rdopirak

I am looking for a bike to ride mostly on paved paths but also on some dirt trails in parks, etc. Nothing extreme like downhill racing. Just biking for exercise, and something to do with the family. I work out every day but would probably only bike once a week. I would plan to haul a bike trailer with the rugrats in it. Should I go for a regular mountain bike or a hybrid bike? It seems as though a mountain bike would not be ideal for paved paths but a hybrid may not handle dirt roads and trails. Any suggestions? Also, I am 6'5". What size frame should I buy? Would it be the same size for hybrid and mountain bikes?

Any input would be appreciated.

Best Regards,

Ryan Dopirak (rdopirak@msn.com)

Bigmark

I would suggest a mountain bike, but also get another set of wheels for the street and paved trails. I have see a few people that do this, then when they want to hit the off road dirt, or creek beds they use the knobby tires. You didn’t say that you were going to either ride on trails or off road on the same ride, if so then stick with the knobby tires. I think a hybrid would be disappointing for you. Myself I would be a little nervous about taking my hybrid on anything but packed gravel, or very smooth dirt trails, but I am sure someone around has taken their hybrid on some rough stuff.

Good luck

KingTermite 

Another option (if you don't plan to race or anything) is a Comfort bike.

The Trek Navigator has tires that are sort of "in the middle" - they are smooth in the middle and nobby on the sides. So it is ok for paved and ok for mild mountain biking. It's not going to be a great bike for long distances or racing, but if its once a week easy riding, it would probably be ok.

As for size.....nobody here can tell you for sure. It's not "just" your height, but the prortion to how much of height is legs and how much is torso. With leg size (inseam), somebody might be able to get you close though.

But here is a cycling "fit" guide from Ebay that may help.
https://pages.ebay.com/buy/guides/bik...7294:HUB:ALL#2

crb189

www.wrenchscience.com

Go to 'Get fit for road or mountain bikes' or something like that.

rdopirak

BigMark:

Thanks for the response. I think I am leaning toward a mountain bike. I already have my dad's old Trek hybrid, so maybe I should diversify. I am looking at a 04 Giant NRS. Is this any good? apparently it is discontinued, so they are offering it for 800 reduced from 1500. We're from canton originally - ohio in the house.

RD

BJ Ondo

I've taken my "Fuji Monterey" Comfort/Hybrid bicycle just about anywhere the riders in the club take their "mountain bicycles", except for the "really narly single track" trail and that's only because my "snake belly tread tires" aren't grippy enough!! I think you'd find a top line comfort bike, (triple chainwheel, 8-9 cog freewheel), would be perfect for your kind of riding and since your only going to ride "once a week" and pull a burley (trailer with kids), I think a mountain bike is bit of "over kill", JMHO.

You can put on a bit "knobbyer" tire for more traction or like me, look into buying a different set of "wheel's for strictly paved road riding". I think the comfort bicycle get's a bad rap, all I know is that I've done all the "dirt/concrete/asphalt' paths in the area here in Colorado Springs, CO. and I haven't found anything yet, my comfort/hybrid can't handle with ease! Now, my bike uses a 1.95 "fat tire" not the "thin 700C" tires on some of the comfort/hybrids. LOL, the top of the line comfort bicycles are tougher than they look and make a "MUCH" better pure road bicycle than a MNT. bike, again, JMHO. I'm 6 foot 0 inches with a 31 in. inseam and I ride a "20 inch" frame with 26 inch wheels. Leg length has a lot more to do with frame size than just "overall height", my guess would be in the area of a "23 inch" frame for someone of your height. Still the best way is to "have a shop" fit a bike to you.

Either way, I bet you start riding more than once a week, it's just too much FUN not too!!

Bigmark

I am not familiar with the 04 Giant NRS, but what I have seen on the web, and e-bay, it looks sweet. I don’t think there would be much that you could do to take that bad boy out. If you have a hybrid and want to get serious about off road, that would be a heck of a start. Have them set it up for you, and take it for a ride. I think you will be happy.