Alternative to a Mountain Bike

[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)

[Hammer]

Well, I'm in South Dakota. That's just around the corner from North Carolina. 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. 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