[Closed] Do most STW ers now own a road /cx bike?

1 x Carbon HT
1 x Steel rigid HT
1 x Steel winter road bike (weighs as much as my carbon ht)
1 x Carbon road bike

Would consider swapping the steel bikes for a CX at some point as I want to race this coming winter

Hmm. One mtb, three proper road bikes, a drop barred fixie and a drop barred commuter with chunky tyres.

1 spesh enduro (proper bike)
1 jumpy hardtail
1 Carbon 29er cross road/gravel/thingy
1 Family utility bike.

No road or CX bikes here, although I have toyed with the idea of a CX bike I never actually got round to getting one and probably never will now.

My main bike is a road/CX type bike, a Charge Plug 3. Just sold my MTB on Sunday, but do fancy another. I've also got a Triban 3 road bike for sale, I could do with that going before I buy another bike.

Haven't used dropped bars since the late 80s but have ridden on the road forever.

Sporty flatbar and barends hybrids for me, these days.

Nope, can't say it holds any interest for me at all.
Just seems so one dimensional (ie it's all just about pure fitness/stamina), compared to MTB which requires much wider range of skills IMO. I like to point this out to my roadie mates at every possible opportunity too - I find using the term 'one trick pony' usually provokes the desired reaction!

pure fitness/stamina

It may not work for everyone but doing a lot of early morning blasts around the back roads has improved my off road power no end. You could probably (accurately) argue that I could get just as fit riding full off road of a morning but from previous experience it's a quicker (pun alert) road to that fitness with the added benefit of not having to hose the bike down every bloody ride at this time of year.

[quote=Legoman ]Nope, can't say it holds any interest for me at all.
Just seems so one dimensional (ie it's all just about pure fitness/stamina), Not necessarily. A road bike enables you to travel further and faster. If you're into looking at nice views, stopping for a leisurely coffee etc they are excellent.

I have;
A carbon road bike (23mm tyres)
A Ti tourer that also doubles as a general "Cross" bikes (I'll avoid using CX as I don't actually race it)
A Ti 29er that is my primary bikepacking and local MTBing bike
A fatbike
A 26er FS - rarely used as I never visit the trail centres it's really designed for.

They each have their strengths and weaknesses and there's a degree of overlap coz sometimes it's nice to be contrary and take the "incorrect" bike - e.g. fatbiking round Glentress. I don't feel the need to disparage anyone else's choices.

I have a road bike that use to just be for winter and quick rides to get miles in. Since building a single speed mtb I've hardly used it.

1 proper mountain bike,an orbea rallon

1 spare mountain bike, a 2005 specialized enduro

1 road bike , a cube agree gtc

nah... it's the new golf

I find the whole mtb thing much more fun...as stated by others many more skill facets .. just find road riding mind numbingly boring/dangerous..

my dogs also like mtbing and get a lot out of it and blasting a fatbike around a bmx track is just a hoot.

My old pompinos going on strong though - gave it too a m8 and the thing between us has clocked up crazy mileage...so have tried the dark side.

I don't feel the need to disparage anyone else's choices.

I guess I kind of see it as a completely different sport - if I was going to get involved I'd need a different bike, shoes, clothing, skill set etc. doesn't mean I can't appreciate the guys/gals who do it well though - actually I'm glued to the Tour Down Under right now!

O M G! 😥

One Hardtail. Currently waiting for my new Shimano Deore Disc brakes.
And a Btwin Triban 300 which I bought two weeks ago.
Will always love mountain biking but this winter sludge is getting on my nerves. When I want a quick ride the thought of mud,cleaning and lubing does not appeal.

So road bike for quick evening hour rides and mountain bike for days off and summer rides.

[quote=Legoman ]

I don't feel the need to disparage anyone else's choices.

1 full sus
1 single speed
1 road bike
1 motorbike

Maybe this is the problem. I don't compete so I don't see cycling (any type) as a "Sport". By that, I mean I can enjoy it without worrying if I'm fast/fit/skillful enough to race. Are some folk looking at road cycling only as a sport?

This. I cycle because I enjoy it, and I am aware that I am crap at it, but it doesn't stop me enjoying it. I don't see it as a sport as I don't compete, for me it is doing something I enjoy, because I want to do it. It's more interesting than joining a gym, and as I work in an office I am glad of the exercise.

