New bike options - Advice sought please.

digitaldave
digitaldave Posts: 114
edited June 2009 in Commuting chat
Hi all! Later in the year, I will be getting a bit of spare cash, and I've been thinking that it might be nice to replace my 10+ year old Trek steel monster MTB with something a bit lighter and possibly more suited to the sort of riding I am likely to actually do. Although I'd love to get an MTB with some decent bells and whistles, the chances of me doing any serious off roading are virtually zero. I would be cycling to work on roads / cycle tracks, with the occasional trip on a dirt track or possibly a field at worst, either cycling to work or going for a ride with my family once my son gets a bit older). I had quick chat with my local bike shop yesterday, and they suggested the Gary Fisher KaiTai as a good option. I had a look at the specs (they didn't have one in the shop, sold the last one the day before), and it looks pretty good for hat I'm likely to use it for. So, can anyone offer any thoughts on this bike? Am I right to be looking at a hybrid type bike? And what are some other options that I might look at (Boardman and Trek are likely candidates as they are available locally in Halfords or the bike shop)?

Many thanks,

Dave.

Comments

  • linsen
    linsen Posts: 1,959
    Sounds like you could do with a cyclocross bike rather than a hybrid. It will be quicker on the roads and will cope just fine on dirt tracks.

    Mind you, even road bikes are generally fine on tracks - I have a rather lovely machine that likes the odd outing off-road

    That is the end of my knowledg e- wait for ITB to finish his sportive today and he'll tell you all about the wonders of the cross bike!
    Emerging from under a big black cloud. All help welcome
  • Retch
    Retch Posts: 78
    Take a look at the Specialized TriCross and things of a similar ilk, or go the whole hog on an out and out road bike. Having done the latter recently I don't regret it one bit. Most important thing is to test drive a few before you part with your hard earned cash - LBS or Evans are your friends.
    FCN 5ish. Unless hungover.
  • stevedb55
    stevedb55 Posts: 52
    I got a Pinnacle Expede 1.0 CX from Evans a few months ago, well pleased with it. Quick and responsive on the roads, copes well with off road cycle tracks (not been up any mountains on it though), good quality components, etc. Also takes mudguards (important for commuting) but if you need a rack will need the seat post type (not sure if they are any good...) as there are no mounts, I think this years model does have mudguard and rack mounting points though.

    Am thinking of actually trying a CX race when the season starts.........

    Cheers
    Steve

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