Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Cyclocross and Gravelbiking (Recreational)
Reload this Page >

Steel road bike frame off road - will it stand up to doing the same job as a mtb?

Search
Notices
Cyclocross and Gravelbiking (Recreational) This has to be the most physically intense sport ever invented. It's high speed bicycle racing on a short off road course or riding the off pavement rides on gravel like : "Unbound Gravel". We also have a dedicated Racing forum for the Cyclocross Hard Core Racers.

Steel road bike frame off road - will it stand up to doing the same job as a mtb?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-02-10, 01:31 PM
  #1  
Bianchi Minimax Tifoso
Thread Starter
 
dansenior's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 33

Bikes: 1995 Bianchi Minimax Fixed Gear, 1995 Dawes Galaxy

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Steel road bike frame off road - will it stand up to doing the same job as a mtb?

Hi,
Im guessing this could be in either the cyclocross or commuting forum but here goes.

Ive been asked by a friend to recommend a bike to him.

In recommending I had a problem which was:

Will a road bike frame put up with the rigours of off road riding?, how are mountain bikes able to withstand more abuse? can a cyclocross frame take more abuse than a road frame?

What bike should I be recommending when my friend tells me he does pavement jumping and road riding on his daily commute, hes been borrowing a bike but looking to buy one for himself.

I thought either a hybrid that could double up as a road bike depending on the tyre size used, or a converted old steel frame road bike with flat bars and wide tyres

Thanks for any help
dansenior is offline  
Old 06-02-10, 02:07 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
meanwhile's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,033
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
This has been asked many times before use the search option.

But, basically:

- Don't go for a super light frame designed for racing - weight will have been cut at the cost of strength

- The tyres will make a big difference. The fatter they are, the more shock will be absorbed. Fat-ish tyres can be fast if you are willing to spend the bucks.

- A Cotic Roadrat or Surly Crosscheck will probably be about the toughest cross frames you can get
meanwhile is offline  
Old 06-02-10, 02:35 PM
  #3  
cowboy, steel horse, etc
 
LesterOfPuppets's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The hot spot.
Posts: 44,814

Bikes: everywhere

Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12759 Post(s)
Liked 7,672 Times in 4,070 Posts
I've ridden a couple of steel road bikes on mellow fire roads no problemo. Univega Super Special and Trek 400T.

he does pavement jumping is an important phrase that begs clarification.

If that means hopping on and off curbs, a road bike with strong wheels will get the job done.

If that means boosting 3 foot bunny hops and airing over big sets of stairs then don't go for the road bike
LesterOfPuppets is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Sportster2009
Road Cycling
23
03-15-14 10:29 PM
Amerikuracana
Road Cycling
20
01-10-14 05:49 PM
anujaya
Commuting
19
11-21-12 12:17 PM
Garilia
Fifty Plus (50+)
15
09-10-10 07:00 AM
Garilia
Cyclocross and Gravelbiking (Recreational)
0
09-09-10 04:52 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.