Mountain Biking - Mountain vs. Hybrid

I have a roadbike, but because of some back problems have decided to get something that I could ride more upright. I bought my wife a Giant Hybrid. Mountain biking really interests me, but I'm wondering if I could still use it comfortably to take rides with the wife on the road.......usually no more than 20 miles in length. Any advice? Thank you!

Depending on the bike and components, I think you'll be just fine with a decent mountain bike. The key is to make sure the cockpit is set up right (stem extension, rise, bar width, bar height, saddle fore/aft, saddle height) for you. If you're too upright or too prone, or you feel too scrunched in during pedaling, long rides will get very uncomfortable.

Suspension can differ greatly from one bike to the next, so that is another factor. I'm a heavy rider (217 lb) so I had my shop set up my suspension to be a bit more firm than the average joe. My rides vary in length from 10-30 miles and I'm always pretty comfy.

My only problem seems to be foot-related. I always get numbness with the first 20 minutes of my ride. Most likely it is either poor shoe fit, bad cleat position, or maybe a combination of the two.

As long as you have another wheelset that you can switch to skinnies you will be fine.

Thanks, guys! What am I likely to invest in another wheel set?

Originally posted by BlueZoomer
Thanks, guys! What am I likely to invest in another wheel set?

I can't comment on US prices, but overhere you can get a reasonable wheelset for £70 + tyres. You could always simply swap tyres if you don't mind the time it takes to swap, or if you're off-roading is reasonably dry and gentle go for a semi-slick.