You are reading a single comment by @Denny and its replies. Click here to read the full conversation.
  • Get a cross bike, it's easily versatile enough to do all the things you list, but will also be better for racing on. Adventure/gravel bikes are just an excuse for manufacturers to market another type of bike, but they don't offer much more than slightly more tyre clearance and more relaxed angles, which make them less manoeuvrable on tight corners, which hinders their racing suitability.

    I've done all day rides on my cross bike, which it's handled with aplomb, but it can also handle rapid changes of direction and slow turns. It's more versatile than an adventure bike.

  • Agree with this. A cross bike is a great 'do-it-all' bike, but also means you have a machine that can be raced properly. My Cannondale CAADX was a trusty winter bike for a couple of seasons, and was then a great little race bike on the few occasions when I actually did race.

    And I agree with Dov. Taking mudguards on and off a bike is a real pain. So ideally it's better to have a cross bike for off-road stuff only if you intend to do quite a bit. Otherwise you'll be forever fettling with mudguards.

About

Avatar for Denny @Denny started