this regard.

Road bikes are generally a good choice when it comes to longer distances, but you also have to keep in mind they are only best on the pavement or road. In fact, road bikes cannot be off-road for long periods, as they cannot ride smoothly on uneven terrain.

The slim, fast-paced design of a road bike is an enticing choice for long commutes, and that is the subject we will explore in this article today! Read more to learn about why these bikes do so well through long-distance riding and what conditions they require to make this achievement. 

Image of a man riding a bike.

Is Road Bike Good For Long Rides?

Road bikes are generally lightweight and able to maintain high speeds. This, amongst other qualities, makes road bikes an amazing choice for rides, especially on city roads. This leads many to wonder if they can carry out longer rides with this kind of bike.

The answer is that road bikes are a solid choice of bike when it comes to long rides. This is because it can help you comfortably cover a long distance with its lightweight design and ability to achieve higher speeds, allowing you to cover longer distances in a much shorter time.

However, there is one caveat: the road bike can only do this on a route that is entirely on either pavement, road, or street. So, you need to factor in what the route will look like, as the road bike cannot do well when you go off the road onto terrain that is uneven or soft.

In contrast, if you know the majority of your route is off the road, you should look for a mountain bike. These bikes can commute over dirt roads and mountainous terrain much better, as they have better traction and can maintain balance even when the road is completely uneven.

However, when it comes to the city, a road bike is the best option out there. The fact of the matter is that road bikes can provide you with a stable and smooth experience, both because of their low weight, and because they use tires that are over-inflated and able to move through pavement fast, without friction slowing them down. 

You also don’t have to pedal them too hard, so you can easily maintain your energy even when you are on a long journey. If you are planning a long trip, here are some tips on maintaining energy and comfort throughout:

Factors That Impact Your Long Commute On A Road Bike

Now that you know that it is possible to use a road bike on a longer commute, you may be wondering what exactly the limitations of this statement are. 

After all, the word ‘long’ can have different meanings, and the answer can also depend on a few key factors regarding your use.

Surface

The first factor that impacts how long you can use your road bike is the type of surface you are riding on. We’ve already mentioned that you need to be on a paved surface, but as anyone can attest, some roads can offer far less than what you’d expect. 

Road bikes will not do well on roads that have a lot of potholes, or uneven surfaces due to wear and tear and damage.

Traffic

Another factor that can impact how long you will be able to stay on your bike is the status of traffic on the road. If there is a lot of traffic, your road bike may get difficult to manage. 

While you can still manage moderate traffic, if your daily commute is filled with the kind of traffic that makes you stop every second, perhaps a road bike is not right for you.

Budget

Also, consider what your cost and budgeting for managing such a commute will be. Because road bikes are built for specific terrain, going off-the-road or having to move over obstacles can cause damage that warrants replacement. And this can be tough on the wallet.

Health

Riding a bike is all about your physical health, and imagining that you can take long rides without understanding your physical needs can be dangerous. Given that you are healthy and make sure to warm up, stretch, and exercise, you should have a decent ability to use the road bike.

Experience

Finally, also consider your experience with road bikes. Obviously, professionals who know how to properly navigate the bike can reach longer distances much more easily than people who are just starting out. Always make sure to take things slow and learn more with lots of practice!

Image of a man riding a bike.

How Long Should You Ride A Road Bike

So, with all that you know now, you must be wondering how long you can ride when you are using your road bike. You may even have wondered how long you should ride, especially when you are using your road bike for your daily commute. In this case, there are a few things to consider.

For someone who is new to using a bike and doesn’t have the health of an athlete, it can be a reasonable idea to consider traveling up to 20 miles on a road bike, given that the factors above are controlled for. Anything more than this may lead to significant discomfort.

If you take enough breaks though, you will easily be able to make up to 60 miles a day on your bike, so given you keep your health up to the mark, you can envision yourself going to work, and coming back home without issues even if it is about 20 miles away.

Final Thoughts

So, as you can see, long commutes on a road bike are definitely doable for most people. There are also factors that you should consider when riding your bike. 

The most important thing is making sure to take enough breaks and stay hydrated! You will be surprised at how much easier the ride becomes when you keep this in mind, so take your time, enjoy the experience, and have fun.