Legoman - Member
Nope, can't say it holds any interest for me at all.
Just seems so one dimensional (ie it's all just about pure fitness/stamina), compared to MTB which requires much wider range of skills IMO. I like to point this out to my roadie mates at every possible opportunity too - I find using the term 'one trick pony' usually provokes the desired reaction!

+1

It just seems a bit of an odd way to spend your time.

You're either on your own with no one to talk to and nothing to think about; which is a terrifying prospect for me.

Or you're with a group of other men, who, from what I've seen (judging by the Roadies I see when Im out) are a pretty unfriendly sort.

One dimensional sums it up.

And I agree with you about the skillsets involved; if I ever do take up roadying, I imagine I'll be alot quicker on the winding downhill roads due to my bike handling skills I've honed on various trail centre black routes.

I <3 DT

[quote=mtbel ]I <3 DT
+1!

You're either on your own with no one to talk to and nothing to think about; which is a terrifying prospect for me.

So, being on your own, you are unable to think? Crikey. I find I do lots of my best thinking when on my own, especially on the bike. It frees up my head space. It's brilliant.

Or you're with a group of other men, who, from what I've seen (judging by the Roadies I see when Im out) are a pretty unfriendly sort.

Or just a bunch of friends out for a ride. Perhaps a stop for coffee and a cake. Rather pleasant, really. Hell, even when out solo, plenty of smiles and waves.

One dimensional sums it up.

For me, it's all riding. It's all fun! MTB, grrravel, hacking around town, all good.

I imagine I'll be alot quicker on the winding downhill roads due to my bike handling skills I've honed on various trail centre black routes.

You're like....amazing, dude.
[img] [/img]

And, finally;
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The biggest upgrade to my mountain biking was buying a road bike. Now I can enjoy all day peaks epics without dying on my ass. I can actually enjoy the big days. I love the road bike though, I really do. I can just pedal and free my mind for hours.

is CFh really this thick? 😕

Could be a double-bluff troll?

Could be! 😀

My subtlety radar is heavily off target at the moment!

incredibly poor either way

+1 for Neilsonwheels. Bought a road bike to get fitter and get more out of MTB. Have found myself watching highlights of last years TDF though......

I had a hybrid for commuting before I ever had a mountain bike for off-roading on, so I've always had some kind of "other" bike.

Now I don't commute as I work from home, I have a proper, nice road bike which I just ride for pleasure, even though I still feel like a mountain biker in drag when I'm out on it.

Where I live on the Isle of Wight there's a fair bit of scope for longish road rides interspersed with bridleway sections so I got a cyclocross bike for doing that on.

They all do get used - tends to be seasonal. Road rides when the trails are at their soggiest, like now, with the bias shifting back to mountain biking in spring and summer.

Only have mountain bikes and only have had mountain bikes. Don't see the appeal of road bikes especially when mountain bikes are getting better and better with more things to do.

Several road bikes. One mtb that I converted to cross and have subsequently raced (to modest regional success). I have at least one of almost every bike you can think of.

I got the Tripster ATR the day it was released to the public by kinesis/upgrade bikes, dunno what all the fuss is about.....its pretty crap to be honest......... 😉

On my second road bike now, previous one lasted about 7 years, plus I have my Drop barred fixie commuter which I count as a road bike...

But I still ride MTBs plenty too, does it really matter what people ride?

Thinking /saving up for a road bike,so only got mtb's atm. Trouble with road-rides I found them so dull.

160mm full suss
140mm full suss
160mm HT
A roadie
A CX

I mostly work from home so: mid-week I'm out on the roadie for an hour or so whatever the weather; mtb good evenings and weekends; and CX bike for commuting when I have to go in, pootling with missus and the odd simple straightforward bike ride when I just fancy a potter out on grassy mountains (Carneddi).

On the road bikes is dull thing, I think there is a point being missed. There's a purity that comes from good cadence, chain whirring, smooth tarmac, speed, beautiful countryside/mountains (and scoping start of new mtb routes!), absence of others, being alone in thoughts, resolving problems (I'm an academic), and sometimes just not thinking at all and enjoying a bit of zen time lost in pedalling.

