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Hybrid bike for mountain biking...

Old 05-19-11, 06:20 AM
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Hybrid bike for mountain biking...

Picked up a GT Nomad yesterday and I'm trying to estimate how well it would handle technical mountain trails with a few mods. The frame geometry doesn't look all that different to a mountain bike, but it won't accommodate wide mountain wheels. It'll take a 700x42 just fine, and I figure with the right tires, that should handle alright on mountain trails. I'd need to change the handle bars and stem angle, too, but that's not a big deal. Thoughts?
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Old 05-19-11, 10:27 AM
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I hate to ask the obvious question but why didn't you just buy a mountain bike?
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Old 05-19-11, 10:59 AM
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go for it and report back
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Old 05-19-11, 11:51 AM
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I ride, what could be called a early "hybrid" that's a mountain bike frame, with 700cc and a stiff road fork, flat bar and 21 speed.

If it has shocks, then more power to you. I would say if you can return it, because a mountain bike is a good all around bike that if treated right will last a lifetime. A hybrid IMO is the same as buying a single use bike. I have no idea how those hybrids sell, but I wouldn't buy one at all. Flat fork on a road bike and heavy parts? Please. Mountain bikes have been known as the "all around" bike for decades.

Just to say, 700cc rims aren't as strong as 26 or 29 inch rims because they only take a small amount of shock.

Deflate your tires to get better suspension, and traction.

Learn how to technically ride with a stiff frame, that includes how to balance at a dead stop, how to brake correctly (rear to slow, front to stop), learn to watch for dips and falls in the trail and only take smooth or light trails. A rough trail to a boulder jumping trail will tear you and the bike apart.
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Old 05-19-11, 03:21 PM
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Originally Posted by liquefied
I hate to ask the obvious question but why didn't you just buy a mountain bike?
I have a mountain bike already.

Originally Posted by thenomad
go for it and report back
That's one approach...might have to go with it.

Originally Posted by BotByte
I ride, what could be called a early "hybrid" that's a mountain bike frame, with 700cc and a stiff road fork, flat bar and 21 speed.

If it has shocks, then more power to you. I would say if you can return it, because a mountain bike is a good all around bike that if treated right will last a lifetime. A hybrid IMO is the same as buying a single use bike. I have no idea how those hybrids sell, but I wouldn't buy one at all. Flat fork on a road bike and heavy parts? Please. Mountain bikes have been known as the "all around" bike for decades.

Just to say, 700cc rims aren't as strong as 26 or 29 inch rims because they only take a small amount of shock.

Deflate your tires to get better suspension, and traction.

Learn how to technically ride with a stiff frame, that includes how to balance at a dead stop, how to brake correctly (rear to slow, front to stop), learn to watch for dips and falls in the trail and only take smooth or light trails. A rough trail to a boulder jumping trail will tear you and the bike apart.
Good points. I wasn't aware the 700c rims weren't as strong. I can see the more narrow rims not having a lot of impact resilience, but I've got some pretty hefty rims on this hybrid. The main reason I picked it up was because it was such a sweet deal. $100 got me a complete single speed bike with a White Industries eccentric rear hub and a Sugino Single Speed crankset. If I can cheaply turn it into a single speed mountain bike, it would be nice.
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Old 05-19-11, 03:37 PM
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It's your choice.

To me, if it is lightweight, make it into a hill climb, on road, and set it up with low gearing like 3?/18\

the ? means your choice in the #
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Old 05-19-11, 04:03 PM
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Originally Posted by BotByte
It's your choice.

To me, if it is lightweight, make it into a hill climb, on road, and set it up with low gearing like 3?/18\

the ? means your choice in the #
I was thinking a 38 or 39 up front (I think that's the smallest I can get for 130mm). And then perhaps a DOS ENO 17/19 on one side and a ENO 21 on the other.
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