A quick note on the Redline Conquest:

My wife rides the Conquest D (i.e. with disc brakes) and LOVES it! She rides centuries and double centuries on it and it has performed well with only the normal wear issues (tires, brake pads, etc.).

However, the bike is the right size for her, which makes a major difference.

Re: Road bikes on dirt; just do it! As long as it's rideable for you, it's not going to hurt the bike.

Rick / OCRR