Lands end to John O'Groats

Hi,
I am planning bike from lands end to john O'Groats (over 1000 km) and i dont know what type of bike to buy.
Should i buy a touring bike or a road bike? I have been looking at the Giant range (defy 4, 4.5, 3 and 3.5) and also the SCR 2 for road bikes. I dont know what i really need...
I am looking to buy a bike with between £400 and £600.
Anyother help and information on the bike ride would be much appreciated! What else may i need?
Many thanks
I am planning bike from lands end to john O'Groats (over 1000 km) and i dont know what type of bike to buy.
Should i buy a touring bike or a road bike? I have been looking at the Giant range (defy 4, 4.5, 3 and 3.5) and also the SCR 2 for road bikes. I dont know what i really need...
I am looking to buy a bike with between £400 and £600.
Anyother help and information on the bike ride would be much appreciated! What else may i need?
Many thanks
0
Posts
05 Spesh Enduro Expert
05 Trek 1000 Custom build
Speedily Singular Thingy
Work out how long you've got to do it and where you'll be staying on the way (self supporting / b&b etc) then pick your bike accordingly.
However, you would probably be better off with something like a Dawes Galaxy like this, although this one is overpriced, as it is steel so the ride will be more comfortable.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DAWES-GALAXY-TOUR ... 3efef5b28d
05 Spesh Enduro Expert
05 Trek 1000 Custom build
Speedily Singular Thingy
raleigh royal is a fairly standard choice for touring and at 400 to 500 pounds would be hard to fault. I hav eridden a 500 mile tour alongside one and I am thinking of getting one myself for touring. It might be best to get it through a good shop that will set it up well and maintain it if necessary.
TerryJ
http://s189.photobucket.com/albums/z122 ... =slideshow
If you want good advice you'll need to provide a few more details on how you're doing the ride.
Is it supported or unsupported? Are you camping or staying in B&Bs? Are you prepared to carry minimal stuff or do you like your luxuries?
But in principle there's no reason why you can't get a suitable bike within your budget.
compact double or triple gearing.
Long drop caliper brakes for wider tyres (28mm)
muguard and rear rach eyelets.
Possibly a raised bar position compared to race bike.
You can often turn a race bike into a light-tourer with clip on bits and pieces but if light-touring is your aim, its better to start with the mopst appropriate style of frame.
compact double or triple gearing.
Long drop caliper brakes for wider tyres (28mm)
muguard and rear rach eyelets.
Possibly a raised bar position compared to race bike.
You can often turn a race bike into a light-tourer with clip on bits and pieces but if light-touring is your aim, its better to start with the mopst appropriate style of frame.