On the road bikes is dull thing, I think there is a point being missed. There's a purity that comes from good cadence, chain whirring, smooth tarmac, speed, beautiful countryside/mountains (and scoping start of new mtb routes!), absence of others, being alone in thoughts, resolving problems (I'm an academic), and sometimes just not thinking at all and enjoying a bit of zen time lost in pedalling.

saxabar maybe you've hit nail squarely on the head here.... riding any bike can be great in the right circumstances. Living in the south east, with busy, crowded roads, my experience of road riding is never likely to replicate yours, hence my perception that it would be dull. Perhaps if I lived in the Alps I'd think differently!

does it really matter what other people ride?

No. I put up (reluctantly) with the loss of fitness over the winter given the oceans of mud everywhere around here as my dislike of cars strongly outweighs it. Also south-east.

saxabar maybe you've hit nail squarely on the head here.... riding any bike can be great in the right circumstances. Living in the south east, with busy, crowded roads, my experience of road riding is never likely to replicate yours, hence my perception that it would be dull. Perhaps if I lived in the Alps I'd think differently!

Add to the fact it's 0deg outside and takes 30 mins before you can even feel your fingers again.

I could possibly understand road riding in the Lakes, a lovely day with the sun coming up over a large peak, miles of views.... Yeah I get the idea.

On a busy grvelly back lane in West Berks being buzzed by idiots in cars, with road after road covered in crap, the closest you get to views is when there's a break in the countless hedges... Yeah sounds epic.

I won't even get onto the handling and the brake discussions... no need for them yet.

As for the lycra... well the least said about that the better IMO.

If you can't see the view Weeksy then you're going down the wrong roads. 1 soon to be 2 road bikes and 2 but hopefully 1 MTB next week when I sell my solaris. For 6 months of the year my local trails are a boggy craggy filth fest. Much prefer to get out and just ride at this time of year.

I don't have one... But only cos I'm povo

If anyone wants to donate me one I'd be grateful

View not quite good enough?
scared of traffic?
scared of mud?
scared of cold?
scared to wear lycra?
scared of a quick handling bike and perectly adequate brakes ???
scared to even try it?

Wow! I feel sorry for you. 😥

All the "it's dull" comments here are actually quite funny! road riding is only as dull as the rider chooses to make it. I can only imagine how RAD you guys must get when trundling around on your shiny mud free mtbs. 😆

I had a nice cross bike, liked it, it did its job really well (ie, it was a bit like a mountain bike, only terrible, ad turned every bump and corner into an adventure.). But it was the first to go when I decided to make some space in the garage, just because of usage. I miss it though

Road bike, I didn't take to, so I ended up building a very quick hybrid instead, just prefer the bars and riding position and being able to use mtb parts. But I use it the same as I used the road bike, I'd be happy doing anything on it that you "need" a road bike for.

No you wouldn't.

I've steered well clear of this thread, until now 😐

Ex Pro Roadie here so yes Roadies have been a huge part of my life, then I stopped and hated the bloody things.. However I never lost the fun of MTB'ing so throughout that "racing lark" I gave up I always had an MTB, Kleins/Marin Team Tits etc. then moving to Scalpels and Niners so you get the style of riding I've been doing for what? 25 years (give or take)

However about 7 years ago an ex Pro mate came to stay and brought a Roadie with him for us to go riding and sod it if I didn't bloody love it again.. Damn him and his Orca.. 😆 It then progressed to me buying through a range of Roadies and that will continue until I fall off and die.

I've met some amazing folks riding, Roadies in the main have been the most pleasant IMO and that suits my mentality. Suits my personality if you see what I mean. Meeting one person in particular who I'm very good mates with now who said to me once, and I've never forgotten it "choose a bike for the conditions you intend to ride it on, conditions that are closest to your front door" Wise words.

So I have a couple of Roadies, I have a CX'er and I have a SS 29'er it sums up the conditions and places I both choose to ride and love riding. I ride flat chat everywhere, I like bikes that are lithe, fast, light and a blast to rideout on. So for me my choices are fulfilled.

I don't like DH, I admire folks that ride it, I can't ride DH fast I just don't have the bottle. I don't ride Trail Centers (although have been to Winlatter/Dalby/Stainburn/QECP) on the CX'er but choose to ride in the expanse of this Country and not restrict where I ride to a few places, far too many lovely places I've yet to go too and a full on 160mm FS would be lost on me.

