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Help with new bike choice

by Easyrider_84
Tue, May 12, 2020 22:54
8

Hi, Looking for some help with purchasing a new bike and any advice on what would be best.

I currently have a hybrid bike, Cannondale quick, up to this point it’s been great. Am looking for something new as distance is increasing now and am getting sore wrists and back etc. Obvious choice is a road bike and I think I’ve narrowed it down to either an endurance Model or cyclocross.

I normally do about 20-40k 2-3 times a week. Mainly on redways (similar to roads but no cars) and a little of very light gravel pathways, around lakes and such. Only only grass really to pass a pedestrian or two. It’s purely for fitness, no group rides or anything. Highly unlikely I’ll ever be on actual roads or doing any full on trial stuff in woodland etc.

I’m thinking cyclocross could be slower for my predominantly asphalt riding but on the other hand would the endurance road bike cope with the odd bit of gravel path etc?

Quite new to these types of bikes generally so forgive me if I’ve used wrong terminology etc!

Any help or advice on type or indeed any actual models to check out would be great! Budget is about £800-1000.

Thanks,

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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8 comments

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Cargobike | 4 years ago
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I'm sorry, but am I missing something here?

You're thinking of moving up to a racier position to fix you're aching back and legs? After riding a relatively modest 20-40kms?

I'd save your cash for now and look into the reasons for the aches and pains that are likely to continue regardless of what bike you buy. Would some core exercises, sit-ups, planks etc be a free upgrade? Or, how about tweaking your body position with a shorter stem, so that you sit more upright? £800-1000 budget is a lot to spend if you aren't going to be any comfier after purchasing something new.

If the idea is buying a new bike, just for the sake of it, crack on, but thinking it will solve your present issues is nonsensical.

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Easyrider_84 replied to Cargobike | 4 years ago
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Hi,

no issue with aching legs at all. It's mainly wrists and being in an upright position on longer rides. I'm starting to increase distance and want more options and thought drop bars would give me that as opposed to my hybrid and being stuck with the one position for hands. 
my bike is due an upgrade anyway and I always had a road bike of sorts in mind at some point, it will be my first bike of that sort, hence the question. 

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Cargobike replied to Easyrider_84 | 4 years ago
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Aha, must remember to check comment before posting.

Agree with the comments below regarding the Triban 520, at that price you can't go wrong.

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Joe Totale | 4 years ago
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To me, the Triban RC520 from Decathlon sounds right up your street. 

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kil0ran | 4 years ago
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Endurance road bike with disc brakes would be my choice, that way you have greater flexibility over tyre choice. Make the bike adaptable if your riding changes - e.g fit bigger treaded tyres if you do start doing more gravel. Endurance road with discs will definitely cope with dry rough stuff. I ride chalk paths on standard road tyres and it's OK for a short distance as long as it's dry.

Something like a Specialized Diverge, Giant Contend, or Trek Checkpoint would be a good option. Have a look at Decathlon too (not sure if their stores are open yet?)

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Easyrider_84 replied to kil0ran | 4 years ago
1 like

Thanks, I didn't realise there was a gravel/adventure bike category also. I guess the tyre size was my main concern but having the option to change seems like a great shout. 

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Woldsman | 4 years ago
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Something like the Giant Contend SL1 2020 is in budget, but perhaps a bit flighty for your needs, although it does come with 28mm tyres.

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/contend-sl-1

There are cheaper and arguably more robust bikes in the Giant Contend range. Worth a look? Best wishes.

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Easyrider_84 replied to Woldsman | 4 years ago
0 likes

Thanks, I'll check these out

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