My first more road focused bike
Discussion
Hi guys, I have been considering getting a bike which is more roads focused. I have a chameleon that I made up years ago and have taken it down to the trails nearish to me a few times but not nearly enough.
The issue is it takes 30-40 minutes each way in the car so it is a bit of a hassle. I live on the outskirts of Edinburgh in Leith and was thinking I should perhaps get a more road focused bike that I use on the road and cycle paths about here. Some will be gravel and grass but mainly are tarmaced. I can get £500 off a bike at Evans so this is also another incentive. In the meantime I have ordered some Schwalbe Hurricane less knobbly tyres for the mtb to have a test to see how I like riding around town. But in a month or two I could pick up a new bike. Hopefully the 2016 bikes will be coming out and I may get a decent deal too.
I was looking at the cyclocross/adventure road bikes as I have not ever had a road bike before and I read the wheels are a bit sturdier, bars wider and the seating is a bit more upright. Edinburgh's roads are horrendous and the Cannondale CAADX 105 caught my attention.
What are people’s thoughts for a first road based bike?
Or if you could direct me to somewhere I may be able to find out more information.
The issue is it takes 30-40 minutes each way in the car so it is a bit of a hassle. I live on the outskirts of Edinburgh in Leith and was thinking I should perhaps get a more road focused bike that I use on the road and cycle paths about here. Some will be gravel and grass but mainly are tarmaced. I can get £500 off a bike at Evans so this is also another incentive. In the meantime I have ordered some Schwalbe Hurricane less knobbly tyres for the mtb to have a test to see how I like riding around town. But in a month or two I could pick up a new bike. Hopefully the 2016 bikes will be coming out and I may get a decent deal too.
I was looking at the cyclocross/adventure road bikes as I have not ever had a road bike before and I read the wheels are a bit sturdier, bars wider and the seating is a bit more upright. Edinburgh's roads are horrendous and the Cannondale CAADX 105 caught my attention.
What are people’s thoughts for a first road based bike?
Or if you could direct me to somewhere I may be able to find out more information.
Have a look at Evans' Pinnacle range - I think there is something cross related in there. Just be careful not to expect it to go where your MTB can without proper off road tyres. The only problem you may find with cross bikes is their popularity, there aren't many bargains to be had.
An alternative I always point out to "first road bike" people is Ebay and a Specialised Allez. They are very good, competent bikes, on the road it will make your mtb feel like a tractor, and for maybe £300 you can pick up a hardly-used one. Then if you get either totally bitten by the bug, or decide off roading is where your heart is, you will be able to move it on and get most of your money back. I did this for my son, and when I rode it was troubled about why I was spending 1600 on my next bike. But not now I have it!
An alternative I always point out to "first road bike" people is Ebay and a Specialised Allez. They are very good, competent bikes, on the road it will make your mtb feel like a tractor, and for maybe £300 you can pick up a hardly-used one. Then if you get either totally bitten by the bug, or decide off roading is where your heart is, you will be able to move it on and get most of your money back. I did this for my son, and when I rode it was troubled about why I was spending 1600 on my next bike. But not now I have it!
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