However I still consider buying a Bronson or Nomad or Tallboy LTc or the normal one or a Niner Jet RDO. Every time I'm in Harrogate I take a trip over to Stif to oggle and get that twinge I love getting when looking at bikes and should my location change from the bumps of the Sth Downs to that of the Lumps of Yorkshire I'll stick with fast and light.

But something with 120-140mm FS that's light and sparky could find a place here in my quiver, I have an idea of what I would like MTB'ish but not here, not on the Coast.

CX when I moved to my new job.

Have a steel bike still in the UK, sold my FS before leaving the UK a few years back, regret it still.

CX does an amazing job for me here, can ride a decent distance up the hills, deals with the rough back roads, and can do some off road.

Biggest issue I have is I still throw it around like a mountain bike and scare myself every so often bunny hopping a bump and landing it badly.

I want a fat bike, just for the fun of it, but my CX is doing me great.

I do really want to get carbon wheels, but that is just because I can't help but upgrade.

This. I cycle because I enjoy it, and I am aware that I am crap at it

On the road bikes is dull thing

*but maybe that's due to me being primarily an MTBer
**which makes the roadie CX haters (especially roadies who presumably also MTB) kind of amusing

10 years ago I had s/s mtb, hardtail, full suss and one road bike. They were all being ridden regularly.
I now have a hardtail, a s/s road commuter, winter road bike and summer road bike.
I got tired of the expense and time taken to go MTBing but when I do it now I still love it and wish I had more time in my life so I could ride road and MTB.
I'm the unofficial MTB secretary in my road club so likely to be doing more MTB this year.

From a political point of view, more people riding road is good. MTBs are hidden in the woods and for people who don't mind a bit of risk and danger so it tends to remain a minority sport.
More people riding road puts cycling into the public conciousness, makes it much more visible and makes it much more normal as a form of day to day transport. IMO the increase in people riding road bikes is what is driving the UK cycling revolution. MTB can't and hasn't done that.

All bikes are good tho 🙂

mtbel - Member

No you wouldn't.

OK let's rephrase- I'd be happy doing anything on it that you "need" a road bike for, that I would do if I had a road bike. The fact that it's flatbarred makes no difference to me over a road bike in other words. Other than that I like riding it

brooess - Member
the increase in people riding road bikes is what is driving the UK cycling revolution.

...the whatnow?

Given the boom in the number of people riding road bikes compared with the relative decline in mountain bikes, it seems that an awful lot of people enjoy riding on Tarmac. Can't be [i]that[/i] dull. Having said that, I donn't think you ever get that thrill a minute feeling you get off-road.

it's more of a zen thing.

but seriously, you see a lot more of the world on a road bike: riding from home (sheffield) on my mtb might get me as far as stanage - there's lots of fun to be had along the way, but i've hardly ventured outside S10.

riding from home on my road bike can take me to Staffordshire before lunchtime.

once you've counted the universal cycling stuff, getting out in our gorgeous countryside, bit of exercise, etc all you've got is the perverse (hurting yourself) and the ****y bollocks (purity). I personally get it

what about descending less than perfect roads wearing only lycra with no helmet, knee pads or other mtb nonsense at 50mph+?
what about hitting corners at just the right speed, you know.. perfect entry speed, line and you feel your tyres just on the edge of letting go and if you even touch your brake you'll be off the road?
What about chasing and drafting a bus on the flat, face 2 feet from the back at 40mph+ spinning out while concentrating on it's brake light and where you are with no line of sight.
or simply buzzing through busy traffic, overtaking cars, riding in a fast bunch, riding fast at night, riding in poor conditions?
it's really not all just about the views, purity bollocks (WTF?)or punishing yourself.

riding my roadbike can give me just as much of a buzz as hitting a 50ft double on my hardtail used to.

I donn't think you ever get that thrill a minute feeling you get off-road.

One of my return runs is all slightly downhill. Slaloming the delamination and bunny hopping the potholes at speed is [s]really ****in' scary[/s] great fun. A rush not too dissimilar to riding off road.

