Commuter, 'Tourer' and 'Offroader' in One - A worry about wheels

[Ranger]

I had a Ridgeback Velocity, a hybrid with narrow wheels, that commuted (eventually a 25 mile round trip) did rough muddy towpaths and had the fitting for panniers etc. Being a chap of ample proportions I had to get a new back wheel to take the strain but never had another problem with it.

You might be surprised where a relatively delicate looking bike can get you, we have all been suckered (to some extent) in believing a mountain bike is needed to ride towpaths etc. They may be better at it but are not essential

 

[mykrs]

Right I think you've convinced me that I'll be happy with the choice of bikes i originally proposed - I am swaying towards the Trek FX 7.3 rather than Specialised sirrus sport (afraid Trek 7.5 is out of budget) ...slightly fatter tyres and better(?) derailleurs.

I think a test cycle of both is in order anyway. Thanks for the advice and knowledge!! Any last minute tips more than welcome, but I hope to get a bike soon....I can't wait much longer!!

 

[GrumpyGregry]

most mass market bikes have machine built wheels. A wise old man once told me if you want to improve the ride and longevity of these at a stroke take to a good wheelbuilder and get them to retension the spokes by hand. I've got a pair of '96 MTB wheels still going strong (in light on road use these days) as a result

 

[mykrs]

I happened to test ride a Ridgeback Element this morning and liked it v. much. Later I went on to test ride the Trek fx 7.3 (the one I was so sure I would get, today) and I just didn't feel the love! The saddle was like a wide plank (sure, it can be changed) and the chain rubbed against the front bit of metal that shifts gears, on certain gear settings (the LBS dealer said it would be serviced properly before I bought it).
Am I being too harsh on the Trek? Can anyone comment on the pros and cons of the two, especially for off-road riding (as they both are more than capable for my road riding needs it seems)?

The only thing with the Element was that its handle bars were in much less of an upright position than I'm used to. I suppose its more of a roadbike position - does anyone know how this would affect handling on towpaths, etc.? Is it something I would have to get used to or is it possible to raise the handlebar stem?

The tyre width on both bikes are 32 so I suppose they should cope equally well on cyclepaths.

I never knew picking a bike would be this difficult!!!