kawana

Hey, I need something i can do some light trail riding (no hardcore downhill, just something that can handle bumps/rocks etc..), that can be driven around town (this is where i dont think road bikes would work.. i need something that can go over curbs, lawns etc.. not just flat surfaces), but i also want something that i can use on moderate rides (ie// 10miles one way). Could i just get a mountain bike, and put slicks (is that the right term?) on it.. to make longer rides more comfortable? On that note, what size frame do i need? With my feet at a little less than shoulder width apart, and measuring tape in the middle, going up to the crotch, my measurement is 34 inches... Thanks for your help. Also, what brands are good? Im doing this on the cheap.. looking for used bikes (my price range is around $300.)

pedalpedalpedal

Cyclocross bike - they're basically road bikes with a higher BB (for rock clearance), but can fit knobby tires for off-roading.

$300 is not much for a new bike, so yeah like you said you were doing, look on Craigslist and such. The Kona Jake, Jake the Snake, Redline Conquest are popular entry-level CX bikes.

But for now, I would say just get Tioga City Slickers (good slicks for the money) in the smallest size they have (1.2 i think?) and use them on your mountain bike while you save up for a new bike.

daven1986

yep a cross bike will work

kawana

Thanks, ill look into those. Ya i know $300 is kinda low... ill have to wait until payday to see what i can spare. If i were to go new, whats the cheapest (yet still decent quality) bike i could get? Any info on the frame size btw? 33" inseam

pedalpedalpedal

33" inseam... I'm guessing on a CX bike it would be around a 52cm frame, but that's guessing. The sizing is a bit different from a road bike and mountain bike due to the geometry.

You also have to take into account top tube length. Best thing to do would be to check out bikes at a local store, although CX bikes are sometimes hard to find.

The Redline Conquest is prob your best bet (in terms of spec-price) around $900 new I believe.

kawana

what about a hybrid bike? I dont know much about them, but sounds like it might fit my needs... yes.. no?

daven1986

I started on a hybrid but quickly got tired of flat bars even on rides of only 6 miles. Now I have drop bars and I love them

As always though try the bikes for a decent ride before you buy, but in my experience for any serious kind of riding you will want a cross / road / touring bike.

Panthers007

What worries me is that you intend to "go over curbs." No matter what kind of bike you decide on - take care of the wheels. Treat them right, or you will spend lots of time & money having your bike fixed. Or replacing the wheels altogether time and again.

noglider 

Pretty much any bike will do. Really. There are many types of bikes these days, and each has a best purpose, but they all work.

Putting slick tires on a mountain bike is one excellent way to go. Very few people actually need tread on their tires.