I've decided that I will get a hybrid next year for the longer trips that my mtbs make harder work of. In the shed I've got a bike's worth of XT/XTR gears, cassette, levers/shifters and brakes, a good Cook Bros Racing chainset, plus a pair of decent 700c road wheels and have decided to buy a Roadrat steel frame and carbon fork from a small UK company, Cotic and build my own.


I've ridden one and was very pleased with it, it rides well and is very light. It has wide-spaced stays and can also be used as a 29er if the mood takes me.


I know I could go with a full road bike but when I've tried them they're just not for me any more. Besides which I look silly in Lycra.