Use commuter bike for "race"?
 

I'm committed to ride a 95 km race next summer. It's advertised as a MTB race, but it's a very easy track (I'm told). Mostly gravel, some real roads, perhaps 5 km of track (not single-track).

At first I was thinking I need to get a MTB, but when I started looking into that I realized my hybrid commuter might suffice. So now I turn to the collective wisdom of BF:

Will my Scott Metrix 20 be good to go for this thing? I'm guessing I need new wheels, or at least new tyres, since the current setup is very road-ish (albeit with a rack and basket :)).

What do you all think?

TIA

Cykelvasan?

You should be doing Vätternrundan :D

That SCOTT should be fine ride for the "race."

Lycka Till!

I am no expert... But good track conditions, short distance should be ok to be torn via a commuting bike. Tyres would be a good upgrade to be a little more gravel/rough terrain ready... But from what you described it does not seem to be too intensive.

Get it done! And good luck!

Thanks!

acidfast7, I've already done Halv-Vättern (150 km), and that was enough riding for one day, thank you very much! :)

I'd just put different tyres on, and maybe remove the basket. As long as your gearing is suitable you should be fine.

Your hybrid essentially is a mountain bike.

Cool, thank you, that what was I was thinking as well, but felt kinda silly to ask.

I must admit I'm most worried (read: terrified, actually) about going downhill on gravel or worse. Will my very stiff bike kill my hands and neck and rattle my teeth out? Or is it just a matter of technique and training?

Wider tires will help with the rattle, and some lugs will help with traction, but as far as not going down, that's just skill. I'd find a set of cyclocross tires as wide as your bike can fit, and then do some training.