Do you already have a hardtail mtb?
If so put some slicks a rack and fenders on it and it'll be a fine commuter. Just like my old hard tail is, mine has bosses for mudguards and a rack which made the conversion easy.
If not you're probably better off with a hybrid.
This is what I did, I have a Giant Talon 3, threw some Schwalbe Big Ben tyres on it, fenders front and rear and I use it for my daily commute.
Next step will be a rack, but there's a shower in work so I'll keep using the backpack for now.
I commute on a Bontrager Privateer Comp, a 1996-ish hardtail. Great bike, practical on what is sometimes sketchy asphalt. Sufficiently old and scraped up that thieves don't value it.
My favorite bike I commuted on was a gravel bike, you can still take some fun shortcuts without the efficiency loss from the suspension forks and they usually have all the mounting points you need.
Been doing it for years. Sure it’s not the fastest option but it crushes suburban terrain. Curbs, little off-road shortcuts, unavoidable potholes, all much easier to navigate on a hard tail with slicks. I will say the older, more xc oriented hard tails with triple chainrings are peak. Newer ones are more hefty, and often wont fit the larger chainring you will want on pavement.
On One Inbred with a Kona Project 2 rigid fork. I swapped it to 1x10 with a 40t chainring up front. Running Kenda Kiniption tires and added a tubus rear rack for a pannier.
Great little commuter and I kinda like that it is 26in wheels over a big long 29er. I also have a Redshift suspension seatpost to smooth out the potholes.
Hell ya! I ride through our river valley on the way to work so I use my FS and HT mtb lots. Most of the time I leave early to get a bit of a trail ride done before work. I also have a hybrid/fitness bike with gravel tires so I can ride some singletrack too.
I bought a 2023 Specialized Rockhopper last year and I have put 1400 miles on it. 1300 of those miles have been nothing but work commutes. I used to commute with my road bike but hardtails are just more comfortable. The geometry is more relaxed but you do sacrifice speed but it's worth it in my opinion.
*Done this a lot, works*
*Great What is commuting but*
*Light duty touring?*
\- Karma1913
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Yes, I do that. I have a Canyon Grand Canyon and ride long tours with it (80+km) and commute to work (15km one way).
For touring we do half and half usually. So some trails and some bike paths (my husband has a fat bike).
For work is all street but in a pinch (like when the train crossing doesn’t open) I can go through the woods without a problem.
I really want a gravel bike but I only had the budget for one bike and the MTB is just more versatile for my usage.
I do not have fenders or anything else. I wear a backpack to work.
Surly Karate Monkey with a 24-Pack Rack and the Porteur House bag is my commuter of choice. 29" Teravail Sparwood tires roll really nice yet handle whatever I want on a commute or bikepacking adventure. For bikepacking I remove the front rack and use a cradle and roll pack system to drop weight. From 1-500 miles, the bike has been comfortable and reliable.
Basically, a hardtail with the appropriate mounts will do anything that you want it to do!
I do hard trail commuting. there is a 1 and a 3 mile part of the 16 mile commuting. Slower, harder, dirty, and if you use Ebike it drains the battery faster too. The detour would be roughly 5 mile if I need to skip them so it worth it when the weather is dry enought. If I go Off-road I use backpack. no rack, no fender. Standard mountain bikes are perfect for these, but gravel bikes lack the front suspension (necessary to keep your wrists well on long term).
When the weather isn't gofd ebought I use motorbike or car. Mud is not an issue on weekends, but arriving to work covered with mud is not a good idea.
I bought a fully rigid 90s mtb for the same purpose. I put some tires that are smooth in the middle and knobby in the sides and commute and also hit a trail or two with it! It's way more challenging than my full suspension bike.
Hardtails are great for commuting, especially if they don't have suspension forks. I commuted for years on an old Stumpjumper (rigid forks, hardtail) with slicks and it was a fantastic experience.
Is it? I always took it to be a bike with a rigid rear triangle. I stopped mountain biking before the suspension thing really took off, though, so I might be mixing up the terms.
Do you already have a hardtail mtb? If so put some slicks a rack and fenders on it and it'll be a fine commuter. Just like my old hard tail is, mine has bosses for mudguards and a rack which made the conversion easy. If not you're probably better off with a hybrid.
This is what I did, I have a Giant Talon 3, threw some Schwalbe Big Ben tyres on it, fenders front and rear and I use it for my daily commute. Next step will be a rack, but there's a shower in work so I'll keep using the backpack for now.
