Originally Posted by
Steve3P0
Technically if I put small slicks and a rigid fork on a newer mtb it would be a hybrid, right? That's what I'm trying to do to my bike. After all it is kind of just a label.
On a MTB 25 years ago = yes and maybe bump a chain ring up.
Todays modern MTB's = no, not really and this is what spawned the factory available "hybrid" form of a MTB.
* Modern MTB's=
Shorter and shorter chain stays, which give little room for heel clearance with panniers
Shorter wheel bases
Granny gears
Less and less with braze on's except base/low cost series
Frames built/designed around larger,wider than ever tire capacity which when you mount smaller volume rubber on can be dicey,twitchy.
This loss a practicality in MTB's stems from racing and/or wanting to look like a racer rather than adventure MTB'ing of old