DBL0ZER0

Ive been reading around the forums for a couple days and Ive come to the conclusion that I need some real help.

I havent ridden a bike for about 5yrs. The last time I did was in college. I used my ex-girlfriends MTB (no suspension) to ride around campus. After I got a little confidant I started going down stairs, up stairs, and all sorts of things that eventually landed me in the hospital.

Which brings me to my question.

I want a bike to commute (not far 10-20km a day) but would also love to do some trekking in it. This led me to a hybrid, specifically, an 09 TREK 7200.

The problem is I know that I will eventually want to go down some stairs or off of some curbs at great speed, etc.

Would a hybrid be right for me?

I was thinking that I could possibly change my wheels and tires, ie get some fatter MTB tires on the bike to protect it a little better but, since I dont know much about bike mechanics, I cant figure out if I would be able to switch out the tires or wheels and tires very easily.

I'm wondering if I would have more flexability with a hybrid (possibly equipping it with MTB tires later) or if I should go with an MTB right away.

In other words, I know what I want to do. I need your help to figure out what the best tool would be.

Thanks for the help. Great forum.
John

teamontherun

You probably want to stick with a mountain bike. Maybe one that you can lock out the front suspension for when your on the street. I just dont see a hybrid bike taking the long term abuse of stairs.

DBL0ZER0

Thanks, I think your right. I'm gonna look for a 29er though cause I know the speed will come in handy for the commute and the trekking.

Thanks
John

teamontherun

Just make sure you have a strong wheel set. The larger wheel will potentially be weaker due to the longer spokes.

no1mad 

When you're looking for your bike that you want to someday use for trekking, keep in mind parts availability, specifically tires/tubes. Here in the States, 26" and 29er/700C's are easily available, but I've heard that in other parts of the world this is not the case.

DBL0ZER0

Good call with the parts availability. Ill keep that in mind. Right now me and my wife plan on touring the Moselle valley here in Luxembourg once spring rolls around. So, for now, we could say my destinations don't qualify as 'austere'.

You guys will have to pardon my nebbie-ness but, how hard is it to swap wheels and tires on a bike. Is it possible for me to swap the wheels and tires on the Hybrid for knobby MTB if I want to later?

Or,

Would it be better to start with the 29er and then swap road wheels?

Thanks for the help.

hybridbkrdr

If you don't want to spend too much, you can always try the GT Traffic 3.0

It has 70x40 tires which is narrow enough to be fast but cushy enough to smooth out the road a little. But, maybe for stairs you'd want 700x45. I have some Kenda Keen Commuter tires which are 700x45 (sold at Nahsbar for $10 each) and I find them pretty good.

If you want to fool around I guess instead of getting maybe a 20 inch frame you'd go maybe 18 inches or instead of 18, maybe 16. I'd just be a little scared of hitting myself in the wrong places if you know what I mean. By the way, can you say what kind of injury you had where you had to go to the hospital?

DBL0ZER0

Yeah, no problem. But, the first lesson is don't get injured riding your ex girlfriends 'girl' bike. I would have looked so much cooler with a top fuel.

Its a little difficult to explain but there was a grassy area about 4-5ft above a sidewalk with a wall in between. I thought I would just ride from the grass off into the air and land on the concrete. Well, the back tire got stuck on the wall and I hit the ground face first so fast I didn't know what happened. I had 41 stiches in my face and I looked like my chin was going to peel off.

When I asked the cop, "how bad is it?" His reply was, "How good are you with... gore and 'stuff'?"

I drank smoothies and gobbled vicotin for a week and I was still a little banged up.

After that I put the ex gf's bike away.

pinsonp2 

I don't know what is available in your area, but you might take a look at the Specialized Crosstrail. Although it is a 700 x 45 hybrid, it is still very close to its mountain bike roots.

https://www.specialized.com/zz/en/bc/...nuItemId=12188

P2

lyncch00

You might want to look at the Jamis Allegro 2X. I'm kinda hung up between it and the Crosstrail as mentioned above.

https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...allegro2x.html

DBL0ZER0

The specialized looks really cool. But, I went out and bought an 09 Trek 4500 today and will pick it up tomorrow. I'll probably end up putting city tires on it eventually. I'll let you guys know how it goes and thanks for all the help. John

hybridbkrdr

I have the impression if you're tempted to do that style of stunts that you may be better off with 26 inch wheels instead of 700c. True, with 700c wheels, I've gone up a hill while still sitting on my seat. I mean I didn't have to get up from my seat to climb the hill. But, the difference sometimes isn't so bad that you'd need to change to 700c if you want to play around on the bike. 26 inch rims are wider and the wheels are usually a lot tougher than 700c wheels with the same number of spokes. Plus, you have that extra clearance with 26 inch wheels when you're up in the air.

DBL0ZER0

Thanks. This was a difficult decision. There are a lot of options out there. In the end I wanted something tough at the core. Good frame, good fork, and the right size wheels and tires. I figured, knowing me, I would eventually start upgrading components and doing other things to personalize the bike so, I wasnt as concerned with the components. I did However, want to get all of the 'big' things right.

This forum has been a lot of help. I pick up my new Trek4500 today and will post some pics.

So, now that I bought a 26", am I sequestered to the MTB forum...? I'm a hybrid kinda guy, I swear! Maybe after I put some city tires on it I'll be aloud back...

Which, brings up a good question, "What is a hybrid?"

Thanks all!
John

Panthers007

I detect a strong odor of 'Troll' around here.

What gear ratio are you suggesting, DBLOZERO? What kind of wheels are you thinking of riding? Saddles are, I'm sure you know, reversible. What brand do you like best?

DBL0ZER0

Panthers007... I got 16 posts at this place. So your cruel jargon is missing its mark. Gimme a break. I have no idea what your talking about but, I do know it hasnt been helpful. Take it easy.

Here is the new bike. I asked for a cheap BBB back fender on it and when I showed up today I got this sucker. They said the other one created a brake clearence issue. I think this one looks awesome and was happy they made the change. I took it to the outskirts of Luembourg today for a short ride and was very happy with it.

Thanks to everyone for their help.
John

I had some trouble with inserting the picture. Hopefully clicking on the thumbnail works.

awesomejack

NICE. Have fun riding.

You definitely made the right choice with the more rugged mtb type, instead of a hybrid, especially if you're ever thinking about going off something like a 4ft drop