Should I get a second bike?

[maggie_0]

So, I have been commuting to work most days on my Giant city hybrid for a couple of years now. On the road all the way, and I only cycle really to commute, do not do weekend/longer/cross country rides.
However as a fellow forum user kindly pointed out there is a much nicer route to my work which involves going down some country tracks, only passable in the dry really. Involves going through some gravel paths, stony roads and large sections where car tyre tracks solidify into the mud. All on the flat. I tried the track this week, and it was hard work, took a lot of concentration, but managed. Lovely route, much nicer than my on road commute.
So, is it really sensible to carry on using my hybrid down such a route, or would I be better off in investing in something with a wider tyre? What should I be looking for?

 

[Moodyman]

Hybrids are quite versatile so get yourself some wider tyres with mtb like knobblies for extra grip.

 

[betty swollocks]

Can you not stick fatter tyres on your existing bike and maybe invest in a nice springy saddle or a strung seatpost?

But what I really want to say in answer to your question is YES!

 

[Brommie77]

Go on - you know you want to otherwise you wouldn't have asked in a forum that is biased

 

[tyred]

Silly question. You can never own enough bikes.

 

[funnymummy]

I only have 2 bikes, my MummyBike for bubba-trailer towing, my Spesh for solo road riding....
But I am toying with the idea of getting a MTB, living right on the South Downs it makes perfect sense, so mnay lovely off-road routes to be investigated

Nope you can never have too mnay bikes

 

[cloggsy]

What about a Cyclocross bike; the best of both worlds surely?

 

[DrSquirrel]

That's the whole point of a Hybrid...

Keep going, it seems that you're just not used to "off road" ?


As above, go for a wider tyre if you need to - if you WANT another bike say so and everyone will help you justify it, this includes excuses for the wife/other half etc

 

[chugsy]

I have a Giant Escape R1 hybrid which I stuck some cheap CX tyres on (Schwalbe CX Comp 700x35 - 11 quid each). Took it to Sherwood Pines today and it performed admirably - 27mph flying down one track. Apart from deep sand which my old mtb wasn't great at, it was brill - didn't miss the suspension at all. Obviously it's not suited to jumps and tricks but I'm too old for that!

 

[biggs682]

only 1 extra bike i have 4 rideable bikes plus a couple undergoing builds

 

[leemo]

Hybrid describes a range of bikes and it depends where you are within that versus how harsh the terrain is. What is the max width of tyres you can fit? If you are willing to use MTb style guards rather than full length ones you would get a wider tyre but they don't shield you from the spray so well.

Can you link us to the spec of your bike?

 

[Nigeyy]

+1 What "tyred" said...

Proud owner of 11 bikes: 1 FS MTB, 1 HT MTB, 1 tourer, 1 commuter, 1 single speed, 2 folders, 1 3-speed, 1 road bike, 1 recumbent, 1 freebie mess around bike. Mind you, one folder and the single speed are in the current build process so I guess I only have 9 bikes really. I used to want one bike for every day of the week

I admit I'm a bit over the top, but honestly I rarely drink, don't gamble or smoke so it's my little weakness. My wife accepted it a long time ago. Seriously it's nice to have another bike, and anyway, what bad can come from it?

If money is an issue, I also second to put more suitable tyres on your hybrid -make it a 29'er. You should be fine. Though if you really want another bike, I have to say that hybrid you have won't do the job at all and it's ridiculous -nay, dangerous -to continue with it. I'd recommend getting another bike if only from a safety (definitely include this word if you mention the words "bike" and "new" to your wife husband) and economy point of view (your hybrid is wearing out right? And we all know it's more expensive to replace parts, might as well just plump for a new bike), as well as the fact it would be cool and you'd look fashionable (have I missed anything?).

Silly question. You can never own enough bikes.

 

[davehann]

BIKES ARE LIKE SHOES

it is not posible toown too many!

 

[maggie_0]

and economy point of view (your hybrid is wearing out right? And we all know it's more expensive to replace parts, might as well just plump for a new bike), as well as the fact it would be cool and you'd look fashionable (have I missed anything?).

Thanks for the replies - it is mostly the wear and tear I am worried about closely followed by falling off (as still recovering from a knee op) After all the replies I am tempted to get a second bike. But that's where it stops, to have any more than 2 would be just silly. Right?

 

[goo_mason]

Thanks for the replies - it is mostly the wear and tear I am worried about closely followed by falling off (as still recovering from a knee op) After all the replies I am tempted to get a second bike. But that's where it stops, to have any more than 2 would be just silly. Right?

Everyone knows the formula for the ideal number of bikes you should own is:

n + 1

(where n is the number you currently have)


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