teebox

So my question is this; I have a 2017 Felt VR 40 "road bike" but the VR, per Felt means Variable Road or more like variable road surfaces. I have to date not ridden this bike on anything other than paved roads or paved bike paths. I would like to consider taking this bike on unpaved paths, not cyclocross type terrain, but some gravel roads and hard packed gravel paths. I live in NW Ohio and there are a lot these paths around but I have not ventured onto them with this bike as I am not sure if it will handle the terrain.

I also have a Felt Versa Speed 40 that I have used for this type of riding but it is a flat bar bike and I would like to have the options of the hand positions one gets with drop bars.

The tires on the VR 40 are currently Felt Versatile Road VR19 Disc (tubeless ready) wheels with Vittoria Zaffiro Folding, 700cx28c tires and they seem to be quite well suited for the road, pavement riding but not sure about the off road aspects.

In the end, I just want to ensure that I will not cause any damage to the VR40 if I venture off the pavement (on purpose...). Thank you.

shelbyfv

Nice bike! You won't hurt the bike by riding off pavement but you may find you need tires wider than 28. Depends on the surfaces you ride but generally bigger tires are better.

teebox

Thank you, I am considering a second set of wheels that can be swapped on and off if needed. Of course the option is N+1 and just buy a gravel bike... will try running that by the wife....LOL...