Yet another bike advice thread...

TouchingVirus

You're probably fed up of these threads, but I'm fed up trying to decide without fully knowing what I'm looking at

Details

So I'm what you folks would call a Clydesdale (>91kg) and since I've been on a fitness buzz for a few months and am fed up with public transport I'm going to bike to work. It's an 11km round trip in the city. I'm also looking for a bike that'd be suitable for longer spins, perhaps and hour or two of cycling per trip.

I'm not interested in racing or mountain biking so it's not a consideration. I haven't owned a bike in 10 years and in the past they were always mountain bikes bought by my parents so I doubt they were the perfect fit. I've never used drop bars and would be uncomfortable with them at least in the beginning. Comfort while biking would be fairly high up on my list, if I'm beat cycling the bike for more than a half hour that wouldn't be great.


Bikes

I had a leaning towards steel frames for their shock absoroption and general sturdiness. I'm not light right now, so having a heavy bike wouldn't put me off in the slightest. Unfortunately, from what I've seen on manufacturer sites there aren't a lot of steel bikes to choose from so I have picked some aluminium framed bikes below. I left in the Surly LHT which is a steel framed bike, the problem is I'd have to get it from Cyclebike and the lads there have no LHT/Surly stock and are brutal at responding to emails about test rides. It's also slightly out of budget for the BTW scheme so I'd wonder if it's worth the extra money when I don't know how this plan is going to turn out.

So given what I've told you, what would your opinions be on the following selection?

• Giant Rapid 3
• Specialized Sirrus Elite/Sport/Comp
• Cube Travel Pro
• Cube SL Road (Pro?)
• Cube Touring Pro RF
• Surly Long Haul Trucker

Have I missed a bike you think I should consider? Are some of the components on offer cheap and I could do better? All advice is appreciated, I'm planning on at least checking out some of these bikes on Saturday and all going well making a purchase by mid February.

Thanks

petethedrummer

I can't guarantee but Hollingsworth (www.mycycle.ie) and www.cyclebike.ie often have an LHT on the shop floor.

RonanCFD

If you want steel, how about a Genesis Equilibrium - Hollingsworth Cycles have them. Takes proper mudguards and tyres up to 28s so pretty ideal for what you're after I would have thought.

TouchingVirus

Thanks for that. I edited my post there, I meant Cyclebike in my first post. I called in to them twice, no LHT in stock in anything close to my frame size and I've emailed them only for them to not get back to me about stock dates & when I could call in for a test fitting/ride. It's also €1399, so I'm not sure if I want to put that much on the bike just because it's a steel-frame. Be a shame to have to try offload it in a year or two because I don't use it. I'm thinking it's a bike I might save for later and start somewhere more reasonable. I might try Hollingsworth anyways, just to see

I'll check out the Genesis Equilibrium all right, thanks for the recommendation.

Is my want for steel frames out of place? How would an aluminium frame do for my needs?

quozl

TouchingVirus wrote: »

I'm also looking for a bike that'd be suitable for longer spins, perhaps and hour or two of cycling per trip.

To me this means a drop bar bike.

Some people are fine on straight bar bikes for 2 hours. I really amn't and many others aren't. Bar-ends can help by giving one more position but you don't have access to brakes or gears from that position whereas a drop-bar gives you two position with access to brakes/gears plus a number of other positions without access.

For a 11km city-centre round-trip I would slightly prefer a straight bar bike but for a 1 to 2 hour cycle I'd much prefer drop-bars and if you ever go beyond that then it just gets more and more so.

You'll get used to drop bars quickly. I rode a bike for the first time last May, rode a drop-bar bike for the first time in August and it only took a couple of weeks to love the drop-bars.

I like wide tyres because you can run lower pressure which is good for comfort/shock-absorbency. Especially as you're not a lightweight. You also need clearance for mud-guards with the tyres and that's a problem on many road bikes.

I have 28mm tyres on my road-bike but I bought it as a frame-set and built it up so I can't recommend it. I'd try for a frame with 28mm tyres and proper mudguards. The Surly Long Haul Trucker would easily cover that - 42mm with mudguards according to that site.

You also want to make sure it has the bosses necessary for a rack if you'll be commuting with it IMO. Surly Long Haul again has that. I'd like one of them but they're kind of expensive

IMO, drop-bars, good clearance for wide tyres&mudguards plus rack bosses are what you need. You also won't get anything with those 3 things and an unsuitably race orientated geometry

Is my want for steel frames out of place? How would an aluminium frame do for my needs?

