New bike for commuting and more?

[Euan Fox]

Hey everyone, I'm sure everyone has an opinion, but I'm looking for a bike to cycle to work and back in Manchester (more or less 20miles). I would like something lightweight and with thin wheels, but I also want to be able to use it back home in Wales, where even the roads are bumpy and not too nice, so front suspension would be good. I'm also thinking about maybe doing some cycling in France next summer so if there are any with pannier racks, then even better, however they're really not as important, because I may not even go to France. I don't really know much about bikes, and generally judge on looks... If anyone has any bikes they think are good (or great) then I would certainly appreciate the info! I have a max budget of £700 as I'm sure that I'll be able to get a bike good enough for less, but if there's a special bike for just a bit more, I don't really mind going over.

 

[vickster]

Sounds like maybe you need two bikes - you won't really want a bike with suspension for road riding

Decathlon - Triban 3 for £300 (will happily take a rack) and one of their MTBs

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-id_8167038.html

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-53-2012-id_8206682.html

£100 to spare for bits

 

[Euan Fox]

I really don't want to have two bikes, I won't have room, which is why I'm not bothered about having suspension for road cycling. I figured it's not going to add too much to the bike, the commute is only 20 miles (there and back, should have mentioned) and I figured I could do each way in less than an hour on my current bike, which is a too-small-for-me-Specialized? I'm also not too keen on the curved handlebars or the clip in pedals?

 

[roadrash]

cliples pedals need not be used whatever bike you choose,have you looked at the carrera subway (less than half your budget) leaving plenty for rack, lights etc.

 

[vickster]

Yep a more rugged hybrid should do, or something like a Crosstrail with suspension of you do want it. Plenty heavier than a road bike, also unladen (50% more)

 

[Sittingduck]

I would ditch the front sus idea unless you're really going to be using it off road.

 

[Euan Fox]

I'll be using it off road, occasionally, when I'm back in Wales. The roads that I travel on here, just for going to visit friends or cycling to town have some fieldy, rocky paths.

 

[Sittingduck]

So they're not roads, at all?? Hmm... tricky

 

[vickster]

Decent level MTB sounds it might work then

13kg, £500 Decathlon? Pretty light, knobbly tyres will give you a good work on tarmac - what type of roads will you ride on for the work commute?

 

[2wd]

I'm selling my almost new Specialised Tricross Sport with two wheelsets

one with 28mm Conti Hardshells and one wheelset with 32 CX tyres

Perfect for you and under budget

click on the links below....

 

[Euan Fox]

They are roads, they're like, farm roads. I'm sure you know the kind, out of London, but they're kindof standard where I live.

@Vickster - What is a Specialized Sirrus like? My bike for the last 5 years has been an old Specialized Hardrock, and I liked it while it was still my size?

@2wd - Where are you based? I'll be in Altrincham tomorrow afternoon, and I'm thinking of popping into the big sports shop on the outskirts of Manchester, I think it also sells ski's and other sports? I could come and have a look at some point if that's any good for you? Not sure if I'll want it, but just if I can get to you easily, then I could have a look?

 

[vickster]

Sirrus has no suspension and pretty smooth 28mm tyres. A hardrock is a hardtail MTB. I wouldn't want to use it all the time on unpaved roads, and certainly not off road in anger http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/sirrus-elite-2012-hybrid-bike-ec030146

A CX bike like the tricross may work but has the 'curved' bars and no suspension - more rugged than a Sirrus for sure

A Crosstrail or similar is sort of between the Sirrus and the Hardrock, suspension but 700c wheels and 45mm tyres - he's a mid-high range one in the sale, but still not far off 15kg (the Decathlon MTB is lighter) http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/crosstrail-comp-2012-hybrid-bike-ec030145

Maybe go somewhere like an Evans, loads of different types of bike to look at - 3 branches in and around Manchester

http://www.evanscycles.com/stores

 

[2wd]

Hi Euan

I'm between Rochdale and Oldham (NE Manchester)

Before you view and so you dont waste time,how tall are you/inside leg

I'm just short of 5ft 9/32 inside leg and the bike would be suited from 5ft 8 to 5ft 11 give or take

Also just noticed you dont like curved (drops) bars

The Tricross has drops

 

[Euan Fox]

I'm thinking, of dropping the whole suspension, no drop bar requirements. I really won't be in Wales that much, and when I am I can just take more care on the roads. I also am kind of coming to the idea that drop bars are on the better road bikes for a reason; they must just be better. I'm guessing the reason I don't really like them is because I've never really used them for more than 5 minutes a go. I have never bought a bike, so I have no idea of what size I need, but I'm around 6'1". Sorry about the changement (?) of the criteria, just figuring stuff out.

 

[2wd]

54cm is too small but thanks for asking