London to Paris Bike Choice

[millypops82]

Why not run before you can walk….
Anyhow, decided last week to embrace the world of cycling. Admittedly, I am pretty fit (not that way – exercise way!) but living in London meant that I pumped for the tube as opposed to cycling.
Now I am in Bristol and enjoying the fresh air and countryside, decided I wanted to cycle into work and had narrowed bike choice down to a Sirrus hybrid. I veer between Sport up to Expert, but knowing me, will probably pump for the Expert!
Then work advertised today for people to take part in the London to Paris bike ride in October and decided I am up for the challenge (and have 4 months to prepare myself!)
So after that long essay – quick question. Will the Sirrus be ok for such a trip or should I be looking (once again) at a different bike? For 51 weeks out of the year it will just be a commuter bike and a few longer trips at the weekend bike – so hoping not. But thought I would check in with the wisdom of Cycle Chat!

 

[Sittingduck]

Get the fuggin' Expert! It'll be fine
Or.... a Road bike?

 

[ianrauk]

The Sirrus will be fine for a long trip.
My last Specialized Hybrid, A Globe Comp did a lot of touring miles and was very comfortable ride.

The expert also has fixings for a pannier, as that would be preferable to have on a long ride rather then a rucksack

 

[Ben M]

Personally I'd get an audax or touring bike bike.

They can both take pannier racks and mudguards, so ideal for the commute and the tour. They're more comfortable than road bikes for the London to Paris, and road bikes can't take pannier racks.

An audax bike is quicker than a tourer, and less bullet proof, as audax bikes are generally aluminium, whereas tourers are steel framed.

I don't see any advantage of a hybrid over an audax or tourer, for commuting. The only time when a hybrid would be better for commuting is if you're doing any paths or stuff not on road. For which a tourer with wider tyres would be almost as good, as soon as you get on the road a tourer would be better.

Where abouts in bristol are you? which bike shop are you going to buy from?

 

[millypops82]

Where abouts in bristol are you? which bike shop are you going to buy from?[/quote]


In Clifton.

Have been to the shop at the bottom of Park Street. Sadly, my CTW voucher must be used at Halfords, so can;'t actually buy my kit directly from there.

 

[Ben M]

Ah cool, I'm up on Stoke Bishop at the mo =]

by "the shop at the bottom of Park Street" do you mean the Specialized shop?

Have you had a look in Bike? It's opposite Joe Public's near the Barclay's bank opposite the triangle. Really nice shop with friendly staff, I'm picking up my friend's new bike from there later =]

 

[millypops82]

I haven't been actually. Might pop in tomorrow.

Think I should stop looking though. Was just talking to my cycling mad friend and has told me to get this:

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/1027741/Wilier-Escape-Mirage.html

Also, have a feeling SittingDuck might shout at me if I start pondering for too much longer!

 

[Sittingduck]

Ooooh, a Campag equiped Wilier
Can I change my previous recommendation now?

 

[millypops82]

Ooooh, a Campag equiped Wilier

Can I change my previous recommendation now?

I take it you approve?!!

You can indeed change it. Although doesn't look like the type of bike you add a mudguard and panniers to!

 

[Ben M]

I take it you approve?!!

You can indeed change it. Although doesn't look like the type of bike you add a mudguard and panniers to!

It doesn't have the mounting eyelets

 

[Sittingduck]

Get the Wilier and get a £300 hybrid with the change from your grand