2013 Specialized Vita Comp

[A5BlackEd]

My first post so please be gentle!

I have just bought by fiancee the above bike, we plan on road riding together most of the time but there will also be times that we will want to go on tracks etc with the kids (no serious off road stuff!).. The standard wheels and tyres won't be suitable for this.

I am considering getting another set of wheels etc so that we could just swap over and use the same bike rather than have to have an second bike...

Firstly, is this possible?
Secondly, what wheel/tyre combo would be recommended?

Appreciate any advice

Steve

 

[vickster]

Why won't the wheels and tyres be suitable do you think? Most fat hybrids will handle towpaths and parks etc no bother, just slow down a bit

Yes, you could have different wheels and tyres if needed, assuming same size and sufficient clearance for fatter tyres

 

[w00hoo_kent]

It's the female version of the Sirrus, if it comes with the Nimbus Flak Jacket tyres then I wouldn't worry too much if you're only doing light trails. It will comfortably cope with grass, tow paths, gravel etc. We've done rides like Forest Way and Tonbridge to Penshurst which both include off tarmac sections without any problems.

 

[A5BlackEd]

Ah cool, I assumed as they were 28c tyres it wouldn't handled these at all well....

 

[Cyclist33]

Note of caution - I did the same for my hybrid but in fact although I had the gear ratios exactly the same on both sets of wheels, both the rims and the position of the cassettes were quite different on each set of wheels, which meant every time I swapped wheels I had to readjust both the gears and brakes. These being fiddly, time consuming and often fruitless tasks, I stopped doing this and now just have one all purpose wheelset and swap the tyres as and when I want to. It's much quicker and easier.

Assuming your Vita has pretty slick tyres (as I understand it the Vita is like a ladies' version of the Sirrus?) then I don't agree it will be really suited to canal paths etc. Slowing down means it can be done but it is far more confidence inspiring on fatter tyres with some tread. I can recommend the Schwalbe Smart Sam if you can get your hands on them, as they roll very well on the road but have a good side tread for the towpaths.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I ride my Sirrus down the towpath, even been known to take it through the odd field or two as well. I have marathon plus 28s on my wheels

 

[vickster]

Looks like the 2013 comes with 28s as standard, not sure why you need different wheels. Just use better tyres for the whole time?

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized...ke_48397.htm?gclid=CJ-J3739mb8CFYTLtAod8HUA0Q

 

[A5BlackEd]

I guess we will have to give it a bit of a try... She's not the most confident cyclist so having the fatter tyres was something I thought would help when off the tarmac, I want her to be comfortable at all times so maybe slightly fatter with a little side grip would be better for all occasions...?

 

[w00hoo_kent]

Possibly, I went thinner rather than fatter on the Sirrus when the Flak Jackets wore out, but different riding styles and all that. Maybe get her practicing slow control and making sure that the pace is comfortable and she is happy on the bike. I'd look at pedals and seat perhaps if you want to make changes. Start off on routes without rocks and loose stones while she builds her confidence up?

I was ridiculously over protective of my wife after I'd infected her with the cycling bug but it really was worrying over nothing.

 

[citybabe]

I have a Vita and I'm happy to ride it on any pathway or road