I've been looking to buy a new bike, but am really confused as to which sort to go for.
I cycle 20+miles a day throughout the year to work, and have been using an old Ridgeback Tempest for the past 3 years which I feel isn't really suited to commuting.
I feel that the time has come to try a proper road bike, with drop handle bars. I spend most of my time on the bar ends anyway so I think I could handle the low down position of drops.
However, I also want to have the option of going off road. I have found an alternative route home that takes me off-road slightly (only for 5 minutes or so), on gravel paths and fields. And, I have the option of cycling home over the South Downs. ALSO, I belong to a club that does off-road cycles which I haven't been able to join in as I don't have a suitable bike.
So, do I get a general hybrid that could cope with off roading and on roads? Or 2 separate bikes? A proper road bike and a mountain bike. Bearing in mind that I will spend 90% of my time on road. A cyclo cross bike would seem to be suitable, but they all appear to be very, very expensive!
Other things that I would have to have would be the option to fit panniers, and if I go for a drop handlebar variety - I would want breaks on the top bar.
Am I asking too much for one bike?!?!
Any advice would be gratefully received
Thanks
Joanna
I cycle 20+miles a day throughout the year to work, and have been using an old Ridgeback Tempest for the past 3 years which I feel isn't really suited to commuting.
I feel that the time has come to try a proper road bike, with drop handle bars. I spend most of my time on the bar ends anyway so I think I could handle the low down position of drops.
However, I also want to have the option of going off road. I have found an alternative route home that takes me off-road slightly (only for 5 minutes or so), on gravel paths and fields. And, I have the option of cycling home over the South Downs. ALSO, I belong to a club that does off-road cycles which I haven't been able to join in as I don't have a suitable bike.
So, do I get a general hybrid that could cope with off roading and on roads? Or 2 separate bikes? A proper road bike and a mountain bike. Bearing in mind that I will spend 90% of my time on road. A cyclo cross bike would seem to be suitable, but they all appear to be very, very expensive!
Other things that I would have to have would be the option to fit panniers, and if I go for a drop handlebar variety - I would want breaks on the top bar.
Am I asking too much for one bike?!?!
Any advice would be gratefully received
Thanks
Joanna