View Full Version : Help me buy a new bike :)
Help me buy a new bike :)
Hey guys... I've used a $400 Raleigh mountain bike, as an all purpose bike, for years on 50+ mile road rides, short trips to the local store, as well as downhill, and technical rock trails. I'm tired of watching all the road bikes zip past me on the street, so it's time to buy a purpose built bike for street (and a new mountain bike to replace the one I folded in half last trip out) :)
I have arthritus in my lower back, so comfort is a concern (I've heard steel frames, suspension seat posts, and a flatbar/heads up bike). I plan on riding longer distances, so I don't want to outgrow something right away as well.
I've been recommended the Bianchi Strada and the Specialized Sirrius by one or two people... just wanted to get some other input.
Much appreciated!
Before George says it, the Giant CRX series?
You haven't made it clear whether you want flat or drop bar? For flat bar, also look at Avanti Blade. For drop bar, huge range but the Giant TCR/OCR range are the benchmark for value.
Remember, I know nothing about road bikes.
I guess I want a flat bar for comfort and bar ends to stretch out on the longer rides?
Remember, I know nothing about road bikes.
I guess I want a flat bar for comfort and bar ends to stretch out on the longer rides?
I reckon drop bars are MORE comfortable than flat bars. If you don't like the long reach to the hoods get a shorter stem or even a shorter frame, but keep the drops. If you don't like reaching down to the bar, get a frame with a longer head tube and an uptilted stem, but keep the drops. Drop bars give you at least 5 useful positions (tops, top curve, hoods, front curve high, bottom of front curve/flat part). Flat bars really give you 1, or 2 with bar ends.
There's a reason for the classic touring bike having drops, and it's not speed.
I haven't ridden both styles back to back to compare, but I would imagine that the flat bar would be better for city riding? That is most of what I'll be doing...
Also, I think the forward, heads down stance would do bad things to my back after long rides. Does that make sense?
I haven't ridden both styles back to back to compare, but I would imagine that the flat bar would be better for city riding? That is most of what I'll be doing...
I commute on a drop bar bike - as well as having good control, the drop bars fit through narrower gaps. My hands are further apart on my hoods than they are on the flat bar of the commuter bike that I reserve for wet days. You steer with your hips, anyway.
I think it depends on how far she plans on going, I can go 6 hours, highspeed on gravel with my mountain bike and it dont really bother me at all.. I'll move my hands to grip the ends of the flat-bar for a bit though when catching my breath.
I'll say try em both out and see what you feel best with.
Edit: I feel the flat bar is better for city riding aswell.. I've tried using a drop-bar bike and dident feels as in control, with a flat-bar I think you would have quicker reflexes if you were going to get hit.. also better control if you hit a small rock on the side of the road. though I never really gave drop bars much chance its prob something you get used to.
You seem to have a preference toward the drop bar :)
I guess I'll have to hit my local shop and demo a few bikes before I make a decision.
You seem to have a preference toward the drop bar :)
I guess I'll have to hit my local shop and demo a few bikes before I make a decision.
I'm highly biased ;) , but I think that it's a justified bias. Buy what you like best. You don't want a bike that you're going to be frightened to ride in traffic, for whatever reason.
You steer with your hips, anyway. True.. drop bars are prob more relaxing/comfortable too, easier on your arm muscles. :)
Flat V road bars is another 'can't really be answered for you' questions.
You have to weigh up your needs, given your particular situation & take note of peoples advice & experiences. Its your typical 'informed decision.'
I've recently bought a road bike [500ks only] & that was only because I wanted to race. My hands, regardless of the so called number of hand positions, feel more fatigued than they are when I ride my flatbar bike. The essence of flat bar riding is riding flat handed just resting the palms of your hand on the bars, finger tips touching the brake levers without 'sinking' the wrists. Having your weight distributed correctly [needed regardless of bike type] between saddle & bars. To much weight on the hands will make any bike more tiresome over longer distances.
In congested traffic a flat bar will have your hands at the brakes & gear changers at all times. This was another thing I instantly realised when I started riding the roadie :)
In congested traffic a flat bar will have your hands at the brakes & gear changers at all times.
As will a drop bar.
As will a drop bar.Gee, you must have long wrap around fingers.
I can only reach my briftres from the hoods or drops. Impossible [for me] from the flat or the bend.:)
Gee, you must have long wrap around fingers.
I can only reach my briftres from the hoods or drops. Impossible [for me] from the flat or the bend.:)
I don't use all those positions in traffic. :D
For commuting purposes, watch out for toe overlap. This is when your toes and the front wheel overlap when you make tight turns i.e moving between stationary cars. You might consider getting racks and pannier bags for commuting as well so your business shirt doesn't get a sweaty back.
Maybe someone could recommend you a tourer? They have a less aggressive riding posture than road racers. It might be better on your back.
Maybe someone could recommend you a tourer? They have a less aggressive riding posture than road racers. It might be better on your back.
+1..Hard to find one these days, though.
Hey guys... I've used a $400 Raleigh mountain bike, as an all purpose bike, for years on 50+ mile road rides, short trips to the local store, as well as downhill, and technical rock trails. I'm tired of watching all the road bikes zip past me on the street, so it's time to buy a purpose built bike for street (and a new mountain bike to replace the one I folded in half last trip out) :)
I have arthritus in my lower back, so comfort is a concern (I've heard steel frames, suspension seat posts, and a flatbar/heads up bike). I plan on riding longer distances, so I don't want to outgrow something right away as well.
I've been recommended the Bianchi Strada and the Specialized Sirrius by one or two people... just wanted to get some other input.
Much appreciated! Hi,
There is the option of a touring bike. A friend of mine road across Canada on one to raise money for cancer. He found the bike to be very comfortable. He had a Cannondale. I will give you a few links to a few sites. Trek, (http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike.php?bikeid=1432000&f=6) Cannondale, (http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/07/cusa/specialty/touring/index.html) Rocky Mountain. (http://www.bikes.com/bikes/2007/touring/sherpa-30.aspx#)
A reputable LBS should have no issue ordering in a bike for you to try out. Assuming they carry that brand of bike. I spent close to 3 months before a I bought my ride.
Good luck with your purchase!!!!
Mike
PS
I like the Cannondale best.
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