Best Bike for Cycling UK to Italy?

can you even cycle through switzerland in january? it's going to be COLD!

have fun!

re the bike....wide stays for snow tyres

I agree with a few of the guys above... Ride the bike before you make the decision. Also, shop around... This is the best time of the year to buy a new bike as many shops are clearing out 2014 bikes!

Though I would fully recommend using your LBS, sometimes you just can't beat the offers by big stores... Wiggle very handily have a little known secret called a "30 day test ride" that you can take them up on too if they have said chosen bike in stock...
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/h/option/30testride

I'd pick something robust and easy to maintain. Given your obvious vast knowledge of bicycles I'd go to your local bike shop and ask there.
You need it to fit well and be low maintenance. ..

I'd recommend a "motorbike"....sorry truly terrible and could not resist . If you are serious, do check which road tunnels you can take your bike through as all many of the normal mountain passes, which might be an enjoyable challenge in summer will be shut.

Planet-X Dirty Disco would be a good place to start bike wise, but agree that given the time you're going to spend on the road, then serious investment in decent clothing is probably more critical to your arrival.

You do realize how fr***king cold it's going to be don't you ?
Sod the bike - I'd be more worried about what gloves and booties I was going to need. And what tyres. Northern Italy itself is pretty mountainous and according to Google there's something called .. "The Alps" ... kind of in the way. That might be worth checking out.

I just hope you've done this sort of thing before! It would make a typical LEJOG look like a Sunday club run.

You sure about January ?

Cyclocross, audax or winter bikes are usually pretty versatile with various rack and guard mount points.

Your best bet is to test ride a few, you can't go too far wrong.

One tip: If I had the budget and was aiming for a ride like that, I'd try and get wheels with a dynamo hub so I didn't need to worry about the lighting situation so much.

I'd suggest something with two wheels, panniers, and a comfy saddle. Pedals are also useful.

Seriously, anything you're comfortable on and that can carry your stuff will do.

There is no "best" bike but a comfy saddle should be a priority.

If Tim Moore can ride the route of the hardest ever Giro on a 1914 singlespeed bike with wine corks for brakes then I'd venture that bike choice is not the most important decision.

what's your budget?

something italian

What route are you doing?? whatever you choose, good luck - it's a long way!!