hello. i'm new
 

hello all. new here.

i'm also after a bit of help.
i have suddenly hit a mid-life crisis and decided that i want to cycle lands end to john o'groats later this year with a few friends.
now here is my problem, i havn't got a clue what sort of bike i would need.
iv'e pretty much planned my route already and it's mainly road. does this mean i need a road bike, or perhaps a touring bike?
and could you possibly give me a few ideas towards a cheapish bike that would be ideal and not fall to pieces halfway up a hill in scotland.

thanks in advance for any help.
liam

Hello Liam. That's a good question, worth some thought. A touring bike will likely be more comfortable, because it can carry more with you. However, if you are going to be travelling from town to town, and using hostels or B & Bs, you could squeak by with a road bike. Also, what would be your plans after doing the LEJOG? Are you still going to be cycling?

Welcome to BF, and feel free to PM me with any questions :) !

East Hill

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t...a/pinkstar.jpg

yeah, i think we will most likey be carrying a tent between us, maybe a few stops at hostels, but mainly 'outdooring' it. so a touring bike sounds more promising.
yes, hopefully i plan to continue riding and this will be the first of many trips :)

what sort of price range would i be looking at for a touring bike, that will be able to cope with LEJOG yet not break the bank account?

thanks for your help.

Depends on the bank account...
You can take a used bike and adapt it. Much easier to get a
touring bike; and often the difference in price is not so big because
adapting a used bike can cost you.

A good choice would be the Surly LHT Complete. Then there are the nicer touring bikes like Mercian's King of Mercia and the Thorn touring bikes.

Ask in the Touring Forum, include some info on your budget, and size.

A vigorous nodding of my head in concurrence! A King of Mercia would be a splendid touring bike, but pricey.

So, let the Touring Forum folks know the budget, in particular.

East Hill