Using my hybrid as a mountian bike.

[pgmbmc]

I have a hybrid bike which I use to cycle to work, the bike I'm using is the 2011 Specialized Crosstrail Comp Disc. Now what I want to know I have been looking to purchase a mountain bike, but I have noticed that most of the frames look the same as my current bike, rather than spend a £1000 on a half decent mountain bike, could I just purchase a set of mountain bike wheels and tyres and fit to my hybrid, hence it is now a mountain bike.

 

[Kies]

I would say yes .... Just get a decent set of 700c wheels with wide knobbly tyres and your away

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Looking at the spec of the bike I'd have thought a simple change of tyres would do the trick. Have a look at Schwalbe's cyclocross range which will fit your existing rims.

If you do want to change to dedicated mountain bike wheels, 29er wheels are the same diameter as you already have (700c) but you'd have to check whether the frame has clearance for 29er tyres as they come in quite wide sizes.