Hi cycle to work help

[Kwl]

Hi sorry reading through other posts on this site this question has been gone over anyway...........
Been cycling about 1yr (I'm 41 gone from nearly 20 stone down to 16 way to go yet !!!) the bike I've been riding is a gt aggressor MTB which 4 months ago put slicks on because 99% riding I an doing is on road and really enjoy.
Anyway work doing the ctw scheme so have decided I'm going to take the full amount and spoil myself but here's the problem I've narrowed it down to two bikes both boardmans (sorry) the hybrid or the cx
Now I'm used to riding a flatbar but quite like the idea of riding drop handles because of the hand positions but here's the rub!! I just can't ever see myself in all the Lycra going lIke a snail whilst everybody else is taking over the fat bald bloke and laughing (silly I know at my age)
Anyway I normally ride as I say mainly roads but some of the roads are a bit rough so like the idea of the cx being nearly a roadbike whilst being able to take the rough and the hybrid the same really but a flatbar. Just looking for advice and other more knowledgeable experiences. Thanks on advance

 

[vickster]

If you fancy the drops go for a CX, you don't have to wear lycra to ride drop bars I personally find it more comfy, but each to their own. If you want a comfy bum, wear padded shorts under the baggies. CX sounds perfect for your riding, you can always add slicker tyres next spring.

Well done on the weight loss

 

[Dora]

I'm not bald, or male, so I may not count, but I have drop bars and I don't wear lycra. Not so's anyone would know, anyway.

 

[Dilbert]

I have just got the Cx on C2W and think its an ideal commuter and recreation bike. Stick a pair of road tyres on it and it will cope with most terrain. There is a lot of variety of hand positions, especially as it has the cross brake levers as well. I have 28 tyres on and find the ride more comfortable than the road bike.

Don't worry about lycra, just wear whatever you are comfy in. Guy in our team rides a £2.5k carbon fibre race machine in MTB shorts and thats only recent, previously he wore a pair of baggy 3/4 trackies!!




Well done on the weight loss

 

[Kwl]

Thanks, when you say road tyres what specifically have you put on yours ? Slick/tread
Thanks

 

[Dilbert]

I have Vittoria Randonneur on mine, which have a reasonably deep tread pattern, although I have not noticed any great increase in rolling resistance over my road bike that might just be because its been so windy recently!! If you are looking for something a bit slicker, SWMBO has Vittoria Zaffiro on her Hybrid and they look good although she has not ridden it yet. I will put some pictures on later if I can work out how.