Alternative to a Mountain Bike

[Hammer]

I have a roadbike and I have a hybrid bike. When I got each I lived in town, now I live out in the country, but just off of a paved road.

I would like to do some rides on gravel roads. I do ride my hybrid a bit on gravel, but it doesn't handle phenomenally well if the road is a bit wet. I suspect that if I under inflated the tires a bit, it'd be better. The tires are slick hybrid tires, meant for a paved bike trail.

Here's a link to the current model of my bike:
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/bike_path/7000_series/7200/

My bike club occasionally does a gravel road ride every now and then to a town in Nebraska. I would like to go, and I figure that my hybrid would be okay, but I think that I need different tires.

I know that Giant has a hybrid type bike with mountain bike type tires, the Sedona.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/lifestyle/1277/29338/

I'm trying to compare specs to see if the Trek will even take Alloy 32H Double Wall Rims and Multi-Surface 26 x 1.95" tires.

Does anyone know if this would work both mechanically and practically on a hilly gravel road?

I would like to try some non technical single track type mountain bike trails at some of the state parks, but I don't know how often I'd ride. Most of my bike club are roadies and they primarily bring their mountain bikes out in the fall. My husband says it wouldn't be very practical to even buy an entry mountain bike right now if I don't *truly* need it or wouldn't ride it with the needed frequency.

Thanks for your help!!

[singletrackmind]

Would a wheelset cost you something in the range of what a decent used entry-level mtb would?

What about cyclocross tires, which come in a 700c?

What kind of gravel are we talking? Really fine like what you'd find on some rails to trails or more coarse?

Yes, if you ride at max air pressure less would help. Not too much less or it'll be squirrelly in a whole 'nother manner.

[han-grrl]

i was going to suggest CX bike.

[bluebug32]

The only problem with CX bike is that you're sacrificing suspension. I have one that I love, but riding on gravel isn't as much fun as I originally envisioned and now I use it mainly as a road bike (which you already have).

It sounds like maybe you've outgrown the hybrid, since now you're in the country. A hardtail mountain bike would prepare you for the trails or the gravel road (I ride mine on carriage trails).

[Hammer]

I have been trying to watch for a used mountain bike, I just haven't been lucky enough to find a decent one around here. Sure, there are trashed huffy and Wal-Mart bikes around at rummage sales... But, I haven't found used Giants or Treks or anything like that. I've looked around on ebay, but it seems like it is more difficult to find a deal on there anymore. A lot of the used bikes seem to be going pretty high still. I will keep watching.

I suppose cyclocross tires might work on the hybrid. I had looked into getting them for my roadbike, but the people at the shop said that they wouldn't fit.

Hmm, the gravel roads around here range from fine to coarse. There's some decent stones in the mix with sand too. Generally they're packed pretty well, though they get a little loose sometimes too. If the maintainer goes down a gravel rooad, it scrapes it up a bit and leaves ridges of dirt along the side.

I haven't been on the road that I'd mentioned previously that the bike club tends to use. The gravel roads near my house are packed in the middle because that's where traffic travels and then looser on the edge near the ditch.

[emily_in_nc]

Hammer, where is "around here"? I have an entry-level WSD mtb in fantastic shape I'm planning to sell one day, but really don't want to ship it....

Emily (in NC, obviously) :cool:

[Hammer]

Well, I'm in South Dakota. That's just around the corner from North Carolina. :D My aunt and uncle live there, but I don't know that they'll be back in this area for a little while and they typically fly when they do come back.

Thank you all for your comments. I have considered selling my hybrid, but while it doesn't keep up with my roadbike, it is a decent bike for my husband to use when we go out on the road. He's riding it next weekend on the MS150.

We'll see if a good deal shows on my doorstep. There was a Trek 820 on ebay last night that I think went for like $182 plus $60 for shipping. Unless someone bid it up at the last minute. I considered trying to get it.

I have to return some gloves to scheel's today. That's where I got my hybrid. I may ask them what's possible. And, they sometimes have crazy mark downs on their bikes, especially know that the season is winding down and in a month or so they'll be moving in ski gear.

[emily_in_nc]

Yeah, SD is a bit far from NC. :D Do you have a Craig's List in your local area? It can be a good source for used bikes, and you get to see, touch, and maybe test ride before you make a final decision. That is probably how I'll sell mine when the time comes (I may keep it for on the trainer, just can't make up my mind!)

Good luck!
Emily

[wannaduacentury]

I have a roadbike and I have a hybrid bike. When I got each I lived in town, now I live out in the country, but just off of a paved road.

I would like to do some rides on gravel roads. I do ride my hybrid a bit on gravel, but it doesn't handle phenomenally well if the road is a bit wet. I suspect that if I under inflated the tires a bit, it'd be better. The tires are slick hybrid tires, meant for a paved bike trail.

Here's a link to the current model of my bike:
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/bike_path/7000_series/7200/

My bike club occasionally does a gravel road ride every now and then to a town in Nebraska. I would like to go, and I figure that my hybrid would be okay, but I think that I need different tires.

I know that Giant has a hybrid type bike with mountain bike type tires, the Sedona.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/lifestyle/1277/29338/

I'm trying to compare specs to see if the Trek will even take Alloy 32H Double Wall Rims and Multi-Surface 26 x 1.95" tires.

Does anyone know if this would work both mechanically and practically on a hilly gravel road?

I would like to try some non technical single track type mountain bike trails at some of the state parks, but I don't know how often I'd ride. Most of my bike club are roadies and they primarily bring their mountain bikes out in the fall. My husband says it wouldn't be very practical to even buy an entry mountain bike right now if I don't *truly* need it or wouldn't ride it with the needed frequency.

Thanks for your help!!

I used to have a hybrid and rode it on gravel, very annoying to me. I traded it for the mtn bike and it's much better on gravel. Jenn