Looking for some advice

[drrnb]

Hi all

I'm new to the forum, having been reading and taking in plenty of useful information over the past week or so. I am looking for some advice from other members.

I have recently started cycling having agreed to take part in a c2c for charity in July this year from Workington to Sunderland over 3 days.

I originally planned to buy a starter/entry level road bike to train on (Carrera TDF or BTwin Triban 3) however a friend has a Carrera Crossfire 3 Hybrid (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_810635_langId_-1_categoryId_165534) that he has used maybe once or twice so agreed to lend it to me.

Over the past few weeks I have been doing 10 - 15 miles, 3 times a week to get some miles down and plan to gradually increase to prepare myself. I am really enjoying the cycling so far although I have completed just under 100 miles to date.

Given I didn't have to spend on a bike I was looking to upgrade the Crossfire and would like to recommendations on what to change or alternatively would I be best to just get one of the above road bikes?

Currently the bike is standard so I was thinking of changing the tyres to something a little less knobbly and thinner to reduce rolling resistance, would this be a good idea and would I notice much difference? Any recommendations?

Secondly I was looking at changing the pedals as they are currently flat ones with nothing to hold my feet.

Am I on the right track with my thoughts? Any advice appreciated.

 

[MikeW-71]

You'd notice quite a difference just by changing the tyres. What size does it have fitted already? If you could get some 28mm Gatorskins or similar on there, it would be brilliant. If you're doing the ride over 3 days, that bike should be fine as you can take your time to cover the distance per day.

Since it's going to be a long trip, fit some bar ends to give you a change in hand positions. As for pedals, you could go for pinned platform pedals or go to SPD clipless pedals and shoes. Clipless is the better option for long distance IMO.

A road bike is still a better tool for the job, but the TDF is overgeared and you'd be better off with the Triban 3.

To offer an alternative:
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2014.giant.defy.5/14977/66549/#specifications
Which has a very low gear available for hills.

Good luck!

 

[drrnb]

The tyres currently fitted are the 700x42c that came with the bike. Would going as low as 28mm be ok?

Bar ends sound like a good idea as I would prefer to get a little lower when at speed, i will have a look at some.

A Triban 3 would be my choice over the TDF if I were to get a road bike and I will also take a look at the Giant suggested, thanks for that. Would a road bike make life much easier over sticking with the hybrid and changing a few parts?

 

[vickster]

Road bike much more suited to roads than a hybrid with suspension, even with lockout and narrower tyres

 

[drrnb]

Thanks for the contribution vickster, appreciated.

 

[MikeW-71]

The tyres currently fitted are the 700x42c that came with the bike. Would going as low as 28mm be ok?

Bar ends sound like a good idea as I would prefer to get a little lower when at speed, i will have a look at some.

A Triban 3 would be my choice over the TDF if I were to get a road bike and I will also take a look at the Giant suggested, thanks for that. Would a road bike make life much easier over sticking with the hybrid and changing a few parts?

42mm! 28's might not go on the rims then.

As Vickster says, a road bike will make it a lot easier, and more comfortable as well.

 

[drrnb]

I think 32 is the smallest the rim will take.

Will take a look at a road bike then. Thanks for your help.