What's the ultimate "All-rounder"?

Slow Downcp
Slow Downcp Posts: 3,041
edited September 2008 in Workshop
I was toying with the idea of selling 4 of my bikes, as they don't all get used enough to keep, and just keeping my Kuota for most of the riding I do. Problem is, I know I'll end up looking for something that I can ride round the lanes with my kids, do some rough stuff (bridleways etc, nothing that needs fat tyres), commute to work, maybe even the odd sportive, and use when the weather is REALLY bad. I know I could use my best bike for all of the above, but can't help but feel this isn't the best option.

What would be peoples suggestions? - budget around £1,500.
Carlsberg don't make cycle clothing, but if they did it would probably still not be as good as Assos

Comments

  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    What are the 4 bikes you have ? There must be one that fits the bill there ? Maybe just needs a different set of tyres/wheels ?
  • Slow Downcp
    Slow Downcp Posts: 3,041
    cougie wrote:
    What are the 4 bikes you have ? There must be one that fits the bill there ? Maybe just needs a different set of tyres/wheels ?

    Cannondale F700 - rarely go MTB'ing
    Bianchi Via Nirone - Good option if I kept one, but raceblades aren't great for winter.
    Ribble 531c - Again, nothing wrong with it, bit of rust but a good paintshop could easily sort, has eyes and clearance for mudguards.
    Raleigh 531c - Currently my fixed, but I have the original 12sp parts kicking about in the garage. Again clearance and eyes for mudguards.

    I could get the Ribble done up, as it is a fantastic ride, but we have a bike to work scheme so I'd be able to buy new for half price.
    Carlsberg don't make cycle clothing, but if they did it would probably still not be as good as Assos
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    I have a Airborne Carpe Diem. Commutes: summer = good wheels, winter = touring wheels and guards, has toured, done Fred Whittons, is comfy, won't rust. Handles rough tracks on the way to/from work (with the winter wheels). Sub 20lb but tough.

    It's going disc at the front soon too (when someone starts making a decent disc fork for 700c).
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Before somebody pipes-up with an audax frame in Reynolds 531c, hand brazed lugs in British Racing Green...

    If I only had one it would probably be a titanium cyclo-crosser with cage bosses and mudguard eyes. Titanium because it's tough, corrosion-resistant, comfortable and fairly light, takes abuse and is pretty timeless. Stripped-down and with skinny tyres it's fast enough for the chain gang, fast rides and yet with clearnaces and suitable tyres is good enough for all but the gnarliest off-road. I ditched my MTB since I had my crosser
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    something like this perhaps....

    (I realise it has curly bars and doesn't have touring lugs)

    Odyssey%201%202008%20page.jpg
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    I should have said, with disc brakes means you can easily swap a pair of 700c wheels with road tyres with 26" MTB wheels with 1.5" knobblies. The lighter bike means and different riding style means that you rarely need tyres any wider - besides fatter tyres are heavier too.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • BreconBiker
    BreconBiker Posts: 63
    maddog 2 wrote:
    something like this perhaps....

    (I realise it has curly bars and doesn't have touring lugs)

    Odyssey%201%202008%20page.jpg


    That looks hard to pedal! :roll: ;-)
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    but it can stand up on its own....
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • Ken Night
    Ken Night Posts: 2,005
    The usual suspects, sorry, proponents of crossers come out to play, Maddog and Monty Dog......but they are right. ( I wonder if they are related)

    For economy, it sounds as if you should keep the Ribble and Kuota. I believe you should have the best bike you can for each purpose rather than compromising, but if you really want to have only one bike, you should think of the Carpe Diem or VN Amazon

    Maddog, is too modest to say that his Carpe Diem comes with rack and MG mounts, as well a third bottle cage position under the down tube.

    If you can get one, this Ti frame is a superbly comfy ride, and adaptable enough for your purposes

    I have one and look for every opportunity to post.....ebayjan08093.jpg
    “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best..." Ernest Hemingway
  • Slow Downcp
    Slow Downcp Posts: 3,041
    Ken Night wrote:
    For economy, it sounds as if you should keep the Ribble and Kuota. I believe you should have the best bike you can for each purpose rather than compromising, but if you really want to have only one bike, you should think of the Carpe Diem or VN Amazon

    I'm keeping the Kuota as my best bike - the addition will be the one used for commutes/rides with kids/etc. Whatever I get will actually cost me 50% as it'll be going through a bike to work scheme.
    Carlsberg don't make cycle clothing, but if they did it would probably still not be as good as Assos
  • Ken Night
    Ken Night Posts: 2,005
    edited September 2008
    ah, you've got an itch...yes, get an all rounder....and enjoy speccing it-there is a build option on the VN site
    “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best..." Ernest Hemingway
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    As I get older I'm becoming all round.

    Dennis Noward

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