Recommending a bike to my colleague

pangolin

As above really. Mate at work wants to start trying to commute in to work, and take advantage of the cycle to work scheme my company do.

His commute would be 16 miles each way so doable but a tough ask at first. He's also getting the bike with a view to long distance stuff in future. I mentioned to him I'm thinking of doing London - Edinburgh - London in 2013 and he seems interested!

He's happy spending most of the voucher (£850 - £900 ish), so I have suggested the following so far. Any extras people can think of? (It's a Halfords voucher so ribble, planet x and a couple of others not allowed)

Dolan: http://www.dolan-bikes.com/cyclo-cross/complete-bikes-cyclo-cross
Specialized Tricross Sport http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/specialized-tricross-sport-item162131.html
Boardman Team CX http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_777731_langId_-1_categoryId_165710
Kona Honky Tonk http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/kona-honky-tonk-item165478.html

It has to be an off the peg bike, and as Halfords source it they charge pretty much rrp. So any other suggestions, or reasons why the above would be massively unsuitable? I have gone for the Dolan and Boardman CX options rather than road because they offer rack mounts. Anyone know if the Dolan Preffisio has rack mounts? I can't tell from the picture.

CyclingBantam

This is only my opinion and I know others will no doubt disagree but I think he really needs to think about if getting a 'jack of all trades' bike is really the best idea.

I often see CX's suggested as they 'can' have a rack added on the off chance someone does touring.

Would it be better (and note this is a question) to buy a specific road bike which potentially would be better suited to the exact type of riding he may be doing the majority of the time.

If he enjoys it enough to look doing the London ride next year he can then look to hire or buy a specific bike for that instead.

I know when I first started cycling, I made choices based on 'maybe occasionally doing something in the future' at the detriment to 95% of my riding.

So, my suggestion, get the best road bike he can afford if he is going to be simply doing road cycling. If he tours in future he will probably be more than happy to buy a tourer then as a CX isn't great for such a long tour, that is why Tourers are sold.

pangolin

I would tend to agree with you about a lot of CX bikes (possibly including the Boardman) but I'm not seeing much disadvantage with the Dolan when compared with their entry level road bike, the Preffisio.

Components and price are exactly the same, both have aluminium frames, same wheels even. Just different frame clearances and slightly wider tyres. And rack mounts.

When I started I got a Dolan Mythos on the cycle to work scheme (it was cheaper back then) and it has been brilliant. However when I first did a ride that needed panniers, I had to buy a new frame. I don't want to force him down that route for the sake of saving 100g.

On a side note, London - Edinburgh - London isn't really touring. It's a 1400km Audax you have 115 hours to complete. http://www.londonedinburghlondon.com/

clarkey cat

My brother in law is looking for a recommendation and I thought the Honky Tonk looked good PLUS its steel.