Whether it be on the road or off the beaten track, you’ll need the right machine to tackle your chosen terrain. For those who head out without a plan - no end-goal in mind, just the thrill of adventure - there’s also a wealth of multi-surface options for you to choose from.
For Him
In the road department, Specialized offer a wide range kit, from the everyman’s budget option of the alloy-framed Specialized Allez, complete with carbon fork and Shimano Claris 2400 8-speed shifters, to the top-end S-Works Tarmac SL6 which boasts a Shimano Di2 groupset and one of the most aerodynamic, lightweight frames on the market.
When out with the kids, however, smashing out the watts in an aero position is probably far from preferable. To fill this job description, there’s the Giant Contend SL 2 Disc, a mid-level bike that combines performance with durability. An ALUXX SL-Grade Aluminium frame and a full Shimano Tiagra groupset will ensure seamless shifting at a modest price.
If you’re turning off the beaten track, the stable and versatile Specialized Diverge E5 offers a neat transition from smooth roads to unpaved trail. If you want to commit to the dirt, you may want to swap to a true mountain bike like the Trek X-Caliber 9 29er, complete with race-ready RockShox suspension, Shimano Deore 10-speed shifters and hydraulic discs.
For Her
The entry-level Trek Lexa 2 is a reliable machine with a no-nonsense build, making it a great first road bike. Elsewhere, the Liv Avail SL2 is a fantastic step up with Shimano Tiagra gearing and an ALUXX SL-Grade Aluminium frame boasting both speed and reliability.
Specialized also offer their adventure-loving Diverge 2018 with a women’s frame, equipped with much of the same kit as the men’s, only incorporating female-specific items like saddle and narrow bars. With a frame that can support up to 42mm tyres and terrain-smoothing Future Shock suspension, this bike is perfectly engineered for the thrill-seeking family adventure.
For the little’uns
Depending on just how little your little’uns are, you may be able to equip them with a very similar setup to your own, but if they’re not yet big enough to advance into the adult bike market, then the Frog Junior line have a great selection for all ages, sizes, and abilities.
The Frog 58 Team Sky 20†Wheel is an excellent first road bike, the frame size suitable for kids 6-7 years old. 9 speed gears, cantilever brakes and 2 sets of tyres - both Kenda road and Kenda cyclocross - give this bike unparalleled versatility, not to mention the inspiration of Team Sky decals.
For the budding teen, Cuda have a great selection of mountain bikes. The Barracuda Kinetic 26†pairs conventionally sized mountain bike wheels with a small, 14†alloy frame. With 18 gears and Kenda K-832 tyres, there should be no issues with keeping up with one another on varied surfaces.
Places to go, things to see
If you’re looking for ideas of roads to ride or want to get involved in one of the events happening in the Somerset area this month, here are a few things to consider:
For a leisurely ride on quiet trails, the eastern moors of the Avalon Marshes are the perfect playground. The views of Glastonbury Tor are stunning and, providing the sun is shining, you should be treated to views across the whole county.
Right on the door-step of our Taunton outlet is the famed Somerset towpath ride, travelling from Taunton to Bridgwater via a gentle canal path that mixes off-road with wide open stretches, flanked by wildlife and vast expanses of green.
It looks like the weather is gifting us with a perfect bank holiday weekend, hopefully marking the beginning of a good long season of sunny riding. Enjoy the ride!
