sjb
New Member
- Location
- Huddersfield
Last year I got a Giant SCR2.0 and a Giant Expression hybrid, with the plan of using the SCR for commuting and fitness and the Expression to replace my ancient GT MTB for family cycling trips. The SCR has been wonderful, but the Expression is not comfortable for me and is too cumbersome. I also much prefer using the STI levers.
So my plan is to sell the Expression and get a new "proper" tourer for family trips. The SCR can then be stripped of mudguards and rack and used for sportier road riding and TT's next year (my goal for my forthcoming 40th year is to compete in my first TT and knock an hour or so off this year's time for the Kirklees Sportive). My employer has just announced a new round of Bike 2 work kicking off at the end of July, using Cyclescheme so I will have the choice of a whole range of good LBSs.
My budget will be around £750-1000, the less the better. My main concern is that for family rides I tow my 6 year old daughter using a tag-along, an arrangement I expect to continue into next summer as we tend to do quite long rides (35 miles +) which she won't be able to do even when she's finally learnt to ride on her own.....so the bike must be strong enough to cope with a tag-along, my non-inconsiderable weight (somewhre between 15-16 stones) and loaded panniers front and back.
I definately do not want bar end shifters, and would quite like a set of bar top brake levers to supplement the STI's. I've been looking at the Claud Butler Dalesman which seems to meet most of the criteria, also possibly the Koga Sutra.
Anything else anyone would recommend I look at? Is my preference for 700c wheels silly? Would disc brakes be worth looking at?
Any advice gratefully received!
Cheers
Simon
So my plan is to sell the Expression and get a new "proper" tourer for family trips. The SCR can then be stripped of mudguards and rack and used for sportier road riding and TT's next year (my goal for my forthcoming 40th year is to compete in my first TT and knock an hour or so off this year's time for the Kirklees Sportive). My employer has just announced a new round of Bike 2 work kicking off at the end of July, using Cyclescheme so I will have the choice of a whole range of good LBSs.
My budget will be around £750-1000, the less the better. My main concern is that for family rides I tow my 6 year old daughter using a tag-along, an arrangement I expect to continue into next summer as we tend to do quite long rides (35 miles +) which she won't be able to do even when she's finally learnt to ride on her own.....so the bike must be strong enough to cope with a tag-along, my non-inconsiderable weight (somewhre between 15-16 stones) and loaded panniers front and back.
I definately do not want bar end shifters, and would quite like a set of bar top brake levers to supplement the STI's. I've been looking at the Claud Butler Dalesman which seems to meet most of the criteria, also possibly the Koga Sutra.
Anything else anyone would recommend I look at? Is my preference for 700c wheels silly? Would disc brakes be worth looking at?
Any advice gratefully received!
Cheers
Simon
