Hmmmmmm!!!!!!!
Now that I'm the owner/rider of a new Giant Cypress LX and have been experiencing the ease of ride on somewhat smooth surfaces, I begin to wonder what gravel or rail-trails might be like with this type of bike. I turned onto a stone road the other evening and noticed a slight bit of instability with the 40mm tires of the hybrid.
This all prompted me to think of the possibility of owning a comfort bike (Trek Navigator 300, Specialized Expedition Elite, or Giant Sedonna) for those occasions when we consider the trails. I also wonder how my wife will handle the trails with her Cypress LX.
What do you think?
Do many other people have a selection of different bikes for various occasions?
Any suggestions?
Thanks a million! The responses, suggestions and general chat on this line are GREAT!
cw
Lancaster, PA

errr if I were to own two bikes they would be a road and a mtb. since you already have a hybrid do not consider a comfort as comforts are not intended for trail riding, get a mtb.

why not just buy another set of tires and changge them accordingly?

or, buy an extra set of wheels with tires mounted, and change the wheels when the urge fits you?

with that said, its your money, and if 2 bikes is what you want, thats fine with me.

If it were me, and I was buying specifically for trail riding, I would buy a full fledged mountain bike.
jmho

Having an Expedition Sport, my next bike would be a road bike. The Expedition has 1.9s on it and handles hard pack just fine. I don't need a mountain bike....so the next thing for me would be to become more efficient on the road.

I have a road and a mtb. With the mtb, not only can you ride on gravel, but you can also do single track. If all you want to do is ride on gravel, the Giant Cypress is enough. Hybrid and comfort is the same thing in my mind.

Why would you only want TWO bikes?

Time trial bike
Training bike
Mountain bike
Hack/turbo bike
Tandem

but I still need more, surely?

Trek 3700 for off road, Trek 7100 for roads and paths. Dreaming and planning on buying a Trek road bike next spring. A man can never have too many bikes. I would say that for your situation I would go with a mountain bike. If you really don't like the knoby tires change em to street tires. That is what a friend of mine did and really likes the results.

That is just what I decided to do!!!!

Trek 7300
Sun Retro 3 speed cruiser

I hop on the Sun for cruising around town at a relaxing pace. It is my nirvana bike. I use the 7300 for longer rides (10+) and when I'm going to be doing any hills. I considered converting my 7300 to more of a comfort bike (cruiser handlebars and seat) but I wanted to have the convenience of having two bikes - each with a specific function.

It is always best to fit the tool to the task. To do otherwise
invites pain.

Time trial bike
Training bike
Mountain bike
Hack/turbo bike
Tandem

but I still need more, surely?

Thank you. I guess I am not crazy to be thinking about adding a tendem crusier to my "collection."

Since I refurb used bikes I agree that one should have a bike
for each type of use. Why not? Good used bikes make it both
easy and affordable.

Only _two_ bikes!? Of course you should get more! Don't let anyone tell you different. Bikes have personalities, just like people or cats do. Enjoy as many as you can!

Suggestion: Try a flat-foot/feet-forward bike like Electra Townie or Trek Sole Ride!

Jitensha de GO!

Well I just got my second bike today so I say go for it. :D In my case I have a Marin Mill Valley which is a flat bar road bike and a Marin Argenta which is a roadie. I am not too into off roading just riding for exercise (Argenta) and with the family (Mill Valley tows trailer bike) and also commuting. The trick will be for me to justify another road bike. :D

Why would you only want TWO bikes?
I agree. I have two road bikes and have a 2005 Jamis Nova cyclocross bike on order. Should be here in about a month.

I agree. I have two road bikes and have a 2005 Jamis Nova cyclocross bike on order. Should be here in about a month.

Welcome to the Jamis family Ron! :D

If you are having trouble controlling a hybrid with 40mm tyres on a bit of trail,then you probably just need to ride more. Don't limit yourself just because of the type of bike, your bike is as capable as you are.
40mm is really a very wide tyre. I ride off road using 32mm, and have even done it with 25mm road tyres.

Why would you only want TWO bikes?

The number of bikes you need equals the amount you already own plus one.

Trek 520 tourer
Thorn Nomad expedition tourer
Giant Yukon hack/commuter/cheap tourer
Avanti Aggressor MTB, also pulls the BOB Yak trailer
Bauer M2000 racing/triathlon
2 other project bikes

hoogie
my webapges (http://www.hoogie.co.nz)