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I had more of a near-death experience on a road bike yesterday than I've ever had on a mountain bike. I can see the potential for having far worse things happen to you on a road bike.
Descending a twisty single-lane road with high hedgerows at about 20 mph, I'd guess, and came round a gradual but blind bend to see an old lady in a Honda Jazz coming up at approx the same speed.
There were about 18 inches of tarmac available to me at the side of the lane that didn't involve hitting the car, and I managed to skid into that 18 inches - just. If the skid had swung out the other way the car would've sent me flying.
Next few miles involved a lot of what-ifs and reliving that couple of seconds in slow-motion.
I've had fairly high speed offs on the mountain bike whose only consequence was a good laugh. I've had some sore ones too (dislocated shoulder being a highlight)
But although I've had far fewer offs on the road I can't say I ever enjoyed any of them. They all hurt.
MTBing is sold as all Ruffty tuffty Grrr; out in the woods with Tree's, big rocks and panthers
Jesus Christ! There are panthers out there? Why did nobody mention the panthers?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/southwest/yoursay/topics/bigcat.shtml
MTBing is sold as all Ruffty tuffty Grrr; out in the woods with Tree's, big rocks and panthers
The place is full of them around here !!
maccruiskeen - MemberJesus Christ! There are panthers out there? Why did nobody mention the panthers?
I think you've been missing The Point Of Mountain Biking.
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If you're gonna buy your wheels from Salvador Dali, it's bound to go wrong!
Hmmm, suppose you can hurt yourself badly either way if you try hard enough.
Difference with road v's off road is that if you crash off road then usually it's your own fault - you can feel it coming and get yourself ready for impact.
On road things sometimes happen a lot faster and when they do happen a highly strung road bike won't give you long to correct things. With an accident on the road there's a good chance that it's often not going to be your fault.
Too many terrible drivers on the road these days and at times it feels dangerous enough surrounded by a ton and a half of car and airbags. That's why I stick to off road riding these days. The scenery is usually better and I don't fancy getting wiped out from behind by a car I never even saw coming.