An aluminium frame would do fine. Wide tyres will make it comfortable. I don't have personal experience of a steel frame but I'd not be against buying one

not yet

I got a giant rapid last summer, great bike but after about 1000k realised I should have a a drop bar/road bike. Sold the rapid and bought a road bike...not one ounce of regret, get a road bike would be my tu'pence worth.

Oh and you'll be doing 11k round trip for fun in 2 months, best of luck.

Benefits of cycling to work: Fresh air in your lungs, no waiting on buses, save money, get to work wide awake...

TouchingVirus

not yet wrote: »

I got a giant rapid last summer, great bike but after about 1000k realised I should have a a drop bar/road bike. Sold the rapid and bought a road bike...not one ounce of regret, get a road bike would be my tu'pence worth.

Oh and you'll be doing 11k round trip for fun in 2 months, best of luck.

Benefits of cycling to work: Fresh air in your lungs, no waiting on buses, save money, get to work wide awake...

What road bike did you pick up if you don't mind me asking? I'll definitely give some consideration to the drop bars, I know some bike shops like ThinkBike allow you a day or two to rent the bike and try it out so maybe I'm just afraid of the unknown as opposed to it being something I absolutely couldn't get used to.

Thanks for the comments on frames/wheels too - I don't want a frame or wheelset that'll buckle/crack/go off true if I happen to have loaded up the bike with me and a bag on my back and slam a pothole. If you guys have any more suggestions/recommendations then fire away and I'll run through them over the week before I hit the shops

quozl

TouchingVirus wrote: »

me and a bag on my back and slam a pothole.

Consider a pannier rack and a pannier bag. I was surprised quite how useful it is and it's more comfortable than having a (sweaty) bag on your back.

Harrybelafonte

I kina insulted you categorise 91kg as Clydesdale

TouchingVirus

Harrybelafonte wrote: »

I kina insulted you categorise 91kg as Clydesdale

A Clydesdale is a male runner/cyclist/athlete over 200lbs, no? If not, I apologise

quozl

TouchingVirus wrote: »

A Clydesdale is a male runner/cyclist/athlete over 200lbs, no? If not, I apologise

Only in America, I think.

TouchingVirus

quozl wrote: »

Only in America, I think.

I'll plead the Google/American bike-forums defence then

Ironlungs

I am about 90kg. I bought a Trek 7.3 two summers ago for fitness and fun, rides with the kids etc. The Trek 7 series is a hybrid bike, pretty light, quite fast. I swapped out the 32mm tires after 1 year and put on 28mm for a sportier feel. My runs are between 25km and 60km, but I will be uncomfortable and sore on anything over 35km. Hence my favourite run is a 35km run. By uncomfortable and sore, I mean backside (a hybrid distributes more of my ample weight to the back due to upright position), hands and arms (only one hand position). It is also a royal pain on a windy day, not being able to get into the drops for a more aerodynamic position.

However, I won't get rid of the bike, as for short rides (sub 35km) and for family rides, touring etc, it's perfect. I love the upright position for any urban cycling I do, and for any scenic cycling, as you can take it all in. It would be a good commuter bike for short distances.

Having said that, I am currently in the process of purchasing my second serious bike - a drop bar. I have looked at Giants and Cubes especially, but looked at Specialised, Felt, Scott and Lapierre also. For your needs, the Giant Defy looks ideal. I am strongly considering this, or the TCR by Giant. All brands are pretty decent though, once you decide on your budget, there won't be much between bikes. Try to get a fairly relaxed geometry (fit) and the best spec (gears etc) for your budget, and obviously a bike you like the look of!

Hunterbiker

I have a Genesis Day 02 Hybrid. I am a bit heavier than you snd do 20k per days.

Its okay but I am looking for a drop handlebar bike as I'd prefer a greater range of positions on the bars.

I am looking at steel and was thinking about a Croix De Fer by Genesis. More of sn all rounder and has the mounts for mudguards and a rack too (Equalibrium doesnt have rack mounts) its disc brakes too. Heavy as a big steel bike can but great for the roads around here by all accounts.

Suppose what I am saying here is that I wish I had it already but I am stuck with flatbar at the mo.

Rambling Man

Ironlungs wrote: »

I am about 90kg. I bought a Trek 7.3 two summers ago for fitness and fun, rides with the kids etc. The Trek 7 series is a hybrid bike, pretty light, quite fast. I swapped out the 32mm tires after 1 year and put on 28mm for a sportier feel. My runs are between 25km and 60km, but I will be uncomfortable and sore on anything over 35km. Hence my favourite run is a 35km run. By uncomfortable and sore, I mean backside (a hybrid distributes more of my ample weight to the back due to upright position), hands and arms (only one hand position). It is also a royal pain on a windy day, not being able to get into the drops for a more aerodynamic position.

