MTB or hybrid?

i know most of you will scream 'neither - road bike!!!!!' but having moved out of london i now want to cycle on bridleways and tracks, as well as (one day) a bit on the road.

i also think that i would need stabilisers on a road bike right now.... ;)

I am trying to save up to buy something half decent, something that i can cycle from Bristol to London along the canal next year. I reckon I want to spend about £500.

Advice please! :)

Cyclocross bike?

Perhaps a second hand Trek Portland, kind of a mutant Hybrid, cyclocross, tourer

http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/117575.html

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z96/specialyblended/trel_portland_2009_darkmocha.jpg
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z96/specialyblended/trekportland2008.jpg
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z96/specialyblended/brucewcommute-no-flash.jpg

Having ridden on canal paths and bridleways quite a bit, I would advise going for a hardtail with stiff suspension on the front forks. You don't want a lot of travel in the suspension as this will kill your efforts on the climbing.

I ride a Kona Hahanna off road with skinny cross style tires. Unless you're planning on going over properly loose surfaces, don't mess about with fat tires.

a mate of mine commutes 20 miles each way a day, mostly along canal paths on a specialized tricross single speed.

might be worth considering, expecially as they are a bit cheap!

+1 for the Cyclocross bike.

Canal tow paths and the like do not warrent suspension, and a cross bike will be much lighter than a hybrid.

+1 crosser for that riding.

something like a pompino.

Canal tow paths and the like do not warrent suspension, and a cross bike will be much lighter than a hybrid.

Tow paths maybe not but bridleways certainly can, often at short notice. As jemjah implied that her road riding is going to be more limited then there is little benefit to a cross bike. Also, as cross bikes are very similar in dimensions and geometry to road bikes and jemjah has said that she might need stabilisers for a road bike, they may not be the best suggestion.

Tow paths maybe not but bridleways certainly can, often at short notice. As jemjah implied that her road riding is going to be more limited then there is little benefit to a cross bike. Also, as cross bikes are very similar in dimensions and geometry to road bikes and jemjah has said that she might need stabilisers for a road bike, they may not be the best suggestion.

i kind of agree. i just still feel a bit weak and if i come into any trouble, my leg just isn't strong enough yet to take too much. if i jar it at all (i have very limited movement in my ankle, so it happens more than normal) it is agony.

i want something that feels really solid if a lorry thunders past me when i get back on the roads (still get a little tense when a lorry comes anywhere near me! even in a car).

I like the Kona's and would probably invest in a second pair of tyres if i do more extensive road cycling.

good advice above.
I run a Gary Fisher Montare 29er for last 4 years for work bike (2)
Its got big wheels so you can cover distance well, also wide gearing for different terrain, running conti twister tyres that will cope with pretty much anything even messing about on single track.
Little suspension to take the sting out.
Also carries at various times, kiddie seat, kiddie trailer, fits turbo trainer, rack mounts, er yeah, its def an all rounder in price bracket.

last months singletrack had a review of £500 hardtails. I can't remember the exact winner, but I'm pretty sure it was the specialized. poss the hardrock pro disc.

This solves all problems, not cheap though!

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z96/specialyblended/xs800.jpg

Fucking useless, it's got no pedals.

Its the new no brakes

My first thought was Cyclocross.

I've just built one up from a MTN groupset + hybrid wheels I had from an old commuter. Looks like it will the most versitile bike I've ever owned. The frame is a Graham Weigh Cyclo cross frame and cost only £85. Its a good allrounder as it has both mudguard and rack braze-ons.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Graham-Weigh-58cm-Cyclocross-Frame-Matt-Black_W0QQitemZ250438301374QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20090606?IMSfp=TL090606125002r20269

I you want the more stable feeling ride of a MTB then On-one is allways good value. A basic spec with the On-one carbon fork should suit your needs (both 29er or 26")
http://www.on-one-shop.co.uk/acatalog/On-One_Complete_Geared_29in_bike_order_page.html

This solves all problems, not cheap though!

Or the worlds silliest bike....http://www.cinelli.it/prodotti/biciclette/zoom/zoom_zz.jpg

Cyclocross FTW! For 500 lids you could just build one yourself... Depends on whether or not you want gears... If you want fixed/ singlespeed then just build one yourself...

This solves all problems, not cheap though!

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z96/specialyblended/xs800.jpg

that is nice!!!!

that is nice!!!!

Reckon thats based on this bootleg that came out a few years back.
http://www.cinelli.it/prodotti/biciclette/zoom/zoom_racing.jpg

£714
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/triathlon/10/Bootleg_Racing_Rats_2008/5360036202/

last months singletrack had a review of £500 hardtails. I can't remember the exact winner, but I'm pretty sure it was the specialized. poss the hardrock pro disc.

perfect!
damn, does anyone have a copy?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/images/bmc-cx02cross-zoom.jpg

Drools.......

Cannondale do have a range of "headshock" forks on their XC/cyclocross bike.

If you are injured a less aggressive bike is probably the way forward so I say get the Hybrid.

loads of ex police mtb's for sale on bumblebee auctions currently

perfect!
damn, does anyone have a copy?

I have it at home so will pop the details on here later...

The toughest commuter ever?
Not sure about that. But its certainly kitted out with rohloff 14 speed hub, 100m rock shox judy fork, and hope mini discs.
http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/je-james-tcbe-limited-edition-hybrid-bike-id32663.html

.