Oh noes! Not another 'which bike' thread

[J4CKO]

You can fit pretty much any bike with a rack and guards if there is clearance, I was told there was not a suitable rack for my Cannondale Bad Boy 700, I bought a Supertourist DX and adapted it to fit, 1500 miles later its been fine, ditto guards, for the rear I just got a Cycraguard and cut it to fit.

So really you need to answer whether somethign will really not fit or if you have the skills, can it be persuaded to fit.

Also, when a bike has disks, dont assume it needs a disk mount rack, I did and it sticks out, so I got one fromt he bargain bin at Halfords with no fittings and put that on instead, always offer something up and see whether its fits rather than making assumptions.

 

[nigelnorris]

So really you need to answer whether somethign will really not fit or if you have the skills, can it be persuaded to fit.

You are right on the money there, but I have No Skills. It's taken me two years just to learn to properly adjust brakes and gears on what I already have. One day maybe, but I'm not about to try and learn on my brand new bike.

You wouldn't be the first to do that and I doubt you'd be the last... If you prefer drops to flat bars, cyclocross bikes are a very versatile alternative to a hybrid trekking bike, IMO...

Sounds like a plan. Haven't even used drop bars before, have been brainwashed by the pro-drops threads.

Not that for one minute I needed it, right from the start I really wanted to buy something different from the hybrid I have already.

 

[007fair]

Do you want another spanner in your works?

I am in the same postition as you and have agonised over choice. I really wanted something very light and fast for weekend day trips ..but I didn't like the idea of a bike that could not take a rack and so rule out completely any light touring / practicality
I am never going to race the thing

I decided eventually on the Giant Defy It has had superb write ups (see Triathlon 220 test vrs Specialised Allez) and although light and fast it has slightly more upright and comfortable geometry. Comes with 25 tyres (and I think clearance for 28's ..) plus it can take mudguards and a rack

So much more of a race bike than a tourer .. but seemed to be the best compromise for my needs!

However The 2.5 is over budget so i am waiting for either 2nd hand or a price drop .. So probably next year now

 

[nigelnorris]

Can't have too many spanners

And yes, that does look like a sensible recommendation. Unfortunately Evans don't stock Giant bikes, so I'm looking for a Trek/Specialized/Fuji(? don't see them reviewed much)/Pinnacle own brand equivalent.

Currently I'm leaning towards this

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/tricross-sport-2009-road-bike-ec016874

But I've not been into the shop and talked with the guys there yet. Can't believe how long it's taking for the C2W vouchers to come through and it seems to me that I'm better chatting with them once I actually have the spending power in my hand. (ANY day now I hope)

As a complte aside - anyone care to comment on the knowledgability/reliability of Evans staff?

 

[Sittingduck]

Currently I'm leaning towards this

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/tricross-sport-2009-road-bike-ec016874

Nice but brown! B)

Regards,
SD

 

[nigelnorris]

Nice but brown!

Regards,
SD

I'm down with brown

 

[ianrauk]

Also looking at the Tricross Sport.

I am still looking at the Roubaix Elite, however it slighty too high for my budget. So looking at this as an alternative. Pluses are that it has braze ons for panniers as I really don't like using a rucksack.