Converting a hybrid for XC

Leemoxc

Hi,

Apologies if this is the wrong section.

I am looking to give some XC races a try and currently own a Kona Dew City Hybrid. Before i go the route of a new bike i saw that i could buy some forks with front suspension.

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/sr-sunto ... fAodg24A9A

is it as simple as putting these on the bike or is there other issues?

And could i then fit wheels and tyres designed for a 29ers as i read they are 700c wheels.

alansd1980

Someone who knows a lot more will probably come along shortly but for what it's worth I would be wary of trying XC races on that bike with those forks.

As its a hybrid built for the road the gear ratio's will probably be quite tough for off road riding, particularly if you get some steep climbs. Trying to go down hill could cause problems, again with the geometry of a hybrid, if you get some steep decents you might find yourself in trouble, throw into the mix some roots or rocks with a set of very short travel forks (63mm) which are designed more for a bit of tow path or smooth bridle way action and you could be in out of your depth. One other thing would be the tyre clearance on the hybrid. A proper off road bike will take 2.5 inch and most come with around 2.0. I really doubt the hybrid in question would take anything that wide which you could well need if the conditions are anything less than favorable!

By the time you buy the forks, a couple of tyres and you mentioned wheels you would be looking at 200-250 at a minimum. If you have a look at the classifieds you would get a second hand entry level hardtail which would be a lot more suited to off road riding and less likely to put you off for good!

Hope this helps

Chunkers1980

Bad idea. And those forks are rubbish. Fit knobblies and you got a cx ish bike.

supersonic

For a dabble in XC? Go for it. There will be people on all sorts of things in the beginner classes (and higher), a slightly converted 'hybrid' could actually be the perfect tool.

irvs

I do lots of XC racing and I've seen quite a few guys on hybrids even a few on fully ridged bikes (super light), you won't be super competitive but you WILL have loads of fun. The beginner level of XC racing is really more like having fun and meeting more like minded people.

But be weary, once you Start XC you'll begin to look at your bike and start to upgrade everything to lose weight.

Neil

Leemoxc

Thanks for the info, much apreciated.

Will look to get a MTB from ebay to give xc a try.
Until then will give cyclo cross races on the hybrid a go, just need some suitable tyres.
Read that its a good place to start and gain basic off road skills, only race experieince is a couple of triathlons (on a borrowed road bike)