Type of bike for riding in a city but also capable of doing rides in the country side?

[alexio]

Hi everyone, first thread and glad to join here.
Im investigating which type of bike would be the best option for riding in a city but also capable of doing rides in the country side. Not realy off track but a little bit field work would be nice. Ive seen bikes called fitness bike (don't like the name) but dont know if these type of bikes are meant for rough rides in the country side. Any tips?

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

I have never heard of anyone referring to any kind of bike as a "fitness bike" so don't know what they are - hybrid, maybe?

 

[steve50]

Hybrid or CX bike would probably fit the bill.

 

[Goggs]

Fitness bike is a new term from the other side of the pond. It's a hybrid.

A hybrid is probably what you're after but a CX will do the same job but quicker, as long as you're comfortable with drop (racing) bars. Work out the proportion of tarmac to gravel riding you're likely to do & you'll get a more refined answer.

 

[MichaelW2]

You need a bike that fits you, has tyre clearance for medium tyres + mudguards, has a wide range of gears and is not any heavier than it needs to be. It makes little difference what shape the bars are, as long as they are comfortable. Disk brakes are advantageous in mucky conditions on or off road. What you call this kind of bike is really not important. They go by the name of hybrids, cyclo-cross, tourers, gravel bikes, adventure bikes, cross-country MTBs. Given the general purpose, all round usefulness of this style of bike, I like to call them bicycles.

 

[mjr]

Fitness bike is a new term from the other side of the pond. It's a hybrid.

But more road-cruiser hybrid than the road-mountain hybrids typically seen in the UK, isn't it?

I'd suggest a three speed roadster ("light sports" or "English three" in the USA, I think, but they're old terms) as great in cities but capable of countryside including mild gravel/dirt track. You'll walk more often than on a tourer, but it's more time to enjoy free views.

 

[PaulSB]

Though it's more than 15 years ago I had two Marin San Rafaels. A fabulous bike which I used to commute, go shopping, canal path like surfaces and the C2C.

It is/was a hybrid, extremely versatile, comfortable and fast. Sadly both were stolen.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

As above a hybrid or Cyclo Cross(cx above) would definitely fit your needs.

Another suggestion could be a mountain bike and 2nd wheelset. Same gearing for greatest interchange simplicity & one set with slick road tyres for day to day road and utility riding and 2nd with knobbly tyres to take you wherever you want for fun rides.

Put a megarange cassette on and you'd have the compromise gearing to cover both or you could have small variance in the top and bottom cogs on each cassette with the same rear mech.

Maybe a tad over the top idea for what riding you speak about but just a suggestion to consider in the mix

 

[Sixmile]

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/fuji-tread-1-3-gravel-bike-2015/rp-prod147073

My friend bought this bike 2 weeks ago and I reckon it's a good all rounder. I have a Specialised Crosstrail hybrid and although it's comfy and good on rougher trails, it's slow on the open road. My next upgrade for it will be changing the cassette.

The wee Fuji is quicker and lighter. We were down around Lough Neagh on Monday night on some rough forest and stoned surfaces and the Fuji handled it no bother.

 

[iandg]

Surly Cross-Check

But I'm biased because I love mine so much

 

[kalniel]

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/fuji-tread-1-3-gravel-bike-2015/rp-prod147073

My friend bought this bike 2 weeks ago and I reckon it's a good all rounder. I have a Specialised Crosstrail hybrid and although it's comfy and good on rougher trails, it's slow on the open road. My next upgrade for it will be changing the cassette.

The wee Fuji is quicker and lighter. We were down around Lough Neagh on Monday night on some rough forest and stoned surfaces and the Fuji handled it no bother.

I have this exact bike too. Love it, and I take it through some very rough (but dry) stuff and it's coped fine. However I don't think you can buy them any more. Wait for the new models?

 

[CycleD]

I use a Merida Crossway... I find it very light and easy on city and country roads

 

[NorthernDave]

Although it would be good to know your budget and what percentage of road to off road riding you'll be doing. If you're going to be commuting on road during the week and just want an occasional ride into the countryside on a weekend, then something like these, might be more suited:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...earch&storeId=10001&catalogId=10151&langId=-1

Something from this selection will be capable of dealing with pretty much every eventuality you've given (although it's unlikely that you'll need anything with front suspension from what you've said): http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...earch&storeId=10001&catalogId=10151&langId=-1

And, if you join British Cycling (£35) you get 10% off all purchases at Halfords, plus third party liability insurance and lots of other handy benefits.

 

[Cycleops]

Well, @alexio as you can see there are any number of bikes that fit your brief. Halfords bikes are good value but the experience of buying and service can be a bit variable. Have a look at all the bike shops in your area and see what appeals.

 

[Boon 51]

If you go to a bigger cycle shop like evan's you get a demo ride that helps, you have to put a small deposit down but will be returned if you buy a bike or not.. best try first if you can.