"Why convert a mountain bike into a hybrid? Wouldn't it be better to just buy a hybrid in the first place?" "What are the advantages of converting a mountain bike into a hybrid?"

Today, we will answer these questions.

The reasons for converting a mountain bike into a hybrid are that it allows for a more relaxed ride and due to current road conditions.

This time, in addition to "Reasons for converting a mountain bike into a hybrid," we will also explain "Mountain bike to hybrid conversion also existed in the past" and "How to convert a mountain bike into a hybrid."

This content will be helpful for anyone with even a slight interest in hybrid bikes or mountain bikes.

Reasons for converting an MTB (mountain bike) into a hybrid

・Absorbs impact from the ground
・Allows for a relaxed ride
・Improves bike maneuverability

The reasons for converting a mountain bike into a hybrid are as listed above.

Let's explain them in order.

Reason for converting to a hybrid ① Absorbs impact from the ground

Mountain bike frames are thicker than road or hybrid frames, which helps absorb impact from the ground.

Indeed, while road and hybrid frames average about 1 kilogram, mountain bike frames are often between 1.2 and 1.6 kilograms.

So, if you convert the parts other than the frame to hybrid bike specifications, you can achieve a ride that absorbs shock and is comfortable.

Reason for converting to a hybrid ② Allows for a relaxed ride

With hybrid and road bikes, the rider is in a forward-leaning posture, which can lead to back pain or saddle soreness during long rides.

In contrast, mountain bikes allow you to ride with your back upright, much like a mamachari (utility bike), so you are less likely to experience back pain even on long distances, enabling a relaxed ride.

However, a forward-leaning posture generally allows for greater speed, so it's a good idea to consider what suits your purpose.

Reason for converting to a hybrid ③ Improves bike maneuverability

If you intend to use a mountain bike for city riding or commuting, its original weight will be unnecessary, so you will need to change the parts to suit city riding or commuting specifications.

A typical way to do this is to change the tire width. If you replace the standard mountain bike tires with the narrowest possible width, the bike will become about 1 kilogram lighter.

Also, since it will be used for daily riding, let's look at the weight of bikes around 50,000 yen.

Hybrids in this price range are said to average about 12 kilograms in total weight, while mountain bikes average about 14 kilograms (with variations depending on the purpose).

Since there isn't a significant difference between the two, simply changing the tire width can achieve maneuverability and speed comparable to a hybrid.

Mountain bike (MTB) to hybrid conversion also existed in the past

It is possible that mountain bikes were converted into hybrids even in the past.

Here, we will explore the reasons from the history of mountain bikes.

Most roads were unpaved

Road paving in Japan began towards the end of the Meiji era (1868-1912) and became widespread in the Taisho era.

Before that, flat, large stones were used. However, at that time, crude oil was mixed with stones and sand, resulting in "asphalt" roads.

Sports bicycles emerged in the early 1900s, with road bikes gaining popularity first, and it wasn't until the 1980s that people started to know about mountain bikes.

However, at that time, asphalt construction was done manually, and the materials were not high-quality, so the roads were not as well-maintained as they are today.

Also, a bicycle guidebook from that time stated, "If you can't perform tricks, you're only half a cyclist," and since bicycles were very expensive, it's possible that mountain bikes were converted into hybrids.

How did mountain bikes spread globally?

Gary Fisher, revered as the father of mountain bikes, established the MountainBikes company around 1980, coined the name "mountain bike," and is known for developing its original form. However, in its first year of operation, MountainBikes company reportedly sold only about 160 units.

It is said that mountain bikes rapidly spread globally because a company called Specialized successfully mass-produced mountain bikes for the first time in 1981. With the advent of Specialized, the MountainBikes company, in its second year of operation, was inundated with orders, but due to undeveloped distribution networks at the time, they could not consistently procure parts, and MountainBikes company naturally dissolved in 1983.

MountainBikes company acquired by Trek

Subsequently, MountainBikes company was acquired by a Taiwanese company called Anlun in 1991, and in 1993, it became part of Trek.

In summary, there's a non-negligible possibility that mountain bike-to-hybrid conversions also existed back then.

Converting an MTB (mountain bike) to a hybrid is recommended

Given current road conditions, converting a mountain bike to a hybrid is recommended.

In 1988, with the introduction of automobiles in Japan, there was a demand for more durable roads, leading to concrete road paving in the Taisho era. However, in 2015, the penetration rate of concrete roads was 27.5% (the penetration rate of simple paved roads was 80% in 2020).

In short, the roads we have today might be temporary repairs of the roads from that time.

Furthermore, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, roads with high heavy vehicle traffic deteriorate in about 10 to 20 years, while roads with occasional traffic can last for 30 to 40 years.

However, simply paved roads are not meant to last, and with many heavy vehicles driving on them recently, roads traversed by heavy vehicles are already deteriorating. In a few years, even more such roads will emerge, which is why converting a mountain bike—which is resistant to vibrations—into a hybrid is recommended.

How to convert an MTB (mountain bike) to a hybrid

・Install on-road tires
・Install slick pattern tires
・Remove the front suspension

The methods for converting a mountain bike to a hybrid are as listed above.

Even just changing these three things can yield significant results.

How to convert an MTB (mountain bike) to a hybrid ① Install on-road tires

Mountain bikes come in three wheel sizes: 26, 27.5, and 29 inches, and the tire width that can be fitted varies for each. You can think of "inches" as the width of the wheel.

The recommended tire width is 1.5mm.

This is because with this width, even at high pressure, vibrations are not transmitted back, allowing you to ride for a long time without getting tired.

How to convert an MTB (mountain bike) to a hybrid ② Install slick tires

Mountain bikes come with three types of tires: "knobby tires," "semi-slick tires," and "slick tires."

Knobby tires have a bumpy tread all over, making them safe to ride even in rainy weather.

Semi-slick tires have knobs only on the sides, making them suitable for both on-road and off-road conditions.

Conversely, slick tires have less rolling resistance, making them suitable for speed and ideal for on-road use such as city riding or commuting.

For commuting or city riding, slick tires are the only choice.

How to convert an MTB (mountain bike) to a hybrid ③ Remove the front suspension

Mountain bikes have suspensions at the front and back (some mountain bikes only have one or the other).

Suspension is a part that extends and contracts to absorb vibrations. If it's on the front and you prioritize even a little speed, it's recommended to remove it.

This is because some suspensions can weigh around 3 kilograms.

Reasons for converting an MTB (mountain bike) to a hybrid: Summary

【Reasons for converting a mountain bike to a hybrid】
・Absorbs impact from the ground
・Allows for a relaxed ride
・Improves bike maneuverability

The reasons for converting a mountain bike to a hybrid are as listed above.

Mountain bikes have thicker frames, so they absorb impact from the ground better than hybrid bikes.

Also, considering recent road conditions, converting a mountain bike to a hybrid seems like a good idea, leveraging its strengths.