I want to take part in some triathlons but, despite having covered many miles while mountain biking over the past few years, I don’t know what to look for in a road bike. Any recommendations? I don’t want to have all the gear but no idea.
SP, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire
The technical specification of bicycles used in triathlons is much more relaxed than in bicycle racing (you can find them at britishtriathlon.org). As a result, particularly in shorter events, it is common to see a fairly eclectic array of bicycles in use. There are lots of good second-hand road bikes around — have a look in the classifieds on bikeradar.com. If you are going to buy new, the Trek 1.2 at £550 (trekbikes.com) is a fantastic bike for the money — and could be used for all manner of road riding, not just triathlons. Halford’s Boardman range delivers excellent spec for the money — the Road Bike Comp XL 2010 at £699 (halfords.com) would be perfectly usable in the more intense triathlons.
I want a bike with a hub dynamo that produces enough light for dark country roads. My budget is about £500-£600. What do you recommend?
J McG, Galway
Hub dynamos are the best way of powering lights, because you don’t have to rely on batteries, but they are still rare in Britain and Ireland. They can be retro-fitted — at a cost. You can easily pay £200/€240 for a Schmidt dynamo assembly, the best make available (www.bikeplus.co.uk). Shimano dynamos are cheaper and almost as good — expect to pay about £85/€100 (cyclesportsuk.co.uk). Giant’s RS1 Tourer (£550/€650) is sold with a Shimano dynamo and a good B&M front light. It should be more than enough for unlit country roads. If you want more light, you could upgrade the lamp to the B&M Lumotec IQ Fly at £65/€77 (bikester.co.uk).
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I plan to ride from Land’s End to John o’Groats this autumn. Is it still possible to take bicycles on trains, as I will need to get back from northern Scotland?
PL, Bedfordshire
Complicated though it may seem to carry a bike on British trains, it is easier and cheaper than in much of Europe. Our train operating companies all pursue slightly different policies. Some have no restrictions — Hull Trains, for example. Others, such as First Scot Rail, will take only three bikes on many trains. So make a reservation, turn up early and get your bike to the right bit of the train quickly. There is a full list of policies at atob.org.uk/Bike_Rail.html.
Need some bike advice? Email cycledoc@sunday-times.co.uk