a strange proposal?
08-21-09, 03:02 PM
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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? Seeing as they have lockout suspension theyre almost like a rigid body in a way. I guess i could also put some modifications on like diff handlebars or a comfier seat or watever. Im 17, 5"10, 72kg and in good shape. I really would like to avoid a road or hybrid bike as much as possible, and i only have about 300 to 400 pounds to spend (about 500-600 dollars?): 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?)
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? Seeing as they have lockout suspension theyre almost like a rigid body in a way. I guess i could also put some modifications on like diff handlebars or a comfier seat or watever. Im 17, 5"10, 72kg and in good shape. I really would like to avoid a road or hybrid bike as much as possible, and i only have about 300 to 400 pounds to spend (about 500-600 dollars?): 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?)
08-21-09, 05:53 PM
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08-21-09, 07:06 PM
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Sounds like you got it under control. Slap on a rear rack, maybe some bar end extensions, smoother tires and head out. You'll do fine.
You will probably have some trouble with heel strike if your panniers(bags)are too big, but you'll figure a way to fix that I'm sure. A front rack is more problematic on a suspension bike. Here in the states, Old Man Mountain makes racks for such. Have no idea about in the UK but I'll bet someone there supplies them too.
You will probably have some trouble with heel strike if your panniers(bags)are too big, but you'll figure a way to fix that I'm sure. A front rack is more problematic on a suspension bike. Here in the states, Old Man Mountain makes racks for such. Have no idea about in the UK but I'll bet someone there supplies them too.
08-21-09, 07:41 PM
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A lot of people tour using good hybrids. The tires are smooth enough for the road and wide enough for hardpack off road and most of them have rack fittings. I met a guy who rides a Trek 7200 from London to Tuscany every summer with all his gear. He swears by it!
08-22-09, 05:21 AM
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About all the info & inspiration you will need about older MTBs in these links, a lot of stuff is still applicable to a newer bike.
Lots of touring MTBs about on this forum.
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ght=conversion
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ght=conversion
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ght=conversion
Search
Lots of touring MTBs about on this forum.
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ght=conversion
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ght=conversion
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ght=conversion
Search
