Need a mew bike

[da1esman]

Looking to return to cycling after 10 years away and I am very interested in competing in a number of Audax events as well as week end tours plus commuting .


In my search for a suitable bike the majority of my local shops in a 50 mile ( living in Wensleydale ) radius have offered either a race style or MTB bikes. When I explain I want to do Audax or weekend tours on a bike there appear not to be interested as they don't stock a bike suitable or try to convince me a skinny tired machine is the way to go, having no room for mudguards or saddle bag.

At 56 I am not interested in whizzing through the dales in a fast chain gang

Can you give some I advice on a suitable machine

 

[winjim]

Given your user name, a Claud Butler Dalesman, surely?

 

[DaveReading]

He's looking for a pussy-magnet

 

[Elybazza61]

Dunno what your budget is but how about;

https://www.cotic.co.uk/product/roadrat

http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p61362/Dawes-Clubman-2014-Road-Bike.aspx?gclid=CPPM09ux3sACFc7HtAodwgUARA

http://www.condorcycles.com/Audax-Commute-Touring/9457-Condor-Fratello-Frameset/flypage.tpl.html

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/pro...explorer-14?bct=browse/bicycles/touring-bikes

http://www.daveyatescycles.co.uk/custom_bike_frames-Audax_Frames-26.php

 

[Cycleops]

@winjim 's suggestion is not so silly, would suit you you well I would think: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/claud-butler/dalesman-2013-touring-bike-ec049022
You will need plenty of gears and the ability to carry stuff.
The crucial thing is your budget. Although you might think a grand is quite a lot to spend on a bike it is in fact a fairly average price.
Review on the Dalesman here: http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/reviews/bike-reviews-bikes/bike-test-claud-butler-dalesman-1074-99

 

[Drago]

My commuter (Pinnacle Dolomite) would make an admirable Audax/Sportive tool, with enough ability (rack mounts, mudguard clearance etc) and comfort to tour.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Can you get to Harrogate? Spa Cycles is the place for you.

They specialise in touring/audax bikes

For starters, how about a Spa Steel Audax

 

[Cycleops]

You could consider a hybrid as @Drago suggests. This will take racks and have the gears but with flat bars: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/lithium-five-2015-hybrid-bike-ec071283
Whatever you do don't be tempted to buy one with suspension.

 

[winjim]

@winjim 's suggestion is not so silly, would suit you you well I would think: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/claud-butler/dalesman-2013-touring-bike-ec049022
You will need plenty of gears and the ability to carry stuff.
The crucial thing is your budget. Although you might think a grand is quite a lot to spend on a bike it is in fact a fairly average price.
Review on the Dalesman here: http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/reviews/bike-reviews-bikes/bike-test-claud-butler-dalesman-1074-99

Yes, I did mean it as a legitimate suggestion, as well as a play on @da1esman .

 

[vickster]

+1 for Spa

 

[Cycleops]

He's looking for a pussy-magnet

Like this?

 

[raleighnut]

That Condor fratello looks nice.

 

[vickster]

That Condor fratello looks nice.

Indeed, but the frame is £600, whole bike is £1500+ I think

What's the OP's budget?

 

[raleighnut]

Indeed, but the frame is £600, whole bike is £1500+ I think

What's the OP's budget?

Whoops, thought it looked lovely.

 

[vickster]

It's very favourably reviewed in this months cycling active, lush piece of kit