Knowledge required

[RL McSterlingthong]

Hi guys, I could do with some advice from your good selves before I head down to my local bike shop (so they dont miss sell me the wrong bike)

I have no real knowledge of bikes, except that they have 2 wheels!

I was talking to a group of friends and we all decided that it would be a good idea to cycle from John O Groats to Lands End. So I jumped online to have a quick look at bikes and well I never realised there were so many different types.

From limited reading on the internet, I would have said that a road bike is the way to go, as they're light and therefore easier cycling, but as we'd need to take small bits of equipment (we'd go from travel lodge to travel lodge, so we would carry as little as possible) but is a road bike able to carry anything? Or could I use a rucksack (i'd prefer that to penyards) - but other sites say a touring bike is better, but they're heavy - so surely that makes it harder ??

I'd be looking to complete it in around 10 days (dont know if that effects which bike i should go for)

Any help or advice would be appreciated

 

[fossala]

My Dad did the cycle in 8 days but trained for a year before hand. Don't over commit yourself!

 

[RL McSterlingthong]

Yeah im aware that I'll need to do some serious training, but its something I've always wanted to do & I havent set a definite date, so I know i'll be suitably prepared before I set off

 

[DCLane]

If you look in the Touring section there's a sub-forum devoted just to this ...

 

[fossala]

The main thing IMO is to get a bike you feel comfortable with. I prefer a rucksack than panniers but people differ.
There would be nothing worse than to get a bike that you don't feel conftable on. Go to a LBS and try out some bikes, when you get an idea on the sort of frame and material you are interested in come back here and people should be able to recommend the right sort of bike for YOU.

 

[BrumJim]

Panniers are regarded as better, as the bike does all the work of keeping them off the ground, not you.
Touring bikes tend to be heavier as they are stronger to take the bigger knocks and weight of panniers. They also tend to have a more relaxed geometry, making the long hours in the saddle more comfortable, which makes up for the heavier weight. In the middle ground is the Audax bike. Some manufacturers helpfully call this sort of bike "Audax". Other manufacturers tend to be a little more deceptive. This is a light-weight touring bike - not suitable for carrying tents and cooking equipment, but good enough for change of clothes, emergency kit, etc. Probably the sort of bike you are looking for. Specialized Secteur is an example, but there are many others around.