I want it all in one

[Ritre]

I would like to get a bike mostly for my 10 mile each way commute 2-3 days/week. Half the commute is on a gravel path and dirt road and the other half is on paved roads. I'm thinking hybrid is the way to go. I also would like to do a triathlon (about 40 mile cycling) with this same bike. Any recommendations on brands, makes, models etc? I'm pretty fit, about 5 foot 6 and weigh 140 lbs. Thanks for any input!

 

[biggs682]

try a cyclo cross bike

 

[shouldbeinbed]

+1 A cyclocross bike will beat a hybrid all ends up for what you describe. A road bike would be fine too if its just gravel paths, and would be the better Tri option.

The differences between CX & road bike are the CX will take wider tyres (better gravel grip & comfort but less tarmac pure speed), will be a bit more rugged for off road (but remember road bikes are made of metal or carbon fibre, not tissue paper), will have greater clearance for mudguards & floor to frame etc and will give you a little more relaxed, sat up position, but overall the differences between a CX & roadie are minimal compared to the difference to a Hybrid.

The advantages of both over a hybeid are primarily in the drop bars giving a more aero position for those 10 mile commutes into a howling headwind and a significant performance advantage for your Triathloning.

 

[mickle]

Yup.

 

[MattHB]

I love my CX for commuting, it's just awesome. Combine a CX with a cheap set of road wheels gives you best of all worlds.

 

[Drago]

So you want a Ferrari that will so out do Land Rocer off the Tarmac?

If you have the budget to buy new I too would be going down the Cyclocross route. If cash is tight then a rigid or HT MTB on slick tyres.

Ill probably be burned at the stake for heresy, but in generally not a hybrid fan. Too much a 'master of none'. Ok, the same is true of a commuterised MTB, but the cost to convert a free/cheap old nail is minimal.

 

[gaz]

Cyclocross. Fast and capable of doing off road.

 

[Ritre]

Thanks for all the input! As is most likely obvious I don't know a lot about cycling, I know talking about brands usually stirs a big debate because people are usually very loyal but for the Cyclocross are there any specific cycles (brands and maybe models) that I should look at? Hoping around $500-$600 but I plan on using it a lot and am willing to pay more if neccesary. The gravel path and dirt road are pretty solid with a few rough patches. I don't plan on trying to dominate to the Triathlon just trying for a semi-respectbile time. Thanks again- you folks are really helpful!

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Specialized Crux

 

[Drago]

Giant TCX-3. Nice geometry if you're tall, but if you're a bit more averaged sized the Crux.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Edinburgh Bicycle Coop. Revolution Cross 12 or the Cross Sport if you do want it more racy. The sport hits your price point exactly.

I had a Cross 10 and loved it, it was stolen & I'm still not over wishing horrible things on the turd that took it.

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/blog/2012/04/revolution-cross-sport-review/