Getting into cycling - trying different bikes
Discussion
gangzoom said:
If you like driving on B roads I fail to think why you wouldn't like road cycling, you simply get to appreciate the amazing B roads we have in a much more granular detail, steering 'feel' and 'connection' to the road (your backside basically) on any road bike makes a Lotus Elsie feel like a school minibus.
The bits that put me off road cycling these days..........cars. Maybe COVID set a new bar for quite roads, but these days drivers seem to be getting more and more inpatient, cars are also getting faster and safer. Make a mistake doing even a 3 figure speed on a B road and you will probably walk away these days, so drivers have no real 'fear' of the consequences from speeding these days. But as a vulnerable road user, you are at the mercy of chance and actions of others.
The only saving grace is if the worst was to happen, it'll probably be over before you realise the lights are about to go out. Anyone who cycles regularly on our roads will have acknowledge the chance of death/seriouse either consciously or subconsciously.
For me road cycling is increasingly not worth it, not when indoor trainers can get you fit with zero risk. I'm happy to commute to work in town where traffic forces cars to slow down, taking a pedal bike out on an open country B road these days though, not for me anymore.
Alternate view, most of my cycling has been on A and B roads around and on Cannock Chase. The area I felt most at risk was the 1/2 mile or so in the 20 and 30 limits getting out of town.The bits that put me off road cycling these days..........cars. Maybe COVID set a new bar for quite roads, but these days drivers seem to be getting more and more inpatient, cars are also getting faster and safer. Make a mistake doing even a 3 figure speed on a B road and you will probably walk away these days, so drivers have no real 'fear' of the consequences from speeding these days. But as a vulnerable road user, you are at the mercy of chance and actions of others.
The only saving grace is if the worst was to happen, it'll probably be over before you realise the lights are about to go out. Anyone who cycles regularly on our roads will have acknowledge the chance of death/seriouse either consciously or subconsciously.
For me road cycling is increasingly not worth it, not when indoor trainers can get you fit with zero risk. I'm happy to commute to work in town where traffic forces cars to slow down, taking a pedal bike out on an open country B road these days though, not for me anymore.
Edited by gangzoom on Saturday 6th January 07:55
troc said:
I think you mean 3 mountain bikes, a gravel bike and a road bike.
Oh and a ‘pub’ bike and a commuting bike.
And 2 sets of wheels for most of them.
Plus enough bits to build 2 more.
And a vaguely irritated spouse.
Oh and a ‘pub’ bike and a commuting bike.
And 2 sets of wheels for most of them.
Plus enough bits to build 2 more.
And a vaguely irritated spouse.
For me it's...
Enduro Bike
E-enduro Bike
Hardcore Hardtail
Lightweight trail bike
Roadie that lives on a smart trainer
Old Skool Turner full sus
Currently eyeing up gravel bikes whilst there's so many bargains about.
Then like you say there's also the many spare parts as well as expensive tools including a shiny Park stand....
OP, if you do get into it, it can get a grip, be careful!
IJWS15 said:
gangzoom said:
If you like driving on B roads I fail to think why you wouldn't like road cycling, you simply get to appreciate the amazing B roads we have in a much more granular detail, steering 'feel' and 'connection' to the road (your backside basically) on any road bike makes a Lotus Elsie feel like a school minibus.
The bits that put me off road cycling these days..........cars. Maybe COVID set a new bar for quite roads, but these days drivers seem to be getting more and more inpatient, cars are also getting faster and safer. Make a mistake doing even a 3 figure speed on a B road and you will probably walk away these days, so drivers have no real 'fear' of the consequences from speeding these days. But as a vulnerable road user, you are at the mercy of chance and actions of others.
The only saving grace is if the worst was to happen, it'll probably be over before you realise the lights are about to go out. Anyone who cycles regularly on our roads will have acknowledge the chance of death/seriouse either consciously or subconsciously.
For me road cycling is increasingly not worth it, not when indoor trainers can get you fit with zero risk. I'm happy to commute to work in town where traffic forces cars to slow down, taking a pedal bike out on an open country B road these days though, not for me anymore.
