advice on new bike

beckenham

I bought a Carerra Kraken a few years ago in an attempt ot keep fit. I never really used it and the kids wrecked it. This year I decided to change that. I got it repaired and signed up for the London to Brighton. I went out training a few times but didn't really enjoy it and relied on my other sports (squash and 5aside) to get me fit enough.

I completed the London to Brighton on Sunday and really really enjoyed it. I've got the bug now and want to do more long distance stuff but want a more suitable bike.

I need a bike and I can ride on the road for hours but also be capable of going through the woods with the kids. I don't want a bike that's going to get punctures every few miles (all the bikes I saw on the road side getting punctures repaired on Sunday were out and out road bikes).

I've been looking at the Specialized Tricross but there quite expensive at œ700 and œ1200 respectively but seem to fit the bill as far as my requirements go.

Does anyone have any advice on alternatives?

Regards

Dave

portuguese mike

Its not so much the type of bike that is susceptible to p***%%res but rather the type of tyres. I've got Conti ultra gatorskins on my road bike and haven't one in over 2000 miles since i've had them.

if you want to be able to go down trails as well, you could consider a cylclocross set up. i don't know if thats just a road bike with sturdy wheels and tyres or if theres more to it but i'm sure someone on the forum will have more info.

pm

monty_dogcp

A cross -bike sounds as though it may fit your bill - you can fit wider, C-X tyres for those jaunts in the woods/paths and by swapping to narrow road tyres, you'll be as fast as a race bike on the road - legs permitting. A good compromise would be to fit a 700x32mm touring tyre such as a Swalbe Marathon - tough enough for occasional off-road but when pumped up, will allow you to keep a reasonable pace on the road. Consider getting a decent track pump too - meaning you can adjust your tyre pressure easily - 60-70psi for offroad and 90-100psi for on-road.

Unknown

I'd agree with Monty - given the type of riding you're planning on doing then a cyclo-cross bike like the Tricross sounds ideal. A word of warning though - don't set your heart on it just yet as I think Specialized have been surprised by the popularity of the Tricross and it's pretty much sold out in the UK.

Another option, given that you're in London, is to visit Condor Cycles on Gray's Inn Road. They do a very good cross bike, the Italia Cross, at a similar price. I've got one and would thoroughly recommend it.

pw1brown

Traditional touring bikes like the Dawes Galaxy should cope well with what you're planning. Or, maybe better still, get a new road bike for your long rides and keep your Kraken for the woods.