I guess it depends on the condition of your local roads... 🙂

OK let's rephrase- I'd be happy doing anything on it that you "need" a road bike for, that I would do if I had a road bike. The fact that it's flatbarred makes no difference to me over a road bike in other words. Other than that I like riding it

what about descending less than perfect roads wearing only lycra with no helmet, knee pads or other mtb nonsense at 50mph+?
what about hitting corners at just the right speed, you know.. perfect entry speed, line and you feel your tyres just on the edge of letting go and if you even touch your brake you'll be off the road?
What about chasing and drafting a bus on the flat, face 2 feet from the back at 40mph+ spinning out while concentrating on it's brake light and where you are with no line of sight.
or simply buzzing through busy traffic, overtaking cars, riding in a fast bunch, riding fast at night, riding in poor conditions?
it's really not all just about the views, purity bollocks (WTF?)or punishing yourself.

riding my roadbike can give me just as much of a buzz as hitting a 50ft double on my hardtail used to.

I'm guessing you do all of the above on your road bike. So what is it about a flatbar hybrid that would make the above not as "comfortable"* as a road bike? Genuine curiosity, not looking for an 'STW debate'.

*As you suggested after Northwind's post up there.^

I didn't actually mention comfort at all Teasel. But since you bring it up, unless NW is using drop bars and road brifters on his "flat bar hybrid". No it won't have the same options for comfortable positioning for road riding as my roadbike does. no real debate needed on that one.

Why does anyone feel the need to justify what bike they ride to internet arguers?

And anyone sneering at others for partaking in a form of cycling which they choose not to, grow the **** up please.

aP - Member
But my CX bike is a race bike, with Dugast tubs and everything.... it'll probably be at Battle on the Beach as well

Likewise. It was good fun at the SPAM winter 50k and although I've entered BotB on the 26SS I may end up riding the CX race bike on the day.

I rarely ride trail centres as I'd much rather just ride out of my door and into the countryside on either the MTB, the CX bike or the road bike. Living in SWales does have many benefits and the roads, bridleways, trails and hills are some of them.

I began road riding to build fitness for MTB racing and found that actually I enjoyed it tremendously. I joined a local road club and found new routes and lanes that I knew nothing about. Had great conversations and some lovely coffee and cake. Had reinforced that age is nothing but a number and no one really gives a shit at how good you think you are. If you're that bothered then pin a number on and race.

So totting up.
2x road bikes
1x TT bike
1x CX bike
1x SS 26 MTB

and I still want a fat bike

Yep, they give different options- drop bars gave me an assortment of less comfortable positions, flats give me one very comfortable one that I can sit in all day. But we're all different shapes.

riding my roadbike can give me just as much of a buzz as hitting a 50ft double on my hardtail used to

Do you though? I'm not so sure you do.

*and sometimes faster you naughty boys and girls.

Why does anyone feel the need to justify what bike they ride to internet arguers?

lol.

come out with me down the coast and see how comfortable they are heading home into a 50mph westerly.

me neither DONK

[ ]

I didn't actually mention comfort at all Teasel

No, you're right. I misread the word "happy" as comfortable. Twice, actually.

Surely happiness is a totally subjective thing...

I am convinced mtbel, I'll sell my bike that I like immediately and get another road bike that I hate riding, and it can sit in the garage and gather dust til I sell it in a year 😉

Hang on... This is a ploy, isn't it? You know I'm a serial bike seller, you just want a new road bike!

it's fine Northyboy.. just STOP using the phrase *"need" a roadbike for...*. and the world will be right once more. 😉

I don't think you ever get that thrill a minute feeling you get off-road.

Try racing. never thought I would either.

Try racing.

+ 1000.. or even a chain gang ride.

Bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like

mtbel - Member

it's fine Northyboy.. just STOP using the phrase *"need" a roadbike for...*. and the world will be right once more.

That was me taking the piss out of people who "need" a road bike to ride to the shops 😆 And another one to ride to the shops in winter.

I have 2 bikes as unfortunately it's all I can have given I live in a flat and our spare room is the "bike shed".

1 "Enduro" FS
1 Road Bike

I like riding both although the mtb is much more fun i do find going out on the road bike to be quite relaxing as it lets you clear your head of everything just plugging along getting miles in. Won't ever own a CX bike though as I just can't understand why anyone would ride one over a mtb.

The nearest good beach for swimming to my house is 20 miles away by road or a little less with some gravel shortcuts.

On a warm summer's day a road bike and a CX make perfect sense.

on't ever own a CX bike though as I just can't understand why anyone would ride one over a mtb.

because they can be faster, challenging, great for racing

Too many rules in road racing, clubs, sportives and all that.

I just want to ride for fun, and staring at tarmac or someone's arse and arguing with drivers or being sideswiped by lorries is no fun.