Which type of bike is best?

[HJ]

For the sort of riding you are suggesting then a hybrid would be ideal (yes there are a lot of snobs moving on to this site who turn their noses up at hybrids, but it is just snobbery). The £300 budget is a wee bit on the low side, if you could stretch a wee bit further you would get a much better bike. As to tyre width, from expedience you can get away with a 25mm tyre, but I would suggest that a 32mm or 35mm would probably be a better choice, something like a Schwalbe Marathon.

If the budget is tight then going secondhand is also an option, try finding a bike recycling scheme in your area. Hope that helps.

 

[willem]

The wisdom of balloon tyres was already preached by Velocio in the pre-war years.
Willlem

 

[tyred]

For riding on paths like that without spending a fortune, I would try and track down a traditional 3 speed sports bike with the 26 x 1 3/8" wheels and cable brakes. Replace the 18 tooth sprocket with a 22 or 24 to lower the gearing to something more sensible and have a nice classic bike with a bombproof gear system and sturdy wheels which will need minimal maintenance, give a comfortable ride and will last for years. Brakes mightn't (okay, they won't) be the most powerful around but they should be adequete.

 

[simon_brooke]

I'm a long way from getting a new bike, but I'm not too sure which type of bike I need.

I need something which can handle hills, and gravelly(is that a word?) and bumpy paths. I will not be cycling on roads.

I would prefer something with thin tyres, but I don't know if they could hold up going downhill on a stony and bumpy track.

This is roughly what the track is like at some points which I like to cycle:

Also I wouldn't want to spend more than £300.

Any suggestions?

Get a cross bike - wonderfully adaptable, will do almost everything reasonably well. I use mine for off-road trips, commuting, audaxes, general running about to the shops and stuff, as well as cyclocross racing.

Specialized Tricross is good value and easy to find in the shops.

This is my cross bike; as you can see it's a home build (but actually all the more fun for that).

 

[accountantpete]

I think it's fielding at Silly Mid On but I'm buggered if I know where the batsman is.

 

[HJ]

Get a cross bike - wonderfully adaptable, will do almost everything reasonably well. I use mine for off-road trips, commuting, audaxes, general running about to the shops and stuff, as well as cyclocross racing.

Specialized Tricross is good value and easy to find in the shops.

This is my cross bike; as you can see it's a home build (but actually all the more fun for that).

Hadn't thought of that, I would agree with Simon, if you are happy with drops than a cross bike would be a good choice...

 

[Sam Kennedy]

I found this bike and I REALLY like the look of it. Is it any decent?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/mongoose/crossway-350-disc-2009-hybrid-bike-ec017375