First and foremost please pardon my ignorance in this realm.
I bought this bike in an estate sale for next to nothing. From my limited research I understand it is nothing crazy but does appear to be a decent beginner road bike. I have done some 15-30 mile rides on it but only on dedicated smooth trails. I am an active person who runs ~20 miles a week and I am looking to diversify my training a bit. I would like to use this bike more but am concerned that most of the roads in my area are rougher than these skinny gatorskins can handle.
As I have researched cycling on rough surfaces, gravel bikes come up time and time again. I think this could be a reasonable hybrid option for me given my goals and needs. Is it possible to convert this bike to a gravel bike? What would a guy need to do? Is there a better way to achieve these goals? Am I underestimating the ability of these tires/rims?
I appreciate any insight anyone is able to provide.
by csmith06
4 Comments
Tyre clearance on a rim brake road bike is going to be like 28-30 mm at most probably, so no, unless you change the frame. If you get more into cycling, this bike would be good for an indoor trainer setup however if it fits you.
Doesn’t have the tire clearance I’d want for a gravel bike.
The only rim brake bikes that do have cantis, mini-v’s or long reach calipers, like old CX bikes, touring bikes, and rigid MTBs.
No. Not realistically possible due to limited tire clearance. Easier to start from an old MTB, rather just get a used gravel bike.Â
Try the largest tires you can fit and see whether you can ride where you want comfortably and safe enough.
I have rode unpaved and halfways rough stretches in the past with 28mm Conti GP4000s and once (unplanned) even with 25mm.
I would not want to do it too often, but I apparently survived.
If you ride on fine gravel it might work reasonably well.
If not, the only option is a new frame and matching wheels (disc brakes).