NewinND

Hi,
Fairly new, older rider. I have been reading and soaking up advice for awhile. Thank you for sharing all of your experience!
I want to especially thank members who said things along the lines of "ride what you have, then decide what you need". That is what I did. I am riding a 25+ year old Trek Jazz Voltage that a neighbor gave me. I am having fun and getting stronger. As long as I stay on pavement or sidewalk I enjoy riding this bike. We have less than 2 miles of bike trail. I have tried expanding my riding area by going down some gravel roads. No fun!! I live in westernND. Think oil, cattle, and grain trucks going down these roads and little maintenance. These roads are pure washboard. It hurts my wrists, and I feel like if I dont go super slow I could lose control of my bike .
I don't have a big budget for a different bike. I would like advice on what bike might work so I could ride these gravel roads comfortably and in control. I am ok with added weight of a front suspension as I am riding for fitness and enjoyment. I also don't mind losing forward motion or energy due to suspension. I am worried when I hear that "cheap suspension will break". What breaks? I am looking at a Trek DS2 as far as within my price range. Would it hold up to maybe 500 miles with a 150lb person on it for a few years?
What bike might meet my needs better?
Thank you

BobbyG

Try the fattest tires you can fit and run them a little soft. At one time I had 26x2.25's on my 1997 MTB bike and I think I could have gone fatter. Looks like there are inexpensive 26x3-inchers and even some 4-inchers. I don;t know if they would fit.