Do I *really* need a roadbike?

[adunn01]

So, in about a weeks time my company are finally going to launch their cycle2work scheme, and it's got me thinking about a new bike.

I've currently got a 6 month old Giant Escape M2 (rigid fork MTB with 1.5 slicks). Pretty much this: http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=15479 (I've got the 08 which appears to be identical in every way to the 09 version, not even a re-spray!)

I use my bike for getting everywhere, but mostly for my commute, which is only 3 miles. Given the short distance, am I going to see much benefit from an entry level road bike (like the Trek 1.2 say http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/12-double-2008-road-bike-ec001627) over what I've already got?

If it wasn't for the C2W scheme I wouldn't be considering this at all, which makes me think I don't really need it. But then, I normally spend about £40 a month buying extra holidays through our reward programme, so should I do without the extra days off and get myself a cheap-ish roadie?!

 

[adunn01]

Orrrrr: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/dawes/horizon-2008-touring-bike-ec000393

 

[Tynan]

if it's only for three miles, anything with wheels really tbh

 

[hackbike 666]

What about ten miles?

 

[beanzontoast]

You can buy holidays?

 

[Black Sheep]

i'm presuming your asking in order for us to help justify the new bike?

the answer is no you don't really need a new whole bike, how about a unicycle since thats half a bike - kind of

 

[hackbike 666]

A three mile commute *sigh*.I was so run down after last week I have gone down with another cold.

 

[adunn01]

You can buy holidays?

yep, they give me 33 days and I can buy up to another 5 with a salary deduction thing. Works out pretty much as unpaid leave

 

[adunn01]

i'm presuming your asking in order for us to help justify the new bike?

the answer is no you don't really need a new whole bike, how about a unicycle since thats half a bike - kind of

the half with the gears and brakes is more useful to me though!

maybe i should move further away from work. or get a new job. hm.

 

[fossyant]

If you fancy doing longer rides - at weekends say, then a road bike is ideal. Most of us have multiple bikes anyway, I'm about to get a fourth, and have plans on a fifth....

You could always do a detour to work ?

 

[Ivan Ardon]

I was in the same position last year, a ten mile round trip commute which I was doing perfectly well on my fast hybrid, when the scheme started at work.

Logically, no I didn't NEED another bike and a road bike wouldn't be any use at all for me during the winter when I retire the fast hybrid for a commuted-up tank bike of some description. Getting something nice, shiny and light made no sense at all. In the summer, it wouldn't do the commute any better than my EBC Courier Race either.

So I bought myself a rather lovely Specialized Allez through the scheme.

 

[ChrisKH]

yep, they give me 33 days and I can buy up to another 5 with a salary deduction thing. Works out pretty much as unpaid leave

Definitely not in the private sector then.

 

[J4CKO]

I am waiting for the end of my current agreement with c2w and am considering a full on roadie, I have a Cannondale Bad Boy 700 at the moment that is doing fine but I keep getting told that I can go faster on a proper road bike and use it for longer rides with road bike mates as would feel a bit odd on a Hybrid amongst the roadies and possibly at a disadvantage if it makes a difference in speed, or is that largely down to the rider.

 

[adunn01]

If you fancy doing longer rides - at weekends say, then a road bike is ideal. Most of us have multiple bikes anyway, I'm about to get a fourth, and have plans on a fifth....

You could always do a detour to work ?

detour to work's a definite option, could easily up it to 7/8 miles each way.

If I went for a tourer rather than a road bike, am I taking a half-way shop that's making the whole thing even more pointless, or is a tourer pretty much a roadie with a rack?! (can you tell I've only ever done the MTB thing before!?)

 

[caesar]

so should I do without the extra days off and get myself a cheap-ish roadie?!

Of course you should, the number of bikes you need = the number of bikes you have + 1.