Sorry in advance - what bike...
Discussion
Sorry in advance for a what bike thread - long time reader just signed up. I have always ridden on the roads but would like a second bike so I can still get out in poor weather and save the road bike for the summer but I cant decide between a hybrid, a Hardtail or even w second road bike...! So I’ve tried to capture some requirements below and hopefully the knowledgeable folk here could help me...
I'm lucky enough to live near some local wood trails so on days where i fancy something different to the road i'd like something that i can use on these. They're a mixture of farmers tracks / bridleways, gravel paths and so on, not advanced downhill!
During the winter months when its not nice enough to be out on the road bike something that I don't mind getting wet out on the roads and not have a fear of coming off it
During the summer months i'd like to attach either a child seat for one child or a trailer to carry both children on for a ride around
Anytime of the year (when we get back into the office) use as a commuter, no more than 10 miles each way on a mixture of roads and pavements and maybe some very light gravel tracks
Something that i can get on and ride across a multitude of surfaces as explained above
I have a budget of about £500 and not adverse to buying used. If I got MTB I’d need to add on pedals / helmet etc as all I own is road kit. If I go hybrid I can put some pedals and wheel upgrades that I have laying about and use my road kit
I’ve rambled on far to much - if anyone can help suggest a bike that ticks all of the above I’d be very great full!
I'm lucky enough to live near some local wood trails so on days where i fancy something different to the road i'd like something that i can use on these. They're a mixture of farmers tracks / bridleways, gravel paths and so on, not advanced downhill!
During the winter months when its not nice enough to be out on the road bike something that I don't mind getting wet out on the roads and not have a fear of coming off it
During the summer months i'd like to attach either a child seat for one child or a trailer to carry both children on for a ride around
Anytime of the year (when we get back into the office) use as a commuter, no more than 10 miles each way on a mixture of roads and pavements and maybe some very light gravel tracks
Something that i can get on and ride across a multitude of surfaces as explained above
I have a budget of about £500 and not adverse to buying used. If I got MTB I’d need to add on pedals / helmet etc as all I own is road kit. If I go hybrid I can put some pedals and wheel upgrades that I have laying about and use my road kit
I’ve rambled on far to much - if anyone can help suggest a bike that ticks all of the above I’d be very great full!
A gravel bike sounds like a perfect solution for you. Maybe budget will be under pressure - £500 is not a lot for a new bike- but you might get similar as a used buy.
If you had the inclination, I've ridden non suspension MTB with road wheels for a similar outcome - but you would need to build your own if this was your preference. Cheaper than new.
If you had the inclination, I've ridden non suspension MTB with road wheels for a similar outcome - but you would need to build your own if this was your preference. Cheaper than new.
bearman68 said:
A gravel bike sounds like a perfect solution for you. Maybe budget will be under pressure - £500 is not a lot for a new bike- but you might get similar as a used buy.
If you had the inclination, I've ridden non suspension MTB with road wheels for a similar outcome - but you would need to build your own if this was your preference. Cheaper than new.
I think Decahlon have just released a Triban entry level gravel bike within the OPs budget...might be worth looking atIf you had the inclination, I've ridden non suspension MTB with road wheels for a similar outcome - but you would need to build your own if this was your preference. Cheaper than new.
Lots of used mountain bikes on ebay at bargain prices. At that price point I would also look at 26inch wheel bikes. There are still plenty of parts available to upgrade/repair, no need to jump on the 27.5 or 29er bandwagon. The latter in particular is currently overpriced in used state due to so little supply in new likes.
Assuming you have a road helmet, no need for a separate one for mtb - I've used my Kask road lid on my mtb for years.
Assuming you have a road helmet, no need for a separate one for mtb - I've used my Kask road lid on my mtb for years.
Thank you all for your help and advice, it is really helpful.
having had a look around and also noticing i receive a discount with Halfords (i know...) this looks quite tempting:
https://www.halfords.com/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardm...
Its over budget but the discount brings it down and the frame looks pretty good. My one concern would be whether this would handle the gravel trails i mentioned or if it would be a bit to uncomfortable
having had a look around and also noticing i receive a discount with Halfords (i know...) this looks quite tempting:
https://www.halfords.com/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardm...
Its over budget but the discount brings it down and the frame looks pretty good. My one concern would be whether this would handle the gravel trails i mentioned or if it would be a bit to uncomfortable
A carbon fork helps dampen vibration through the handlebars quite a bit.
My worries here would be based on the 1*10 gearset - I can't say it's a bad idea, but surely 2*9 are better than 1*10? Dunno.
It's also going to feel a bit slow because of 10.4 kg, and flat wide handlebars.
It just depends on your personal preference now. I like the fork, and the brakes.
My worries here would be based on the 1*10 gearset - I can't say it's a bad idea, but surely 2*9 are better than 1*10? Dunno.
It's also going to feel a bit slow because of 10.4 kg, and flat wide handlebars.
It just depends on your personal preference now. I like the fork, and the brakes.
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