I ride a Giant Iguana hardtail for commuting and touring. I use semi-slick tires, carbon riser bar and SRAM 7 speed shifter/derailluers (more like a XC set up). My longest ride (road) with this bike was a 60mile trip last fall (upstate NY). I have a K2 hardtail exclusively for trail riding. But, I often go off road with my Iguana. Its a light frame and pretty smooth ride. Wish I had a lock out fork.