Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Mountain Biking
Reload this Page >

Urban Mountain bike or cyclocross

Notices
Mountain Biking Mountain biking is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Check out this forum to discuss the latest tips, tricks, gear and equipment in the world of mountain biking.

Urban Mountain bike or cyclocross

Old 09-19-08, 03:46 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 13
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Urban Mountain bike or cyclocross

Ive been cycling since March now. I'm doing between 50 and 100 miles a week depending on work, days off etc.. I like cycling on the many tow paths around Denton in Manchester, exploring trails and off road, some of which can be quite bumpy, I also like cycling on the road, and often cycle to My sisters or Mums houses about 13 miles away.

I try and commute the 7 miles to work two days out of every 4 (I work shifts), which is entirely road and through some busy traffic areas (hopping on and off pavements) also down and up two valleys the Tame and the Goyt, with fairly challenging hills in both directions.

If I am cycling back from my sisters I often try new short cuts, again down tow paths or any track that looks like it might lead somewhere. I also enjoy long rides on and off road, having done the Manchester to Blackpool ride a few months ago, and quite often do 30/40 miles on my days off. Basically I want a bike that goes anywhere, and is fast, and is good for going up hills.

At the moment I have an entry level Mountain bike, a Schwinn GSX Frontier. Ive adapted this into a form of commuter bike by fitting slightly narrower semi-slicks, basic mudguards, toe clips, an extended handlebar stem, prolongeurs on the handlebars angled forward to allow me to get in an aerodynamic position in the wind/downhill etc. Ive raised the seat to the optimum position for me (I think) and adjusted the back forward position of the seat so it feels most comfortable. All this has given me an increase in speed on and off road.
Ive also this week fitted a rear rack, which allows me to put my rucksack on and gives me more freedom to move.

In March I have a decision to make as I will be able to purchase a new bike through the cycle to work scheme. This is why I have been doing a lot of tinkering with my bike to find a set up with which I am happy with.

I have looked at cyclocross bikes, a colleague of mine has a Tricross and is very happy with his bike for commuting. I also like the look of Kona Jake the snake. The problem with the cyclocross bikes is the gearing, I feel I may struggle on the steepest hills with a 36/46 T or similar chainring.

Just lately my interest has been drawn to Urban Mountain Bikes, particularly the Scott Sub 10 and the Maris Point Reyes which will fall within my price range in March. Does anyone have experience of any of the type of bikes mentioned, ridden in similar situations to mine?

I would particularly like to know what the fixed front forks are like for offroad, on the Urban Mountain bikes and if these bikes are good for longer distances. Also if the 700 wheel size option is faster on this type of bike.

I'm dont mind what handlebars the bike has.

Thank you
sims10000 is offline  
Old 09-19-08, 05:37 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Plow13's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 1,212

Bikes: Lemond Alpe d'Huez 2005

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
i got a gary fischer utopia...it's duel sport...i loveeee it....i can go explore off road and get some serious speed on road...i run 700x38c all terrain tires..
Plow13 is offline  
Old 09-19-08, 05:39 PM
  #3  
Fourth Degree Legend
 
junkyard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: American Gardens Building
Posts: 3,826

Bikes: 2005 Kona Cinder Cone & 2010 Cannondale SuperSix

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I'd say a cyclocross bike might be a good investment. At least try them out.
junkyard is offline  
Old 09-19-08, 06:34 PM
  #4  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 13
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
gary fischer utopia, yeah thanks for that it's a nice looking bike, I'll find out if I can get in the UK. I like the lockout front suspension too.

Cyclocross, I would like to try, but I dont understand why double not triple chainsets.
sims10000 is offline  
Old 09-19-08, 11:31 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
Plow13's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 1,212

Bikes: Lemond Alpe d'Huez 2005

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
the lockout is awesome for cruisin on the road...the doubles is because the gearing is near the same as a triple...you dont have the very extremes highs and lows of gearing but it is sufficient to get around...but you should really check out the utopia...it has exceeded all my expectations.
Plow13 is offline  
Old 09-29-08, 09:44 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Palm Beach County, Florida
Posts: 182
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
i have a specialized p.2 urban mtb 16 speed with 2 disc brakes that i like a lot. i bought i used for about 25% of the price of a new one.... it doesn't have a fixed fork though.. its perfect for hopping up curbs and stuff though the frame geometry makes it super easy to get air with minimal effort... i ride it about 10 miles a day but have done as much as 25 in one shot
hope that helped
NotSoProjectPat is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.