Commuting - Are 700x35c tires/wheels too wimpy for occasional off-roading?

I will be buying a commuting bike to use instead of my old department-store mountain bike.
The bike I am considering has fairly smooth 700x35c tires, which seem less robust than my 26xsomething knobby tires.
Every now and then I find it convenient to take brief shortcuts along dirt trails.
Nothing too serious, but there are roots and rocks and holes instead of smooth pavement.
Will 700x35c non-knobby tires be okay for that?
The planned bike has fenders, so I'm not sure I could add bigger/knobbier tires.

Thanks,
Jeff

[1st post]

I have 700 x 32 and I think they're fine on dirt. The last part of my commute I usually ride for a ways down a dirt jogging trail. I always feel like I should get out of the way of the pedestrians, so I've occassionally taken to the ungroomed deep gravel on the side of the main trail to avoid them. I can ride in that, and over tree roots and rocks with no problem at all.

If the bike handles well, and you're a decent rider, you'll have no problem getting used to a skinnier tire. In fact, you will really like how much easier those slick tires roll on the pavement!

I will be buying a commuting bike to use instead of my old department-store mountain bike.
The bike I am considering has fairly smooth 700x35c tires, which seem less robust than my 26xsomething knobby tires.
Every now and then I find it convenient to take brief shortcuts along dirt trails.
Nothing too serious, but there are roots and rocks and holes instead of smooth pavement.
Will 700x35c non-knobby tires be okay for that?
The planned bike has fenders, so I'm not sure I could add bigger/knobbier tires.

Thanks,
Jeff

[1st post]

Knobby tires help for mud, but if the terrain is hard-packed dirt, roots, and rocks, a tire with a light tread pattern will work just fine. 35s can handle that sort of terrain pretty well, in my opinion.

I've been taking almost exactly that sort of trail quite a bit lately (lots of roots and rocks), with a bike that has 37mm tires. The slightly narrower tire combined with the probably higher center of gravity of a bike with 700c tires might require more skill than a full-blown MTB, but it can absolutely be done. I also think that the 700C tires roll better over big rocks. Of course, not having a suspension hurts.

I probably wouldn't recommend a rigid bike with 35mm's for a ton of miles over roots, but for occasional off-roading it can be done. You'll just have to learn that the 35mm wheel has less side-to-side stability. But it actually rolls better over stuff, so you might find situations where it's actually better.

I use Performance SpeedTrac (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=16500&item=50-1912&slitrk=search&slisearch=true)s on heavy trails and they work fine.

http://npbikeshop.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=4966
Continental double fighters.

I got a free pair brand new if anyone wants. 700x35.

I also think that the 700C tires roll better over big rocks. Of course, not having a suspension hurts.
Actually, the bike I'm considering does have a front suspension. My old bike does not.

I have 700 x 35 and they work fine. I deal with some loose gravel at times, muddy patches, grass.

Maybe not truly off road, but they have worked.

I just got a bike with 38's and I need new tires so I am looking for some good advice too.

Back in the day I'd routinely take woods trail shortcuts. On standard 3x road wheels with tubular tires. Never had a problem, just rode carefully and lifted the bike over nasties. I'd say it isn't whether, it's how careful you'll have to be.

I've gone on dirt paths with 35's on my hybrid. It works ok for occassional use.

Thanks for all the responses!

http://npbikeshop.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=4966
Continental double fighters.

I got a free pair brand new if anyone wants. 700x35.

Sorry for the thread hijack, but slvoid I want your tires!

I pmed you. Lemme know what the deal is.

can i piggyback on this thread and ask a off-road quesiton????

Can i get some other wheels and tires for my 7.6fx and hit some minor trails? I get asked by friends all the time to hit the trails, but dont really have the bike for it

WTB Crossmark.