Is there any point....

[BLUEBIKE]

Is there any point to mountain biking when you can fell run and/or ride a good road bike ?? It has crossed my mind many a year when I have seen folk lugging metal up hills...and what's the body armour bit about...

[Derby Tup]

Is there any point to mountain biking when you can fell run and/or ride a good road bike ?? It has crossed my mind many a year when I have seen folk lugging metal up hills...and what's the body armour bit about...

Interesting question BLUEBIKE. Trail riding on a mountain bike is great fun (especially with a group of friends) and a good way of getting or keeping fit. Pushing a motorless motorbike with bedsprings on it up a hill to then ride back down doesn't really interest me but each to their own I suppose.

[Vince]

It is good for those of us who have permanent injuries meaning we cannot do the 'many mile' fell runs, but can enjoy them on a MTB. And believe me, heart in the mouth for the descents, knowing that a single mistake could put you in hospital. That is where the body armour comes into it

[idler]

One of the things that turned me onto hill running was being left for dead by a couple of runners, whilst riding up Cut Gate in the Peak. Chatting.
...and then seeing them again on the way down, whilst I was still labouring away.

Having said that, bikes are officially great. 100% Fact.

[wheezing donkey]

I ride a cyclo-cross bike, but not competitively - just 'fun' and cross-training. My rule of thumb is:- Tarmac & bridleway - the bike; if it's rougher and steeper - feet. Likewise, I can't understand fellrunners who think that having a 4x4 is a de rigeur piece of kit. When the tarmac finishes, start running.