What bike should I get?

hooplah

I mostly cycle on my communte to work, it's 6 to 7 km in and out of town. Ther eare occasional speed bumps and potholes but it's a decent road mostly.

I currently cycle a 2008 Specialised Globe Sport. I'm not getting any younger and would like my next bike to be lighter, and more efficient. I have a history of lower back trouble and don't want a road bike with drop handles.

I've can avail of the cycle to work scheme but would like to keep the costs below say €800.

I'm eyeing up the Trek FX series. I wonder if I would be better off with an aluminum road bike, say the Domane if I could get straight handle bars….

Are straights on a road bike adivisable?

Would road bikes survivie commuting conditions? (I'd like mudguards, but wouldn't be looking for panniers or anything like that)

Anyone got any advice?

nicksnikita

I’d say you’re on the right track with something like the Trek fx.

A Domane with straight bars would also work but you’d need to buy the bars and shifters to make it work.

The fx would have a more relaxed geometry and a more upright position, easier on the lower back and providing better visibility for the rider.

The Domane would survive the commute but would require more regular maintenance and cleaning.

I reckon the fx is made for the job whereas the Domane is more aimed towards longer, faster road rides.

A good compromise may be a gravel bike which would have a more relaxed geometry than the Domane, with the ability to run beefier tyres

RikkFlair

Recently bought a Boardman hybrid 8.6 for 700 quid, mostly for use for bike touring because of easier gearing, happy enough with it so far although havent tested in on long rides yet. Like yourself I was looking at the Trek/Giant equivalents, but they didn't have the gear ratios I was looking for. Said to myself on its first spin, this feels like a road bike with flat bars, fairly light for an aluminium.

the_amazing_raisin

Years ago I had a trail bike from Giant that was absolutely brilliant for commuting

Trails bikes, also called town and trail bikes (I think they can also be called hybrids) are a bit like a mountain bike lite

They've got sturdier frames and beefier tyres than a road bike so can take a bit of punishment, but they aren't full mountain bike level with the all terrain tyres and full suspension

A lot of the ones I've seen have front suspension as well

I cycled through Dublin and along the canal paths (paved, gravel and muck in places) and it handled it like a champ

I'm on a big long tail electric cargo bike now, and I'll admit I really do miss that front suspension a few times

It might be worth considering an ebike if you're willing to stretch the budget. One thing I've found is that you're more likely to go for a spin on days when you're likely to say "f**k it" because you've got that electric backup if needed

Bluefoam

Just be aware, Trek have called an extraordinary company meeting and there's concerns about their liquidity.

These big brands are struggling in the face of many more nimble startups, particularly in the ebike sector. But overall the likes of trek are having difficulty.

If you do buy from them make sure you receive a bulletproof guarantee from the bike shop.

at1withmyself

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122036522#Comment_122036522

Have you a link to the Trek claims? I can't see anything on line?

jamesd

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122037103#Comment_122037103

Searched myself for the same as I have a new trek bike, found this but nothing bad in it, looks like they are just getting ahead of any rumours : https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/the-market-is-in-chaos-trek-set-to-make-cuts-amid-high-industry-stock-levels