Alternate view, most of my cycling has been on A and B roads around and on Cannock Chase. The area I felt most at risk was the 1/2 mile or so in the 20 and 30 limits getting out of town.The bits that put me off road cycling these days..........cars. Maybe COVID set a new bar for quite roads, but these days drivers seem to be getting more and more inpatient, cars are also getting faster and safer. Make a mistake doing even a 3 figure speed on a B road and you will probably walk away these days, so drivers have no real 'fear' of the consequences from speeding these days. But as a vulnerable road user, you are at the mercy of chance and actions of others.
The only saving grace is if the worst was to happen, it'll probably be over before you realise the lights are about to go out. Anyone who cycles regularly on our roads will have acknowledge the chance of death/seriouse either consciously or subconsciously.
For me road cycling is increasingly not worth it, not when indoor trainers can get you fit with zero risk. I'm happy to commute to work in town where traffic forces cars to slow down, taking a pedal bike out on an open country B road these days though, not for me anymore.
Edited by gangzoom on Saturday 6th January 07:55
stargazer30 said:
So you've never used a drop bar bike before then huh. They feel a little strange at first. You're more lent forward and the brakes and shifters are different. Once you get used to them they are great though as you have several hand positions, they are more comfortable. I'd suggest trying a gravel bike out rather than a road bike for a first go. They have an easier geometry and the bigger tyres, a little more forgiving than a road bike.
One point to add is that you can get road bikes with bigger tyres and softer angles, the main difference is the gearing really
Without intentionally wanting to bump a thread, I wanted to say thanks to everyone for their helpful responses.
Once the weather gets a bit warmer I plan to hire a road & gravel bike. The seating position is what I am most curious about on these, as you're leant over more & it's a position I've not really rode a bike for an extended period.
Less keen about the lycra though! I realise it serves a functional purpose but think I'll be investing in some MTB shorts & tops
Once the weather gets a bit warmer I plan to hire a road & gravel bike. The seating position is what I am most curious about on these, as you're leant over more & it's a position I've not really rode a bike for an extended period.
Less keen about the lycra though! I realise it serves a functional purpose but think I'll be investing in some MTB shorts & tops
Evans Cycles used to do a good try before you buy scheme, but I am talking back in 2015 when I got my Giant Propel. I tried a Fuji Transonic, which on paper was very similar to the Propel, but on the road noticeably harsher. I also tried a Cannondale Super Six, which was a close second to the Propel, but for me not quite as exciting.
Some retailers do demo days.
I'm thinking of Sonder/Alpkit next, I think there's a shop in Kingston where you can try them out.
But keep an eye on ebay. If you take the plunge, get something from one of the big brands such as a Specialized Allez, Cannondale CAAD, or a Trek. All of these bigger brands are usually pretty good, and if you personally don't get on with them, they are fairly easy to sell on.
Some retailers do demo days.
I'm thinking of Sonder/Alpkit next, I think there's a shop in Kingston where you can try them out.
But keep an eye on ebay. If you take the plunge, get something from one of the big brands such as a Specialized Allez, Cannondale CAAD, or a Trek. All of these bigger brands are usually pretty good, and if you personally don't get on with them, they are fairly easy to sell on.
SV_WDC said:
Without intentionally wanting to bump a thread, I wanted to say thanks to everyone for their helpful responses.
Once the weather gets a bit warmer I plan to hire a road & gravel bike. The seating position is what I am most curious about on these, as you're leant over more & it's a position I've not really rode a bike for an extended period.
Less keen about the lycra though! I realise it serves a functional purpose but think I'll be investing in some MTB shorts & tops
The position is different, as is the geometry between road/gravel and mtb. Even within these geometry can vary widely and they all feel different. But you can get used to anything over a period of time.Once the weather gets a bit warmer I plan to hire a road & gravel bike. The seating position is what I am most curious about on these, as you're leant over more & it's a position I've not really rode a bike for an extended period.
Less keen about the lycra though! I realise it serves a functional purpose but think I'll be investing in some MTB shorts & tops
I'd recommend thinking about where you will spend most of your time riding and what you want to get out of it.
I'm in Herts and for road and gravel here I use a gravel bike. Note that gravel means 90% of bridleways. A mountain bike is overkill for 90% of bridleways. So a gravel bike for me is ideal, and the group I ride with all ride gravel bikes, even if we're only dong a road ride in winter. In summer the road bikes come out.