However, I won't get rid of the bike, as for short rides (sub 35km) and for family rides, touring etc, it's perfect. I love the upright position for any urban cycling I do, and for any scenic cycling, as you can take it all in. It would be a good commuter bike for short distances.

Having said that, I am currently in the process of purchasing my second serious bike - a drop bar. I have looked at Giants and Cubes especially, but looked at Specialised, Felt, Scott and Lapierre also. For your needs, the Giant Defy looks ideal. I am strongly considering this, or the TCR by Giant. All brands are pretty decent though, once you decide on your budget, there won't be much between bikes. Try to get a fairly relaxed geometry (fit) and the best spec (gears etc) for your budget, and obviously a bike you like the look of!

+1 I have similar bike story. Migrating to drops but deffo keeping the flatbar for fun. I've been doing up to 100k spins on it and despite fitting end bars for variation, the longer spin needs something else. Also wish to conform to the number of bikes to own formula, N+1

not yet

TouchingVirus wrote: »

What road bike did you pick up if you don't mind me asking? I'll definitely give some consideration to the drop bars, I know some bike shops like ThinkBike allow you a day or two to rent the bike and try it out so maybe I'm just afraid of the unknown as opposed to it being something I absolutely couldn't get used to.

Thanks for the comments on frames/wheels too - I don't want a frame or wheelset that'll buckle/crack/go off true if I happen to have loaded up the bike with me and a bag on my back and slam a pothole. If you guys have any more suggestions/recommendations then fire away and I'll run through them over the week before I hit the shops

Trek Domane 2.3. Even the riding position is more comfortable strange as that may sound. I had read the 3 different positions for your hands are better then hybrid and didn't really believe it until now. Some really good road bike out there under 1k.

not yet

quozl wrote: »

Only in America, I think.

Yeah but they don't count..

bambergbike

Ironlungs wrote: »

I am about 90kg. I bought a Trek 7.3 two summers ago for fitness and fun, rides with the kids etc. The Trek 7 series is a hybrid bike, pretty light, quite fast. I s
wapped out the 32mm tires after 1 year and put on 28mm for a sportier feel. My runs are between 25km and 60km, but I will be uncomfortable and sore on anything over 35km. Hence my favourite run is a 35km run. By uncomfortable and sore, I mean backside (a hybrid distributes more of my ample weight to the back due to upright position), hands and arms (only one hand position). It is also a royal pain on a windy day, not being able to get into the drops for a more aerodynamic position.

Just a theory... have you tried lowering the bars a bit (and/or a longer stem) so that you're still in an fairly upright riding position, but slightly less upright than you are now? It might be a way to keep the advantages of the upright position but mitigate the saddle soreness on long rides. I've been on bikes where I felt my entire weight was perched on the saddle with all the elegance of a large sack of spuds and other bikes - hybrids - where my weight was much more comfortably spread over the saddle, bars and pedals. It might be worth experimenting a bit. With stem length or with time trial bars.

Ironlungs

bambergbike wrote: »

Just a theory... have you tried lowering the bars a bit (and/or a longer stem) so that you're still in an fairly upright riding position, but slightly less upright than you are now? It might be a way to keep the advantages of the upright position but mitigate the saddle soreness on long rides. I've been on bikes where I felt my entire weight was perched on the saddle with all the elegance of a large sack of spuds and other bikes - hybrids - where my weight was much more comfortably spread over the saddle, bars and pedals. It might be worth experimenting a bit. With stem length or with time trial bars.

I have tinkered with the setup alright, although not to the extent that you suggest. That is a great idea if one doesn't want to upgrade and wants one bike for all purposes. I'm happy enough with it the way it is though - comfortable and fun to cycle for up to 1-1 1/2 hours. You're right about the bars - even bar ends could help with hand position induced soreness. I cycle hard on training runs, go as fast as I can. Given that I have a triple crank, disc brakes, upright position etc, I think there is plenty to gain by getting a second road bike for longer training runs and the odd sportive.

I personally don't want an 'all rounder', I would rather have a bike set up great for family rides and touring and short winter training runs and then have a second bike for serious training. I'm glad I got the hybrid to begin with, because if I had started with an entry level road bike, I would now be ugrading that - ending up with two road bikes (no bad thing many would say!). A hybrid is a great bike to have in your stable. Having said that, a lot of people swear by the relaxed geometry Giants, Treks, Felts etc, which serve really well as commuter/training bikes but can be pushed hard in sportives or even races with the right set up. For many people, if they are to own just one bike to do it all, it might be one of these and not a hybrid.

