Originally Posted by
MRT2
IMO rather than look at hybrids, maybe consider a gravel grinder. It isn't that the 7.3 is a bad bike but for what you are trying to do, a gravel bike seems ideal.
Moreover, for what you are looking to do, an old steel hybrid with fat tires and 36 spoke wheels seems better suited for your terrain than a new or newish aluminum Trek 7.3, with aluminum fork. A little heavier, for sure, but not by much, and more comfortable and with the fat tires, better suited for dirt roads and trails. A person looking for a new bike that can transition from dirt, to gravel to roads might look at a dual sport bike like the Giant Roam or Trek DS series, but if I already had an older steel hybrid with 35 to 40 mm tires, I would just stick that.
Well, I have a Fuji Supreme with 700x38s that isn't bad, but needs some upgrading (it's 20+ years old). I'm going to look at the DS series...I think you're right. One of the problems I have with my current bike is hitting pockets of sand. I'm just worried the DS is going to feel like a tank. But, the only way to tell is to get my overly large buttocks on top of one and make the pedals spin for awhile.
I recently bought my son an Islabikes Beinn and if they made that for adults I'd consider it. Seems like he does okay on the roads and has far better traction in the sand/trails.