Road bike or mountain bike in Denver?

[stellar]

Sorry, I am unsophisticated in the tire department, I just bring the box in when I need more :-) My Madone is (Bontrager) 700X18c-23c, the Trek FX (hybrid) is (Bontrager) 700X28c-32c and that box also says 27X 1 1/8-1 1/4.

I did look at a Specialized tricross (not sure if cyclocross is a synonymous term) and they are very nice. I will find out if I can modifiy my hybrid's tires, and if so, it might be a cheap fix, and I can use it on the dirt trails.The Specialized Tricross looked to be around entry level $900-$1300 new, but I could get a used one for now.

BTW, I went riding here in Tampa, FL today as well, and it was actually HOT! Very unusual. Guess it is the global warming thing. But honestly, while I am over FL culturally, I really love the nature. I saw several blue herons, white egrets, an alligator, and the sunshine and blue sky above the pine and cypress trees was gorgeous. The blue sky and sunshine looks a lot like Denver in pictures, but, of course, you guys have the MOUNTAINS!!

[Cyborgt800]

Yeah, my Kona Jake was around $1,000+ after modifications. but it is great for paved/unpaved riding and definitely able to maintain a decent speed with the 56t chain-ring.

[BarryK123]

Originally Posted by stellar

Sorry, I am unsophisticated in the tire department, I just bring the box in when I need more :-) My Madone is (Bontrager) 700X18c-23c, the Trek FX (hybrid) is (Bontrager) 700X28c-32c and that box also says 27X 1 1/8-1 1/4.

Those are specs for the inner tubes, not the tires. The first number is the diameter in millimeters. 700 = 27 inches. The second number is the range (again in mm) of tire width that tube will accommodate. 18-23 is about as thin as they get and no way will ride on dirt. 28-32 is probably doable on dirt, with care, but still on the thin side.

[Mach50]

Originally Posted by BarryK123

That's a high pressure for wider tires, Stellar. My road bike has either 23 or 25mm tires and they do NOT work on dirt or gravel.

SPeaking of biking I was out today in bike shorts and short sleeves. Dec 1! Come on, bring on the snow!

I run 65 psi on 26" (2.00) rigid mountain bike for city riding, I can get through almost anything and it's fast enough.

Originally Posted by Cyborgt800

^^^^ That's why I recommended a TRI-CROSS....

I like this idea, if you have 1k-2k to drop on a bike.

[Cyborgt800]

...If you go with the stock Jake it should be $7-800... New.

...less for a good used one.

I had different pedals, chainring, bags, computer, lights galore and also ten-speed style drop handlebars put on.

Specialized are more expensive than the Kona usually.

In Denver you'll definitely want the heaviest level of puncture proof everything!

The trails are infested with thorns...even the paved ones.

[stellar]

I called my Trek bike shop and they think I can put up to 38c knobby tires (using the inner tube dimension I guess) on that Trek FX 7.3 AND they are having their annual December sale and all the tires (and more) are 50% off...There goes this months budget :-)

[jamesbndgrl123]

Originally Posted by BarryK123

That's a high pressure for wider tires, Stellar. My road bike has either 23 or 25mm tires and they do NOT work on dirt or gravel.

SPeaking of biking I was out today in bike shorts and short sleeves. Dec 1! Come on, bring on the snow!

Awesome

[BarryK123]

Originally Posted by stellar

I called my Trek bike shop and they think I can put up to 38c knobby tires (using the inner tube dimension I guess) on that Trek FX 7.3 AND they are having their annual December sale and all the tires (and more) are 50% off...There goes this months budget :-)

No, that's the tire dimension (width). You'll need a compatible inner tube - someting like 700x35-45, if such an animal exists. you get the idea...

[stellar]

Thanks, I will update you once I get in there this weekend on how well this actually worked. I thought the 38 sounded a bit large considering it is now an inner tube 32; 35 is probably more realistic.