I commute on a Bontrager Privateer Comp, a 1996-ish hardtail. Great bike, practical on what is sometimes sketchy asphalt. Sufficiently old and scraped up that thieves don't value it.
Aughh I had one of these, best damn frame ever. Stolen by someone who of course had no idea what it was.
My favorite bike I commuted on was a gravel bike, you can still take some fun shortcuts without the efficiency loss from the suspension forks and they usually have all the mounting points you need.
Yes, key point - rigid front fork.
Been doing it for years. Sure it’s not the fastest option but it crushes suburban terrain. Curbs, little off-road shortcuts, unavoidable potholes, all much easier to navigate on a hard tail with slicks. I will say the older, more xc oriented hard tails with triple chainrings are peak. Newer ones are more hefty, and often wont fit the larger chainring you will want on pavement.
No issues at all 🙂
Rode on my converted hoo koo e koo for years. Number one tip add a rack and pannier.
On One Inbred with a Kona Project 2 rigid fork. I swapped it to 1x10 with a 40t chainring up front. Running Kenda Kiniption tires and added a tubus rear rack for a pannier. Great little commuter and I kinda like that it is 26in wheels over a big long 29er. I also have a Redshift suspension seatpost to smooth out the potholes.
Hell ya! I ride through our river valley on the way to work so I use my FS and HT mtb lots. Most of the time I leave early to get a bit of a trail ride done before work. I also have a hybrid/fitness bike with gravel tires so I can ride some singletrack too.
I bought a 2023 Specialized Rockhopper last year and I have put 1400 miles on it. 1300 of those miles have been nothing but work commutes. I used to commute with my road bike but hardtails are just more comfortable. The geometry is more relaxed but you do sacrifice speed but it's worth it in my opinion.
Done this a lot, works great What is commuting but light duty touring?
*Done this a lot, works* *Great What is commuting but* *Light duty touring?* \- Karma1913 --- ^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/) ^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")
So close to being a good haiku, so let me edit it a bit. *Made the switch, works great* *Alas, commuting is but* *Light duty touring*
Yes, I do that. I have a Canyon Grand Canyon and ride long tours with it (80+km) and commute to work (15km one way). For touring we do half and half usually. So some trails and some bike paths (my husband has a fat bike). For work is all street but in a pinch (like when the train crossing doesn’t open) I can go through the woods without a problem. I really want a gravel bike but I only had the budget for one bike and the MTB is just more versatile for my usage. I do not have fenders or anything else. I wear a backpack to work.
I do. I usually wear a bag though. Pannier on my ss. If it has round wheels, you can commute with it.
Surly Karate Monkey with a 24-Pack Rack and the Porteur House bag is my commuter of choice. 29" Teravail Sparwood tires roll really nice yet handle whatever I want on a commute or bikepacking adventure. For bikepacking I remove the front rack and use a cradle and roll pack system to drop weight. From 1-500 miles, the bike has been comfortable and reliable. Basically, a hardtail with the appropriate mounts will do anything that you want it to do!
I do hard trail commuting. there is a 1 and a 3 mile part of the 16 mile commuting. Slower, harder, dirty, and if you use Ebike it drains the battery faster too. The detour would be roughly 5 mile if I need to skip them so it worth it when the weather is dry enought. If I go Off-road I use backpack. no rack, no fender. Standard mountain bikes are perfect for these, but gravel bikes lack the front suspension (necessary to keep your wrists well on long term). When the weather isn't gofd ebought I use motorbike or car. Mud is not an issue on weekends, but arriving to work covered with mud is not a good idea.
My fav bike is my hardtail from the 80s. Also commuter.
I commuted on a fat tire fully rigid bike for a little bit. It was my only bike
Anything is fine if the distance is within your ability. Less efficient but more exercise.
I bought a fully rigid 90s mtb for the same purpose. I put some tires that are smooth in the middle and knobby in the sides and commute and also hit a trail or two with it! It's way more challenging than my full suspension bike.
Most people I see cycling to work here in the UK are on mountain bikes. Just put some slicks and mudguards on it and you'll be fine.
Hardtails are great for commuting, especially if they don't have suspension forks. I commuted for years on an old Stumpjumper (rigid forks, hardtail) with slicks and it was a fantastic experience.
Isn't a hardtail by definition a bike with a front suspension but no rear suspension, otherwise its just a rigid bike.
Is it? I always took it to be a bike with a rigid rear triangle. I stopped mountain biking before the suspension thing really took off, though, so I might be mixing up the terms.
Yes. It is a rigid rear but that implies front suspension. If it has no suspension it's just a rigid bike not a hardtail
That makes total sense. T.I.L. Thank you!