Bike for Coast to Coast?????

djkar2007
djkar2007 Posts: 5
edited January 2010 in Road buying advice
Need some help please! The more I look the more I am getting confused! I have got a cheap mountain bike at present and have agreed to do the Coast to Coast ride for charity next year. So problem is - I now need a decent bike so I can try and survive the experience.

Am looking to spend £500 but getting confused on what I actually need - hybrid/cross/road bike with wider tyres/commuter etc etc etc. Is there an easy way to find out what is best? Will need something that is good on both road and tracks - and something good at getting me up hills!!

Any suggestions as to what bike would be very helpful.............

Comments

  • gsk82
    gsk82 Posts: 3,615
    we did whitehaven to newcastle in april. i was on a racer, 2 had hybrids and 1 had a cyclocross. id say the cyclocross was the best choice, we all got through though despite a bit of walking up a ridiculous off road bit after about 100mile.
    "Unfortunately these days a lot of people don’t understand the real quality of a bike" Ernesto Colnago
  • djkar2007
    djkar2007 Posts: 5
    That's great thanks - will start looking at those. Well done on your trip - we are doing St Bees to Robin Hoods Bay.

    If anyone has any particular bikes in mind as a recommendation that would help as well.

    Thanks
  • crimsondynamo
    crimsondynamo Posts: 246
    I was thinking of a cx bike for exactly the same purpose, the Ridley Crossbow looks super cool.
  • skyd0g
    skyd0g Posts: 2,540
    Your choice will be dependant on the route you take between the two points. The route between St. Bees & Robin Hood Bay can be done almost entirely off-road, or equally almost entirely on-road.

    For the first, an MTB would be the best choice, for the latter a road bike.

    There is also the question of whether you are going to be carrying all of your kit (ie. camping) or just enough kit for each days travel between B&B's and whether you have a 'support car' (wife) lugging changes of clothes etc. between the B&B's. This would dictate whether panniers were required or not. :D
    Cycling weakly
  • djkar2007
    djkar2007 Posts: 5
    Thanks crimsondynamo - bike looks great at £900 way over budget, but have seen it on web at £549 - seems great price??!!

    skyd0g - we are trying to do much of route on road rather than trekking over the fells etc. However we will be doing some off road and trails where necessary. We have the 'support car' (wife!!) carrying bulk of luggage, however we will be carrying some stuff, such as spares etc, so feel I need panniers. If that helps any suggested bike that would be great! Thanks!
  • skyd0g
    skyd0g Posts: 2,540
    As you have a 'support vehicle' I doubt whether you need panniers at all. You should be able to carry all the spare kit you need for a days ride in a small saddle pack and the rest in your jersey pockets.

    Panniers will add extra (unnecessary) weight and bulk, (as well as the expense of buying them) IMHO.
    Cycling weakly
  • djkar2007
    djkar2007 Posts: 5
    More than happy to accept help and advice, so grateful for your thoughts! Will take that on board skyd0g - there is no way I want to be carrying unnecessary weight!

    What are your thoughts on a bike? £500 is what I had in mind - is that realistic for a decent bike (and comfortable one!!!). Any pointers on make and model etc.

    Thanks
  • jjojjas
    jjojjas Posts: 346
    Iv'e done it a few times on just my bog standard flat bar tourer with 36-700c tyres. You could do it on any bike to be honest. The question is do you need to carry any gear? Iv'e done it with a guy on a skinny tyred road bike and he had a rucksack on his back. While I would't recommend that myself :shock: he seemed to love it...in fact he's on about doing it again and he's got the same bike.

    Just read the last couple of posts :lol:
    If you have your wife in the car, you don't need any panniers. Any bike will do that isn't some extreme specific form.
    my father in law has one of these...whilst clearly a budget bike, its actually pretty good. He's a big bloke (as in muscular) and he 's doing the c2c2 on it with my wife in May. http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLq ... 333c018337

    I have one of these (amongst others) and it's done several thousand miles without a hitch, I commute on it most days.
    http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLq ... 155c018343

    these are a decent bike for the cash if your not carrying any luggage
    http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLq ... 155c018340

    The list is endless really. I have a commencal full suss I could do it on easily, I just wouldn't chose too when I have a more suited tourer in the garage.
    ps. more importantly, enjoy the ride. It's really quite nice.
    Jas
    it looks a bit steep to me.....
  • gsk82
    gsk82 Posts: 3,615
    just do it in a day with a rucksack and a bit of cash for food and you won't need your wife.
    "Unfortunately these days a lot of people don’t understand the real quality of a bike" Ernesto Colnago
  • skyd0g
    skyd0g Posts: 2,540
    As far as a bike is concerned, you could do alot worse than one of these two:

    If there is alot of off-road sections:
    http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/custom-mountain-bikes/discount-mountain-bikes/merlin-malt-1-2010-ltd-edition.html

    If it's mainly on-road, with just 'towpath' type off road sections:
    http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bikebuilder.asp?action=GenerateConstructor&part=BBRIBBLE7005AUDWINT&sub=conf_BBRW&bike=1

    ...your choice may well be influenced by what riding you may wish to continue after the event itself. :D
    Cycling weakly
  • PeteinSQ
    PeteinSQ Posts: 2,292
    I did it on a cross bike whilst my dad used a hybrid with wide tyres. We were both fine. I think a cross bike which you can attach a pannier rack to is the ideal solution.
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  • pianoman
    pianoman Posts: 706
    How about this, the Claud Butler Regent:

    http://www.bikesheduk.com/home/21

    Looks like it has everything you'd need.

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