MTB for a Roadie in Serbia

[david64]

Evening,

I have been a road cyclist for about 7-8 years. Before this I had a MTB, but I only used it on-road.

Last year I was in Serbia; and to put it simply, road bikes are not suitable for that country. See my experience:

http://www.designshinelighting.com/...ine-Mount-Tested-on-The-Worst-Roads-in-Europe

Some bad sections:

http://bit.ly/1lrrNaU
http://bit.ly/1ZKokam

I am probably going back again this year, maybe for about six months and am thinking about getting a MTB bike instead.

Can anyone recommend a bike that would be suitable for someone who prefers speed and road bikes, but will be able to handle roads like the above? Money isn't an issue. Ideally I'd like something that is as light as they come. I'd also be interested to hear thoughts on rear suspension - am unlikely to take it off-road.

 

[outlash]

Those 'roads' are prime CX/Adventure/Gravel bike territory. Or if you're touring a Croix de Fer would be ideal.

 

[PaulSecteur]

Or a specialized AWOL.

 

[Bodhbh]

Any XC hardtail, stick some carbon sus corrected forks and fat slicks on it?

I have cycled thru Serbia, but don't remember the roads being hairy as the traffic.

 

[david64]

Thank you for the suggestions. Is suspension not recommended? I wouldn't have thought there would be much difference between these bikes and a road bike.

I have cycled thru Serbia, but don't remember the roads being hairy as the traffic.

If you go on the back-roads in Serbia, there are hardly any cars. Just look at the villages on Google Street View and you'll find hardly anyone in the small villages has a car. I cycled on a road that was about 40 miles long and only saw about 5 cars.

 

[Globalti]

I was lusting over this beauty last weekend in my LBS. Perfect for those roads:

http://www.cxmagazine.com/ridley-x-trail-2016-gravel-cyclocross-40c-disc-brake

...or you can buy my Specialized Tricross in 56 size if you want, as I've a mind to sell it.

 

[BalkanExpress]

As others have said there is now a range of drop bar adventure bikes out there which you will feel "at home" on.

However, my gut feeling, based on riding an old rigid Cannondale MTB in Serbia, is that over an extended period, and you suggest up to 6 months away, something with 26" wheels and large volume tyres will be more comfortable.