Originally Posted by
12strings
I also have a 1970's steel, lugged, heavy, but sturdy bike with plenty of tire clearance, but also heavy steel wheels, seatpost, bars, and components (Stem shifters). I purchased the bike for $15, stripped it to bare frame, cleaned and re-greased everything, and reassembled with new chain, cables, and 26 x 1 3/8 smooth city tires. It's nice for cruising around town.
Would I be able to enjoy much off-road (Gravel, trails, grass) adventuring with this bike if I simply got some more off-road tires, or would the very heavy weight (35-40 lbs, I assume, I really have no idea) severely limit my fun?
I know most even entry level gravel bikes are in the low 20's in weight.
Heck yeah. You'll probably have lots of fun. If not, at least you didn't blow $2000 on a new bike. Those tires will be totally fine for exploring dirt/gravel/grass. I think the first upgrades for that bike would be:
1) scuffing those steel rims for better braking in mud
2) replace the steel rims with aluminum ones for even better braking in mud
3) lowering the lowest gear