Bike recommendations - for poor quality (fen) roads and the like...

[Bloodrayne]

Hi all,

I've not owned a bike in ages, but now would like one to vary my cardio outings and give my knees a slight break from pavement pounding.

I live in the countryside, the roads are pretty much a patchwork of potholes and poorly filled in former potholes, with the odd fen lane to go down (loose gravel, humped roads, etc) so I was thinking that I would want something quite durable - my previous bikes have been mountain bikes (I used to live somewhere entirely different...), but since I last bought one the array of bicycles has become quite dizzying...

Not looking to spend lots (£600?), is there anything reasonable that I should be looking at? I don't expect to be setting Strava records, just enjoying being out and cycling on something that is comfortable and durable would be a good start

Thanks!

 

[One More Solo]

Slightly out of budget at the moment, but with offers/vouchers you can usually get the Boardman ADV8.8 for £700 and think that would tick the boxes for crappy lanes. Alternatively, there tend to be good deals on eBay.

 

[Bloodrayne]

Thanks - happy to go 2nd hand so will take a look around and see.

From a quick glance at reviews it looks like the sort of thing I want, but after being away from bikes for so long it'll be interesting to see how it rides

 

[#Chri5#]

Or a Planet-X gravel bike for £699? Nice big tyres for comfort, hydraulic discs

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXFMAPEX1/planet-x-full-monty-sram-apex-1-hydraulic-disc-gravel-bike

 

[Bloodrayne]

Or a Planet-X gravel bike for £699? Nice big tyres for comfort, hydraulic discs

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXFMAPEX1/planet-x-full-monty-sram-apex-1-hydraulic-disc-gravel-bike

Ah - dilemma. This is much more similar to what I’m used to (chunkier tyres). However, I can’t find much in the way of reviews/feedback on the PlanetX? Am I just being dim?

 

[#Chri5#]

Ah - dilemma. This is much more similar to what I’m used to (chunkier tyres). However, I can’t find much in the way of reviews/feedback on the PlanetX? Am I just being dim?

They don't crop up in many reviews given their direct sales model. Customer service can be hit and miss if you read around - it's about volume and value to them. My first road bike which is over 10 years old now (IIRC) is a Planet-X and still going strong. I'm happy doing my own maintenance though.

 

[area51]

Hi i was going to suggest a Cyclo cross/Gravel type will handle near enough everything unless doing hard core downhilling?
Far quicker and easier than a MTB/tractor drops give you apart from more hand postions a far more natural riding position which can use upper body strength unlike flat handle bars which also cause issues with wrists/hands as not natural to have hands in that position/height(Likes of Carphal tunnel)
Reason why Cyclo cross bikes and drops are banned in Tractor racing!

Planet X are ok they just source them in from overseas mostly just a marketing name like many.

Have a look on Wiggle/Chain reaction cycles often have deals plus there is a German company selling on there some good bikes.Focus!

Can get some good bikes on flea bay also plus many cyclo cross bikes should be up for sale as season over many of the newer ones take pretty wide tyres.

Myself i'd look for one with a double chainset over a single as the "Fad" is cogs the size of dinner plates on the back going to 11 tooth top sprocket trouble is any amount of decent pace is stuffed by jumps in tooth count so ends up something like driving the car going from 1st to third/2nd to 4th.
Which when fresh is manageable but once getting tired soon wears you out even quicker as can't keep a good cadence.

 

[Bloodrayne]

No hardcore downhill! Mainly flat fens with the odd incline when I go and explore further - my issue is that when I last used a bike extensively it was ALL hills, so as well as not owning a bike in ages, I am probably looking for something that I am not too familiar with - I did see the gravel/adventure bike label and thought that those may be an option, but the sheer number of bikes (and varying costs!) is quite dizzying.

I'm still looking, it would be great to find a local bike shop that stocked a wide range of bicycles so I could see them in person and see - but most are far enough away to mean that I need to plan a visit, and even then they tend to specialise in certain brands; so currently using the internet and being bombarded by information that I am sure will all make sense in the end!

Would something like https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15919182/calibre-dark-peak-adventure-bike-15919182 (Dark Peak Adventure Bike) be a reasonable option? I've had another recommendation for the Boardman bike too.

 

[Kelt]

No hardcore downhill! Mainly flat fens with the odd incline when I go and explore further - my issue is that when I last used a bike extensively it was ALL hills, so as well as not owning a bike in ages, I am probably looking for something that I am not too familiar with - I did see the gravel/adventure bike label and thought that those may be an option, but the sheer number of bikes (and varying costs!) is quite dizzying.

I'm still looking, it would be great to find a local bike shop that stocked a wide range of bicycles so I could see them in person and see - but most are far enough away to mean that I need to plan a visit, and even then they tend to specialise in certain brands; so currently using the internet and being bombarded by information that I am sure will all make sense in the end!

Would something like https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15919182/calibre-dark-peak-adventure-bike-15919182 (Dark Peak Adventure Bike) be a reasonable option? I've had another recommendation for the Boardman bike too.

I think that Dark Peak would be a great bike, was looking at it myself.

Getting hold of one is another matter entirely.