Originally Posted by Toddorado
Please read more closely - 35 downhill. I have test-ridden road bikes and am not at all comfortable on them. I like the bigger wheelset and higher gears, but simply cannot sacrifice stability and durability. Even the Cyclocross bikes aren't sturdy enough for my liking. My stock big chanring is is 42t and I'm just wondering if there's a larger 'stock' chanring I can move up to without rebuilding the entire drivetrain. I have a 9-speed cassette that came with it (Giant Rainier). Apologies if I did not specify this is a commuter bike, not a pure dirt bike.
are you bigger than average? becuase road bikes are a lot sturdier than you would think, especially the ones in the 1000 dollar range. there are guys in the road forum that are 225+, and are doing fine w/ their road bikes.
hopwever, its clear that you have a bike now, and are not too eager to replace it. I think your biggest issue would be with chainring clearance. since mountain bikes have fat tires, the chainstays are spread out, interfereing with where big chainrings would go.