The Best Adult All Purpose Bicycles

The Best Adult All Purpose Bicycles

bike image by Byron Moore from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

The bike that can do everything is sometimes hard to find. Most manufacturers design their bikes with one specific terrain in mind. For the adult seeking one all-purpose bike, however, there are options. Whether you want to commute through dense traffic, climb through boulder-infested singletrack or do a bit of both, there are bikes worth considering.

Specialized Crosstrail Comp

The Specialized Crosstrail Comp offers versatility through features that include double-walled 26-inch alloy rims, a coil-sprung fork with 75mm of travel, a Shimano SLX rear derailleur and Avid BB5 mechanical disc brakes. Specifications start with a stiff aluminum frame, ideal for speed and shorter distances, and an SR Sun Tour SF10-NRX-D-LO-700 fork. A Shimano-inspired drivetrain includes a FD-MR90 front derailleur, SLX, 9-speed rear derailleur, CS-HG50, 11-32 tooth cassette and an FC-M443 crankset. Components include a threadless 1 1/8-inch headset with sealed loose ball bearings, a forged alloy, four-bolt stem and alloy riser handlebars. The wheelset of this model includes Alex Crosstrail 700c rims, Shimano FH-M475 rear hub and Specialized Borough XC Sport 700x45c tires.

Jamis Coda Elite

The Jamis Coda Elite is an option for riders seeking an all-purpose model for distance riding. A steel frame made from classic Reynolds 520 double-butted chromoly tubing and a rigid carbon fiber fork ensures a smoother, comfortable ride. Other features include Vittoria Zaffiro 700x28c medium-size tires for a more shock-absorbent ride and Avid BB-7 disc brakes. Drivetrain specifications include a Shimano Deore M590 front and XT M771 rear derailleur as well as an FSA Alpha Drive crankset and Crank Brothers Candy clipless pedals. Components include an NVO Components adjustable threadless, forged aluminum stem, a SlimStak alloy aheadset, a suspension seat post with 45mm of travel and a Selle San Marco Ischia saddle. Wheelsets include Mavic A119 alloy double-wall rims and Shimano 475 six-bolt disc hubs.

Boardman Pro

For riders seeking a performance edge to their all-purpose bike, consider a Boardman Pro. Developed by Olympic champion cyclist Chris Boardman, this bike is built for fitness riding. Features include a stiff aluminum frame coupled with a carbon fiber fork for a winning combination of strength-to-weight ratio and absorption of road vibration. Specifications include a drivetrain with SRAM X9 and Shimano R440 rear and front derailleur, an SRAM PG950 11-32 tooth cassette and a Truvativ GXP bottom bracket; Avid Elixir R hydraulic disc brakes; a Ritchey Comp OS 31.8mm stem and handlebars; and a semi-integrated, cartridge-bearing headset. Components include a Ritchey Comp 27.2mm seat post and a Cboardman, Cro-Mo rails saddle. The wheelset on the Pro offers Maxxis Detonator 700x28c tires, sealed hubs and Ritchey Pro disc rims.

Article Written By Mike Biscoe

Mike Biscoe has been writing since 2009. Focusing on travel, sports and entertainment topics, he has credits in various online publications including LIVESTRONG.COM and Trails. He often writes articles covering uncommon travel destinations from firsthand experience. Biscoe holds a Certificate of Completion in acting from the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts.

Write for Trails.com
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