New bike

[Jim_Noir]

So, back back in Feb I bought a cheap 2nd hand bike (a £50 MTB) which is serving me well (after some semi slicks put on it). But want to upgrade a bit to a hybrid. Been looking at a ridgeback velocity (as my LBS swears by them). I don't want to pay more than £350 for a bike so any suggestions? Not really intrested in off road, I cycle really only on the road and like going as fast as my legs can take me... I know a road bike will be the one I go for maybe next year... but lets take small steeps here

Also, have started getting the Mrs into cycleing. She has been taking the MTB out when I go for a run. Now we have three dogs, and wondering if anyone has used this http://www.walky.co.uk/walky-dog-range.html (BTW the models, nice glutes )and if so are they safe? Too me they logg like I'll be getting a lot of road rash! The Mrs would be taking the Greyhound, but I'd be taking the Rottie and Alsation and can see myself being pulled all over the place!

 

[Sittingduck]

Save up an extra £100 or so and get a road bike now!
If you're set on a hybrid, I have to say I looked at the velocity and it's pretty nice looking and would do the job - just not as quickly.

 

[Jim_Noir]

I have thought about that My only "issue" is that parts of my cycle to work can be muddy as..well Renfrew council are shite at keeping their roads clean. A friend who races said to get a sports bike, which I thought was just a road bike for people with wayyyy too much spare cash. With road bikes though would they be ok for times when I did want to go along the canal paths etc?

 

[Sittingduck]

I suppose it depends how bumpy they are. You could fit mudguards to stop the spray problems (providing the bike has fixings and clearance for them). I wish I went for a road bike sooner to be honest. Only just got one though, so maybe my enthusiasm is biased

 

[HLaB]

I've got a Velocity as a commuter, its a great handling bike a little heavy though as you're not interested in off road. I'd go for something a wee bit lighter and more road orientated, like a spesh Sirrus. However as you are thinking about upgrading road bike I'd do it now instead.

Edit just spotted you're reply, the velocity will certainly handle the Renfrew mud.

 

[Jim_Noir]

How much more speed will I get with a road bike? At the moment the best I have done on the old MTB is 3 miles in around 9 mins (which I thought was not bad for a 50 quid 2nd bike), but that was a slight wind behind me a virtualy flat road, and really pusing the limts of the bike. I'd like something that I can do my trip to work in a good time but days when I want to do a long run and push myself to see how quickly I can do a trip. This was my ide of Buying the Velocity then a road bike, the velocity for work and the road bike for longer trips, as the idea of using a road bike in the winter months does not fill me with confidence.

I don't have mudguards on the MTB, not that bothered about the spray or getting soaked, this may change however when it gets colder!
Plus the MTB is a pain in the erse, I work with a guy who used to do stunt BMX stuff, and offten when we are working nights is doing jumps and tricks on it... which does look impressive

 

[Sittingduck]

Your 20mph average on a MTB is not to be sniffed at Jim. On a road bike, maybe you could be... supersonic

Regards,
SD

 

[Jim_Noir]

I'd like to think so I think all the years of kicking pads etc really do get your legs in good condition for cyceling.
The bloke I know who races however, had a fall and broke his leg just under his knee, so maybe speed is not so good after all! He still races his bike, but was told he'll never be able to run again and this would be my idea of hell.

The Ridgeback flight 01, anyone know how good this is? And how does it compare to the Specialized Sirrus sport?

How hard is it getting used to the pedal system on this type of bike? I like the MTB pedals in that I can get on an off the bike with ease. Could I get MTB pedals on it, or does this defeat the purpose?

 

[Sittingduck]

Jim

The Flight is a flat bar road bike - so it would be pretty quick! Pedals can be swapped between bikes no problem. many on here (including myself) favour SPD pedails that you clip the special shoes into!

Let us know which bike you get and of course we will require pics
SD