What bike for road and track cycling?

[A_Fish]

Hi all.

So I much prefer riding off-road and mostly stick to disused railway lines and forest roads which are mainly loose surfaces. I also do some road cycling, mainly to and from and to join up off-road sections.

I currently have a mountain bike but obviously I find this too robust and heavy most of the time, especially on road! I intend to keep this bike for use on the tougher forest trails.

I would like to buy a bike which can cope with the lighter off-road, but wouldn't look out of place on the road either. I'd like it as light as possible, preferably carbon and have £1500 - £2000 to spend.

I'm a moderately fit 36 year old male.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

TIA

 

[Tin Pot]

Cinelli Zydeco

 

[vickster]

Some sort of gravel/adventure bike, check out your local retailers

 

[S-Express]

Track cycling generally requires a fixed wheel bike as demanded by velodrome regs. Bikes suitable for track cycling are generally unsuitable for road use.

 

[simon.r]

Any of the new breed of "adventure / gravel" bikes would seem to fit your requirements.

 

[simon.r]

Track cycling generally requires a fixed wheel bike as demanded by velodrome regs. Bikes suitable for track cycling are generally unsuitable for road use.

I read it as that first, but I think he means track as in off road.

 

[A_Fish]

I read it as that first, but I think he means track as in off road.

Yes off road track, sorry.

 

[A_Fish]

Was wondering about these CX bikes I keep reading about but am unsure about the drop handlebars as I suffer from back/neck/shoulder pain.

 

[MichaelW2]

If you want a disc equipped drop bar bike, pick one with plenty of tyre clearance, not the 28mm limit of some road bikes. Make sure you have normal rack and mudguard fittings for touring and commuting. Rear disc calipers mounted on the chainstay integrate better with normal rear racks.
You will have a doitall bike capable of riding your local trails, shopping, commuting or touring the world.

 

[Kestevan]

GT grade carbon 105.

 

[SheilaH]

There are loads on the market, whether they are 'gravel' bikes or cyclocross. Loads of sales on at the moment too. Spend a few hours looking and go for it. Remember correct size is more important than anything else. In your budget, if you shop carefully youll get full carbon, 105 and maybe even hydro discs (but more likely cable).

 

[Tin Pot]

Was wondering about these CX bikes I keep reading about but am unsure about the drop handlebars as I suffer from back/neck/shoulder pain.

Still get a Cinelli zydeco but get a professional bike fit as well.

 

[vickster]

Was wondering about these CX bikes I keep reading about but am unsure about the drop handlebars as I suffer from back/neck/shoulder pain.

As above, get an assessment and bike fit from a cycling focussed physio. Probably need to work on core and upper body in addition to having the right bike. Moderately fit might not be transferring to your biking if suffering said aches and pains aged 36

 

[Tin Pot]

Not having a poke at "moderately fit" but I was pretty naive a few years ago, and asked some proper triathletes how much training they were doing in November - thinking this was off season, and having done a sprint Tri (badly) myself.

They were kind in their laughter:

http://www.tritalk.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=93957&highlight=hours+training