Skinny Wheels Off Road

oldholborn
oldholborn Posts: 114
edited February 2009 in MTB buying advice
I have just been looking at Hybrids.
I understand that these would be quicker for my style of riding.
Bigger wheels and a better range of gears.
I mainly ride Green Lanes, Bridlepaths and Tracks.
My biggest obstacle are tractor ruts and potholes.
This has made me consider fitting 700cc wheels to my Scott Scale and adding Disc Brakes.
I do not need discs or want them but do need to stop and with 700cc wheels I would need discs.
What is the skinniest tyre I could fit on the back with a high profile?
I like the look of these, but are they fast rolling?

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/6978/Cont ... -Tyre.html

Also would it be worth changing my cassette?

Comments

  • jamieh5463
    jamieh5463 Posts: 223
    Before you get a hybrid have a look at cyclocross bikes, they do very well offroad (people use them insted of mountain bikesat my local trails in the winter), if you want a cheap(ish) cross bike then have a look at the Kona Jake http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Kona_Jake_2009/5360039341/
    or if money's not that much of a problem have a look at the Trek X0(£1100), i have the 09 model of this bike and it is the bees knees :)
    http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/road/xo/xo1/
    you can get one of these off evanscycles.co.uk or ur nearest dealer.
  • oldholborn
    oldholborn Posts: 114
    Thanks.
    For some time I have considered a cyclocross bike.
    Though expect the wheels might buckle or foldup ina tractor rut.
    What abuse would the Jake cope with?
    I dont fancy running with my bike slung over my shoulder at every obstacle.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    700c wheels can be tough, again depends a lot on the build.

    Not sure why you say you 'need discs with 700c wheels'.

    CX bike might suit but consider the differences - less standover (probably not a problem), can only brake on the drops (not good on a steep slope), narrow bars (less steering leverage).

    MTBs cope a lot better with obstacles and handling than a CX bike when off road.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • majormantra
    majormantra Posts: 2,094
    supersonic wrote:
    can only brake on the drops (not good on a steep slope).

    Eh? You can also brake from the hoods, and many CX bikes have 'interrupter' brake levers like these which let you brake from a more upright position.

    Matthew
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Sorry, I meant to add that: still, not as effective or as controllable as you would get on the main bar. Which that gadget above tries to provide.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • majormantra
    majormantra Posts: 2,094
    supersonic wrote:
    Sorry, I meant to add that: still, not as effective or as controllable as you would get on the main bar. Which that gadget above tries to provide.

    True enough, though 'crossers seem to survive with them.

    Matthew
  • oldholborn
    oldholborn Posts: 114
    I am trying to build up a bike that will be fast on fire roads and bridleways.
    Torn between Hybrids The jake and my Scale seventy.
    I need suspension.
    Could this be fitted to the Jake?
    Though guess I would want to change to MTB gearing.
    If I fitted 700cc wheels to my Scale I guess I would need to add discs.
    Now considering a good set of wheels with Hope Hubs and fitting Continental Cross Pros 26 x 1.5 to my scale.
    What would you suggest?
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    If you need suspension, I'd stick to the Scale.

    The Jake is not designed to have a longer fork that suspension has.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • oldholborn
    oldholborn Posts: 114
    Thanks.
    Are the contis a good choice of tyre for my riding?
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Never used them, but am a fan of Contis in general.

    You could just keep your 26 inch wheels and stick some 1.5s on, and up the gearing, but the 700c can provide some advantages. I've been toying with doing the same on my Zaskar LE, but I am not getting rid of my CorssMax lol.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • jamieh5463
    jamieh5463 Posts: 223
    Im sure the wheels on the cross bike are tough enough as i use them on MTB trails (ruts and rocks etc) and they haven't buckled at all, and when your on the fireroads its like being on a road bike (but with grip), so you go pretty damn fast! :)
    sorry havent replied for a while couldnt find forum
  • oldholborn
    oldholborn Posts: 114
    Thanks.
    I can feel a shopping trip coming on!
  • Uncle Peter
    Uncle Peter Posts: 324
    oldholborn wrote:
    Thanks.
    For some time I have considered a cyclocross bike.
    Though expect the wheels might buckle or foldup ina tractor rut.
    What abuse would the Jake cope with?
    I dont fancy running with my bike slung over my shoulder at every obstacle.


    Crossbike wheels can be pretty tough too...

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWOVRHVZFjk

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