But if your club/friends ride only road bikes then you will have to put extra effort in to stay with them on a gravel bike.
If you ride road only then lycra is a must - all about being aero. On gravel or mountain bike anything goes
SV_WDC said:
Without intentionally wanting to bump a thread, I wanted to say thanks to everyone for their helpful responses.
Once the weather gets a bit warmer I plan to hire a road & gravel bike. The seating position is what I am most curious about on these, as you're leant over more & it's a position I've not really rode a bike for an extended period.
Less keen about the lycra though! I realise it serves a functional purpose but think I'll be investing in some MTB shorts & tops
Roadies are something you have to get used to, I'm pretty much mountain bike only but have ridden a bit of road and when you're used to mountain bike geo, they're different, very different! Once the weather gets a bit warmer I plan to hire a road & gravel bike. The seating position is what I am most curious about on these, as you're leant over more & it's a position I've not really rode a bike for an extended period.
Less keen about the lycra though! I realise it serves a functional purpose but think I'll be investing in some MTB shorts & tops
Absolutely fine cranking up hills but as soon as you point it downwards the difference becomes apparent and honestly, they scare the sweet baby jesus out of me! Skinny tyres, narrow bars, head down and arse in the air is the exact opposite of what I'm used to and it feels insanely alien.
I actually have a lot of respect for the guys who can crack on downhill on those things having tried it myself.
If you want a road bike and are within striking distance of Newbury,
https://thebikewhisperer.co.uk
is worth a visit before you commit to a particular model. He does a 'new bike consultation' whereby he will measure you up and make recommendations on what suits you best.
I did exactly this back in 2016 and ended up on a Canyon, which I still have and ride regularly
https://thebikewhisperer.co.uk
is worth a visit before you commit to a particular model. He does a 'new bike consultation' whereby he will measure you up and make recommendations on what suits you best.
I did exactly this back in 2016 and ended up on a Canyon, which I still have and ride regularly
Daveyraveygravey said:
Evans Cycles used to do a good try before you buy scheme, but I am talking back in 2015 when I got my Giant Propel. I tried a Fuji Transonic, which on paper was very similar to the Propel, but on the road noticeably harsher. I also tried a Cannondale Super Six, which was a close second to the Propel, but for me not quite as exciting.
Some retailers do demo days.
I'm thinking of Sonder/Alpkit next, I think there's a shop in Kingston where you can try them out.
But keep an eye on ebay. If you take the plunge, get something from one of the big brands such as a Specialized Allez, Cannondale CAAD, or a Trek. All of these bigger brands are usually pretty good, and if you personally don't get on with them, they are fairly easy to sell on.
Looking into a Sonder Camino too and wondering how I can get to the Kingston store. Some retailers do demo days.
I'm thinking of Sonder/Alpkit next, I think there's a shop in Kingston where you can try them out.
But keep an eye on ebay. If you take the plunge, get something from one of the big brands such as a Specialized Allez, Cannondale CAAD, or a Trek. All of these bigger brands are usually pretty good, and if you personally don't get on with them, they are fairly easy to sell on.
Will go for an AL so aluminium frame and carbon fork, comes in SRAM or Shimano GRX, probably go for the SRAM apex but always had Shimano in my mountain bikes so curious.
Seems like a responsible company to buy from
SV_WDC said:
The seating position is what I am most curious about on these, as you're leant over more & it's a position I've not really rode a bike for an extended period.
The ‘bike fit’ makes the most difference – much more than whether it's a road or gravel bike. I had a poorly fitting road bike that caused me injury despite, at the time, a low cycling volume. In contrast, I now have a better-fitting (professional bike fit) road bike that’s very comfy thanks to the correct geometry for my size and shape. Both bikes were the same size (but their geometries were very different).
Many professional bike fitters – sometimes but not always based in a local bike shop – offer a pre-purchase service to find the correct frame size and geometry before buying a bike. The pre-purchase fit cost is sometimes discounted from the bike’s purchase price when shops offer professional bike fittings.
Find a Local Bike Fitter: https://geometrygeeks.bike/fitters/
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