What should I get?

[Ritre]

I would like to get a bike mostly for my 10 mile each way commute 2-3 days/week. Half the commute is on a gravel path and dirt road and the other half is on paved roads. I'm thinking hybrid is the way to go. I also would like to do a triathlon (about 40 mile cycling) with this same bike. Any recommendations on brands, makes, models etc? I'm pretty fit, about 5 foot 6 and weigh 140 lbs. Thanks for any input!

 

[aces_up1504]

I am new to cycling and awaiting my new bike.

I started looking at Hybrids like your self, but realised it did not suit the kind of cycling i would like to do in the end. I always liked the idea of drop bars.

I went to a local bike shop and was shown the specialised Tricross, it is labelled a do it all bike, capable of road, gravel and dirt paths, something a normal road bike could not do, plus the addded benfit of being fairly strong on the road I am told.

So may suit you

 

[biggs682]

+1 re aces_up1504 comments , cant say i have tried one but they do look ideal for what you are after

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Specialized Crux Ftw

 

[DiddlyDodds]

Whats your budget
If you get a cyclocross type bike you get the bigger tyre that will cope with rough trails as well as rough commuting roads , and then fit road tyres to do the Sportives / Triathlons etc and you get disc brakes as well

Boardman do a nice one but its around a grand
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_777735_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

 

[Ritre]

Thanks for the input!

 

[boydj]

A CX bike is the way to go - but I'd make sure it could take proper mudguards for commuting on dirt paths. In wet weather you'll get dirty with mudguards, but without them you'll be covered in muck.

 

[Ritre]

Any specific CX bikes you recommend?

 

[boydj]

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/genesis-cdf-12?bct=browse/bicycles/cyclocross-bikes
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/pro...s-pro-12?bct=browse/bicycles/cyclocross-bikes
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/pro...sport-12?bct=browse/bicycles/cyclocross-bikes

All good choices. The EBC (Revolution) bike is particularly good value.

 

[vickster]

What's your budget?

Can get the entry level 2011 Specialized for £550...

Crux starts at £1400 if your budget is rather more substantial like Mr Venge's

Ridley have always been well regarded for CX bikes (may have even been pioneers) if you want something a little different to the ubiquitous Specialized (in the UK at least)

2013s start at around £850 http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ridley-crossbow-1317a-sora-2013/

Kona make v good CX bikes too http://www.evanscycles.com/products/kona/jake-2012-cyclocross-bike-ec034494