Lands End to John O' Groats - Recommend a Bike?

Noodle65
Noodle65 Posts: 2
edited November 2009 in Road buying advice
Hello

I'm completely new to cycling, so I'm seeking your expert advice for a charity ride for Christies Hospital being held in May 2010.

I'm part of a group that has come together to cycle from Lands End to John O' Groats next May, over 12 - 14 days, and I'm the only member of the team of 6 who is new to biking.

I'm based in Manchester, North West, and I'm doing some research on which bike is best to chose for the 1000 mile trek. I assume we are likely to be on roads only, although I quite like the idea of how versatile a cross cycle should I ever wish to go on gravel / mud roads?

My budget for a bike is approx. up to a max. £850. (although I'd rather keep to c. £750) I went into Harry Halls in Manchester today and they recommended the Specialized Tricross Sport Triple priced at £850, but should I be looking more towards to the Touring / Road Bikes for this type of journey?

Please help!

Thanks in advance.

Paul

Comments

  • crimsondynamo
    crimsondynamo Posts: 246
    It's possible to do E2E (aka LeJog) on any type of bike from a folding brompton to a full carbon racer. I'd suggest your key considerations are:

    1. what are the other 5 guys riding? You don't want to be handicapped by a slower bike (albeit one which might have more long term verstility). Indeed, i'd suggest trying to gain an advantage in this respect. It will make the trip with 6 guys a whole lot easier.

    2. are you riding unsupported purist-style, or supported like a dirty cheat? :wink: Are you staying in campsites or the local Sheraton? This shows how much kit you will have to lug.

    3. determine exactly what terrain you're riding on, I strongly suspect (given your timescale) that it's all road.
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    depends on how much you're carrying

    if you're doing it light and can get away with just a bar bag and a top rackpack then pretty much any roadie bike with rack bosses will work fine, if the geometry and bar/stem setup suits you. Even ones without rack bosses can be used with a seatpost-mounted rack.

    If you're carryiing panniers and are heavier then a tourer or generally beefier frame (eg. CX, Tricross, commuter) starts to look more suitable.

    You need to try some out. Don't dismiss flatbars with bar ends either.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer

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