Second bike to ride on limestone

[Syndirelah]

Hey all,

Im looking for some suggestions for getting a second bike. I currently ride a Felt F4C road bike but would love to take advantage of the long, crushed limestone paths near my house. I would like a similar ride to the road bike (not completely upright/comfort ride, keeping the cadence and mph up) but components that can tolerate the limestone. Im looking to spend around $600 (or less!) and I would definitely be willing to buy a used bike too.

Thanks for any suggestions!!

Jen

[Thorn]

While the racers might shudder....cyclo cross bike. The tires are a little fatter, but it is still pretty much road bike is geometry with drop bars.

I toyed with the cross solution and ended up building up a Surly Pacer frame (road frame, not cross, but with room for fatter tires). With fenders I can run 28mm which gets me through winter slush, grit and most limestone trails. If I was going to ride the limestone trails more, I'd probably switch to 32 or 35 for the summer and take the fenders off.

Oh, and welcome to the boards!

[SadieKate]

Why would the racers shudder at the thought of a cross bike? I believe I've heard somewhere that people race on their cross bikes! Whoodathunk!

A cross bike is an excellent suggestion.

[Aggie_Ama]

Cyclocross bike is my suggestion as well. My husband just got a Kona Jake for commuting, I think it was only $850 new. A used one might be in your budget, but if you are short good luck finding a Cyclocross bike.

[DebW]

Any bike that takes a fat tire would be good. A touring bike for instance. Many bikes made by Surly or Rivendell.

[mimitabby]

is the limestone caustic? In other words are you concerned about more than tire slippage?

[SouthernBelle]

is the limestone caustic? In other words are you concerned about more than tire slippage?

Limestone should be just the opposite of caustic! I would think dust and grit would a be a big problem though.