Asking the impossible?

[LippyTheLion]

I'm classing myself as a beginner as i've only really got into it in last 12 months...
This is probably asking the impossible here but I I need 1 bike that is going to be capable of lots of different uses (only have space for 1 bike).
*6 mile Mon-Fri commute with panniers, with additional 20 mile trip once a week
*Occasional longer trip (with panniers) ie am doing the C2C in July which is circa 150 miles in 3 days, lots of hills
* Triathlons - 40k ride flat out, mostly flat
*Training for triathlons at weekends, 10-30 mile runs, varied flat/hills
*Days out with the kids -towpaths mild-off road
Budget for this will be £400ish once i've sold the car, plus what ever I get for my current bike (probably £50 if I'm lucky!)
Currently using a Saracen 'touring' hybrid, this was my first bike since I was a kid, which does the job but feels very slow, am thinking of a 'Sports Hybrid' but am not sure if this will come with fixing points for panniers/frame
I did a couple of 'Sprint' triathlons last year and only averaged 16mph, it felt like the bike was slowing me down.
Would it be possible to buy 1 frame and use different components for different uses?
I would be grateful for any feedback from people who have to use 1 machine for lots of different uses!

 

[Ravenz]

Get a singlespeed.. train faster to go faster for your sprint triathlons.. don't ride with your kids ... run with them .. even better training (how fast can tykes go on towpath..? not very )... save up ... yu may have to up your budget a tadge.. but careful buying should get you there... good luck!

 

[Crackle]

Not impossible: For instance the 2009 Defy 4

http://www.ashcycles.com/power/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1263&currency=BP

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-GB/bikes/road/2428/32463/

It should be fine for careful towpath riding, excellent for general riding, will take a rack, possibly full mudguards but if not raceblades so will do your tour and is good enough for triathlons. In a similiar vein A Trek 2008 1.2

Also post in wanted or have a look in For Sale.

 

[PpPete]

One solution might be to get a cyclocross bike. Put 700x32 on it for commuting, towpaths etc. - and get a second set of wheels shod with 700x23 for the triathlons.
Make sure the two sets have same cassette on, so you don't have to mess with the gears.

 

[jimboalee]

Crackle's is a good shout, but you WON'T get full mudguards in. Not enough clearance at the brake bridge.

Any 'entry level' or even intermediate roadrace bike will be fine as there is a fix to fit full mudguards on a tight fit frame.
The downside is when a twig gets up the mudguard and jams between guard and tyre.
I prefer some clearance so went for a Dawes Giro 500. Nice bike, fair price. Can be Audaxed, toured and even raced.

 

[Crackle]

Crackle's is a good shout, but you WON'T get full mudguards in. Not enough clearance at the brake bridge.

Any 'entry level' or even intermediate roadrace bike will be fine as there is a fix to fit full mudguards on a tight fit frame.
The downside is when a twig gets up the mudguard and jams between guard and tyre.
I prefer some clearance so went for a Dawes Giro 500. Nice bike, fair price. Can be Audaxed, toured and even raced.

I was going to suggest that, might be slightly above budget but the 400 should fit the budget. Personally I like Dawes, having a 2006 Audax.

Whichever you choose, do your best to ride all the contenders first..

 

[Sittingduck]

I'm very seriously considering getting a Giro 400 Crackle. Woukld you recommend it?

Sorry for jacking your post Lion!

 

[JonGW]

Crackle's is a good shout, but you WON'T get full mudguards in. Not enough clearance at the brake bridge.

Clicky.

 

[Crackle]

I'm very seriously considering getting a Giro 400 Crackle. Woukld you recommend it?

Sorry for jacking your post Lion!

Well I can't personally recommend it as I haven't got one but i like the look of it and the spec is sensible for the price. Jimbo's got the 500 he might be better commenting on that, as it's a slightly different beast to the Audax I've got. Dawes don't make bad bikes though and as I said I personally like them. There's a few knocking about, so you can still get a 2007 model which is the triple as opposed to the compact. The move to compact chainsets through most of the range is the one thing I think Dawes have got wrong.

If it was me, I'd ride all the bikes in contention at that price and see which I preferred but if you bought it I can't imagine you'd regret it.

 

[postman]

Dawes Giro 400.

Two things
@Don't my mate has one,i have a galaxy.His tyres are crap.Any wet and he slides.Punctures often.And he is worried about the forks.

( Please use a bigger font.


Good luck with the bike hunting.