Some advice on a two bikes please

Umiq88

I’ve recently started going to Ballyhoura Trail and have really enjoyed it using the rented Cube Analogues they have. I’m interested in taking this up regularly as I don’t live very far away and I would also like to take up road biking. I’m looking to buy 2 bikes, one for the mountain and the other for the road. I’m at a beginner level in both but want something good that will last me a number of years. See requirements below

Road Bike
Initially I’m looking at a bike for casual use however IfI find I really like it I may end up doing longer distances. I’m also hoping toget a bike that my wife can use who is a similar height but something she won’t need special gear or shoes to cycle. Comfort is also an factor as I think I’dprefer a straight bar.
Budget ~€1000

Mountain Bike
This will nearly be used exclusively at Ballyhoura. I don’t think I’ve any other requirements other than this. I’m about 5’8 so andlooking at an 18 frame size with smallish wheels.
Budget approx €1000

Been in to a bike shop making enquiries and seen the following bikes which I like a lot. Looking for feedback on these to see if there’s better value available or if these are suitable.

ROAD
Cube SL Cross
• 50, 53, 56, 59, 62
• Aluminium Superlite Crossroad Triple Butted
• grey ‘n’ white
• Aluminium Rigid Fork
• FSA No. 10 semi-integrated
• Easton EA30, 25.4mm
• Easton EA30 Flat
• CUBE Performance Grips
• Shimano Sora 3500SS
• Shimano FD-R440 Down Swing, 34.9mm
• Shimano SLR440 Flat Handlebar, 9-Speed
• Shimano BR-M422 V-Brake Front & Rear
• Shimano Sora FC-3550 Octalink 50x34T., 175mm, ShimanoBB-ES25
• Shimano CS-HG50 11-34T., 9-Speed
• Shimano CN-HG53
• Shimano CN-HG53
• Schwalbe 20-622
• Shimano CS-HG50 11-34T., 9-Speed
• Shimano Tiagra HB-4600
• Shimano Tiagra FH-4600
• Schwalbe Kojak
• Schwalbe Trekking light AV18
• Cross Alloy
• Selle Royal Seta
• Easton EA30 31.6mm
• Scape Close 34.9mm
• 10,2 kg
• 447000
• Tektro Eclipse Alu

MOUNTAIN
Kona Cindercone
• Frame Material Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted
• Sizes 14", 16", 17", 18", 19",20", 22"
• Rear Shock N/A
• Fork RockShox Recon Silver TK 100mm
• Crankarms Shimano
• Chainrings 42/34/24t
• B/B Shimano ES25
• Pedals Wellgo LUA9
• Chain KMC HG53
• Freewheel Shimano HG50 11-32t 9 spd
• F/D Shimano Alivio
• R/D Shimano SLX
• Shifters Shimano Alivio
• Brake Calipers Avid Elixir 1
•Front Brake Rotor Avid G2 180mm
• Rear Brake Rotor Avid G2 160mm
• Brake Levers Avid Elixir 1
•Headset TH ZST No.10
• Handlebar Kona XC/BC Riser
• Stem Kona XC/Road
• Seatpost Kona Thumb
• Seat Clamp Kona QR
• Grips Kona Race Light
• Saddle WTB Volt Sport
• Front Hub Formula
• Rear Hub ShimanoM475
• Spokes Stainless15g fr / 14g rr
• Rims Mavic XM11
• Front Tire Vittoria Saguaro 26x2.0"
• Rear Tire Vittoria Saguaro 26x2.0"
• Paint Color Matt Dark Grey w/White, Yellow & Black
• Extras N/A

Umiq88

bump

LeftBlank

If you think you might end up doing longer distances, then seriously consider drop bars for the road bike. Straight bars are not good for longer distances as there is a lack of options when it comes to hand positions. Bar ends can help with this to a certain extent but nothing beats drop bars. Also, changing from straight to drop bars on the same bike would an expensive operation.

Dotsie~tmp

Remembet you dont have to have the drops slammed down in a spine curling position. You can probably flip the stem to come upright more. Even lift the bar angle up a bit. If its really a problem get a fullt adjustable stem. I also felt strange going from straight to drop but there is no doubt drops are best with STI levers.

Stems are piss easy to fit.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/bbb-bhs-29-highsix-oversize-adjustable-stem

shaka

If your near the ballyhouras I'd pop into Paul in Kilmallock cycles , he has some serious discounts on mtbs at moment, good selection of road bikes there too. I deal with him a bit and hard to beat on price

shaka

Btw if your buying a road bike I'd recommend getting one with carbon forks , you will notice the difference on long spins.

Umiq88

Ok so I've being taking to a few cycling buddies of mine and it looks like a full fledged racer is the way to go so I've started a new thead looking for advice.