What Bike

[Charlie1986]

Hi Guys

I need a bit of help.

I am looking for a bike that will be able to give a sense of all round usage.

I want to be able to go on the road with friends who do 30-50miles over the weekend but then also be able to take whilst out with the dog which is track but a fully fledged road bike wont be able to do I feel.

i've been looking at Boardman cross bikes which are £700 but also so BTWIN that are £350

Im also hoping that with me currently playing Football weekly and running 10-15, miles a week it wont be too hard to get in to?

As always help is always appreciated

Al

[Steve vRS]

A cyclocross bike would suit you, especially if once the bug bites, you could buy a spare set of wheels and run off road tyres on one set and road tyres on the other.

The Boardman bikes are well regarded for the money.

Steve

[Charlie1986]

Steve vRS said:

A cyclocross bike would suit you, especially if once the bug bites, you could buy a spare set of wheels and run off road tyres on one set and road tyres on the other.

The Boardman bikes are well regarded for the money.

Steve

Well the itch has started and I think once I get in to it I will jack the football in as it takes the Saturday away where as I could go for an early cycle then have the day with family.

[Steve vRS]

Charlie1986 said:

Well the itch has started and I think once I get in to it I will jack the football in as it takes the Saturday away where as I could go for an early cycle then have the day with family.

Until you start doing Sportives and then racing....

[Charlie1986]

Steve vRS said:

Until you start doing Sportives and then racing....

Shh don't tell the missus im in the good books about saying ill stop football.

Seems to be a lot on offer some nice Cannondale bikes and Voodoo's on offer too. Steve if you were in position with a £700 would you get a Cyclo cross or buy a fully fledged Road and another set of tyres or a Cheap mountain bike?

[Fluffsri]

Go for the Cross bike with an extra set of wheels mate. My hardtail hasnt left the shed since April last year and Im thinking of selling my road bike as I havent used it since May this year. I use my CX bike for everything now lol. I completed the South Downs 100 on it last month (killer!), I ride it to work and back on the road and when I fancy it I change the wheels and ride the canal home.

Go Cross, you wont regret it!

[pembo]

A cyclocross bike is a great way to go.

I got mine in a similar position, stopped playing football at weekends, replaced it with racing cyclocross, then bought a 'race bike' for cyclocross, then realised I was getting unfit in the summer so I bought a road bike, which I just rode 400 miles to Scotland instead of having a 'proper family holiday'.

I think my missus is happy I gave up football :/

If I were looking for a new bike in that kind of price bracket (I'm banned from buying more bikes after 2 years of one every 6 months) I would be looking at the GT Grade at Evans Cycles. http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gt/grade-tiagr...

That's the Tiagra version which will do everything you will need and is pretty robust. You also have the option of upgrading to the 105 version which has better kit and a nicer colour for an extra £100.