Mountain Biking - a strange proposal...

Hi everyone,

I live in the UK, and me and a friend are thinking of doing a "lands end to john o groats" cycle (one point in england to the other), about a 1000 miles. I need a new bike, but ive only ever had mountain bikes, and as i like to go cycling in the forest a road bike wont really be that usefull. Hybrid bikes look like they wont withstand the offroad stuff well. Im pretty much looking for a bike that can do everything well, without breaking the bank. So basically, will i be able to do this cycle in a bike like a specialized hardrock disc 2010, or specialized hardrock comp disc 2010 sumthing similar? im 17, 5"10, 72kg and in good shape. I really would like to avoid a road bike as much as possible, and i dont have 1000's of pounds to spend: im a student! I know this is a bit unorthodox... so please share your expertise with me, and remember i am a complete novice so nothing too technicall! any tips would be greatly appreciated

(P.S would putting road tyres on a mountain bike be an idea for this cycle?)

Dude, you need an "expedition touring" bike which is essentially a mountain bike with a rigid fork and mounts for racks and fenders. I particularly like the Novara Safari from REI (http://www.rei.com/product/775749). It's got cool touring bars with multiple hand positions, a stout drivetrain, disc brakes and slick tires for on road use (and some easy trails I suppose). Also comes with a rear rack.

PS: You might have better luck posing some of these questions on the Touring sub-forum.

also check out Thorn Cycles in your neck of the woods... the Sterling or Nomad frame would be perfect

http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/ravensterling.html
T h o r n C y c l e s L t d.

do you have REI in the UK?

didnt think so...

some type of rigid steel framed MTB with luggs for panniers...

it is 1,000 miles across the UK Isles? really?

WOW those Thorn bikes are really nice!!!

dayum can you ship one over for me?

HOLY of HOLYS!!!

the are $$$

Hi everyone,

I live in the UK, and me and a friend are thinking of doing a "lands end to john o groats" cycle (one point in england to the other), about a 1000 miles. I need a new bike, but ive only ever had mountain bikes, and as i like to go cycling in the forest a road bike wont really be that usefull. Hybrid bikes look like they wont withstand the offroad stuff well. Im pretty much looking for a bike that can do everything well, without breaking the bank. So basically, will i be able to do this cycle in a bike like a specialized hardrock disc 2010, or specialized hardrock comp disc 2010 sumthing similar? im 17, 5"10, 72kg and in good shape. I really would like to avoid a road bike as much as possible, and i dont have 1000's of pounds to spend: im a student! I know this is a bit unorthodox... so please share your expertise with me, and remember i am a complete novice so nothing too technicall! any tips would be greatly appreciated

(P.S would putting road tyres on a mountain bike be an idea for this cycle?)

Get you a Surly CrossCheck with some fairly aggressive tires, put on an expedition type handlebar setup and ride it that way. It will handle the off road stuff and will be much quicker on the tamer stuff. Plus, it will not break the bank.