In short, if you get a hybrid you will enjoy it, but you are highly likely to get the upgrade bug!

theMAC

I had a very similar problem myself a few moths ago when I started looking for a bike myself. I'm 81 - 85kg depending on what I have for breakfast I had some horrible past experiences of drop bar bikes that chewed your nuts off and felt like you were kneeing yourself in the chest every time you went for a cycle..... horrible things! I thought to myself...

Anyway, I put a few questions here to the excellent boardsies and coupled with my own research I ended up with what I felt was a bit of a do everything bike..... I ended up going for a Cyclocross (CX) bike! They really are really excellent, excellent do everything bicycles. I use mine for everything... My commute, Longer 1 to 3 hours spins and even had a cyclocross race or two on it..... Why on earth more people don't cyclocross race is beyond me, but that's another thread.

IMO, if you want one bike only, It's got to be a CX bike.... Change out the tires for 32mm gatorskins and you wont look back... There are dozens of faster options out there, but the more relaxed geometry of a CX bike coupled with a rising stem to put your hands slightly higher will give you an excellent bike, especially when you want to try a longer distance cycle.... If you select well and try for something around the €1k mark you will get an excellent Aluminum frame with carbon fork that will only be slightly heavier than an equivalent road bike...

Again, IMO probably the best do it all bike out there.

Kev

route66

If you and your BTW scheme are comfortable with buying on-line, then these Ribbles are well respected options - both drop bar:

Alu: €720 for the Ribble 7005 Audax / Winter Training bike (link)
Steel: €888 for the Ribble Reynolds 525 Steel (link)

A flat bar is probably better for you if your 11km commute is all you'll do. A drop bar will do for this as well, but is much better for your planned weekend 1-2 hour rides. The only solution really is to buy more than one bike

Ryath

I'm sort if in the market for the same type of bike as you but as a winter /audax bike. One I'm heavily considering is the Cannondale synapse

https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=68744

€780 8 speed Claris, €900 9 speed Sora, €1140 10 speed Tiagra and €1320 with 105 and disc breaks.

I'll probably go with the claris as I prefer the black frame and I can move move my Sram rival over from my race bike when I upgrade the groupset to force22
I want to be able to fit 28mm tyres and full mudgaurds. I've looked at some of the other options cyclocross bikes and more touring orientated bikes like the surely. Really like the look of the steel framed genesis and I may be yet be tempted but to my mind the synapse is one of the few bikes that is still quite racy but designed with comfort and ability to take wider tires and guards.

I'm going to get a dynamo wheel from germany and I have a spare back wheel and I will have a full groupset if I upgrade so I'm really not left with much more to get than a frameset to get if any one has any other suggestions.

The two of these are tempting the surley I like a lot but is slightly heavier and has cantis. The intec looks good and takes long drop calipers can find very little about them though. The is the main issue I have though is very few frames in my budget take long drop calipers. I like the ribble 525 but it will barely take 25mm tires and mudguards. My preference is for at least 28 as I'd like to be able to use it on surfaces like the mayo greenway with the kids.

http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;navigation=1;product=62475;page=1;menu=1000,4,34;mid=0;pgc=0;orderby=2

http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;navigation=1;product=70235;page=1;menu=1000,2,99,166;mid=0;pgc=129:15617;orderby=2

I'm torn though as I want to give some of the business to my LBS as they're always been very helpfull and the synapse is the best option from them and I'm going to spending a good bit elsewhere with getting the groupset, dynamo wheel and a power2max abroad. This may also be followed by a new Canyon so want to keep them sweet so they will look after it to. They've never made any issue of servicing my Planet x though even after I changed my mind about getting my bike to work from them.

My preference is for as close to a racer as possible though so if 25mm tire are all that will fit so be it. Main use will be as a winter bike/commuter and the odd long distance audax. I will just get a crossbike or mtb in the future for the greenlaning. (In reality I'd like 4 more:) Winter bike, Race bike, Training bike, TT, Cross, hardtail MTB and a single speed drop bar. Oops that's 7 . I'm being good though and letting the winter bike serve a few purposes.

Sorry for the thread hijack wasn't meant to be as long, I think the synapse is a good option for you. About the drops give them a go if you can they are so much better and comfortable over long distance.The benefit of being able to get low on the drops in a strong headwind helps a lot as well. I crashed of a friends racer when I was 12 and had a irrational fear of them for years. Thought they were twitchy and unstable. I cycled mtb's for years and covered a lot of miles in Dublin on one with slick wheels. I was going to waste my btw on a flat bar racer until my brother gave me a loan of his road bike to train on for a bike leg of a triathlon. I can't quite throw it around and wheelie it like I would a mtb now but I can jump potholes on it and the Mondello races were my favorite open races last year.