Help me choose a bike
Discussion
I’ve been riding a old mtb into work for the last year, 5 days a week in most weather conditions so I know it’s not just a fad. I’m now looking to upgrade and treat my self to a new bike.
I’ll be riding 5 day a week
15miles each way ( just under 3 hrs a day)
Car tubing bag with lunch, clothes abs occasionally the laptop
I’ve narrowed it down to these 3 bikes…
I’ll be riding 5 day a week
15miles each way ( just under 3 hrs a day)
Car tubing bag with lunch, clothes abs occasionally the laptop
I’ve narrowed it down to these 3 bikes…
The most obvious thing is whether you fancy drop or straight handlebars? Gravel bikes tend to have wider flared drop bars than a full on road bike so using the hoods is fairly comfortable imo and a more efficient position for road riding.
The gravel bike you chose is cheaper than the other two and has cable operated disc brakes for example, so maybe look for a higher model if that is the direction you want to go in.
The gravel bike you chose is cheaper than the other two and has cable operated disc brakes for example, so maybe look for a higher model if that is the direction you want to go in.
dogbucket said:
The most obvious thing is whether you fancy drop or straight handlebars? Gravel bikes tend to have wider flared drop bars than a full on road bike so using the hoods is fairly comfortable imo and a more efficient position for road riding.
The gravel bike you chose is cheaper than the other two and has cable operated disc brakes for example, so maybe look for a higher model if that is the direction you want to go in.
Tbh I’ve never used dropped handle bars but did think they would be quite comfortable even if just to give my wrists a break from the same position when riding.The gravel bike you chose is cheaper than the other two and has cable operated disc brakes for example, so maybe look for a higher model if that is the direction you want to go in.
I went down the gravel route as the road bikes wheels seem so thin and feel the would be a nightmare on the crappy road surfaces
I like commuting on a flat bar hybrid, it’s a bit better for visibility and I find it better in and out of traffic when it’s busy. They’re also pretty much no slower on account of often having the same gearing as a drop bar road bike.
The bikes you’ve found are really nice but you don’t have to spend that much to get a good hybrid with hydraulic brakes. Commuter bike riders tend to fall into two categories, those who look after the bike religiously and keep it well maintained and those who, well, aren’t quite as diligent. As I fall into the latter category, I tend to buy cheaper commuter bikes and whilst certainly not treating them as disposable, I am not so bothered when parts need replacement.
This Pinnacle would be a good bike and the shop can fit some quality mud guards, bottle cage etc. 30mm tyres will be more than adequate for most UK roads and it will probably take 35s
pinnacle
If you wanted something a bit nicer and a bit more capable, this Ribble is definitely one to consider
Ribble
The bikes you’ve found are really nice but you don’t have to spend that much to get a good hybrid with hydraulic brakes. Commuter bike riders tend to fall into two categories, those who look after the bike religiously and keep it well maintained and those who, well, aren’t quite as diligent. As I fall into the latter category, I tend to buy cheaper commuter bikes and whilst certainly not treating them as disposable, I am not so bothered when parts need replacement.
This Pinnacle would be a good bike and the shop can fit some quality mud guards, bottle cage etc. 30mm tyres will be more than adequate for most UK roads and it will probably take 35s
pinnacle
If you wanted something a bit nicer and a bit more capable, this Ribble is definitely one to consider
Ribble
I would always choose a drop bar bike for commuting, you'll just be able to go faster for less effort, simply due to the position you'll be on the bike.
With a gravel bike you're getting wide tyres too, which means you can do tow paths, bridleways, light off roading etc if you ever fancy taking a different route and mixing it up. Plus they just look better.
Have a look at the Planet X gravel bikes, a few lads on here have them.
With a gravel bike you're getting wide tyres too, which means you can do tow paths, bridleways, light off roading etc if you ever fancy taking a different route and mixing it up. Plus they just look better.
Have a look at the Planet X gravel bikes, a few lads on here have them.
You don't specify a budget but looking at those three I guess between 1500-2000 pounds.
They only have it in large (no idea on your size) but there is currently quite a saving on this - https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/pinnacle/arkose-...
They only have it in large (no idea on your size) but there is currently quite a saving on this - https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/pinnacle/arkose-...
sunnygym said:
Tbh I’ve never used dropped handle bars but did think they would be quite comfortable even if just to give my wrists a break from the same position when riding.
I went down the gravel route as the road bikes wheels seem so thin and feel the would be a nightmare on the crappy road surfaces
Butterfly bars are an option great for changing hand positions and also upright riding position so great for keeping a good view of traffic/hazards when commuting.I went down the gravel route as the road bikes wheels seem so thin and feel the would be a nightmare on the crappy road surfaces
Mudguards I class as essential on a commuter.
Also panniers rather than a rucksack.....get the luggage on the bike not on you.
JayRidesBikes said:
I would always choose a drop bar bike for commuting, you'll just be able to go faster for less effort, simply due to the position you'll be on the bike.
With a gravel bike you're getting wide tyres too, which means you can do tow paths, bridleways, light off roading etc if you ever fancy taking a different route and mixing it up. Plus they just look better.
Have a look at the Planet X gravel bikes, a few lads on here have them.
The difference in frontal area presented by the rider between riding a flat bar hybrid and riding a drop bar bike on the hoods (which is where you’d spend the majority of time) is probably negligible? With a gravel bike you're getting wide tyres too, which means you can do tow paths, bridleways, light off roading etc if you ever fancy taking a different route and mixing it up. Plus they just look better.
Have a look at the Planet X gravel bikes, a few lads on here have them.
pablo said:
JayRidesBikes said:
I would always choose a drop bar bike for commuting, you'll just be able to go faster for less effort, simply due to the position you'll be on the bike.
With a gravel bike you're getting wide tyres too, which means you can do tow paths, bridleways, light off roading etc if you ever fancy taking a different route and mixing it up. Plus they just look better.
Have a look at the Planet X gravel bikes, a few lads on here have them.
The difference in frontal area presented by the rider between riding a flat bar hybrid and riding a drop bar bike on the hoods (which is where you’d spend the majority of time) is probably negligible? With a gravel bike you're getting wide tyres too, which means you can do tow paths, bridleways, light off roading etc if you ever fancy taking a different route and mixing it up. Plus they just look better.
Have a look at the Planet X gravel bikes, a few lads on here have them.
I'd suggest trying drop bars before spending 4 figures.
I had a go on a cyclocross bike and quite liked it, not sure it's the thing for urban traffic though?
I certainly noticed a gain from the drops when faced with a head wind.
The other thing is, someone mentioned wrists?
On some surfaces you don't half notice the lack of front suspension.
I had a go on a cyclocross bike and quite liked it, not sure it's the thing for urban traffic though?
I certainly noticed a gain from the drops when faced with a head wind.
The other thing is, someone mentioned wrists?
On some surfaces you don't half notice the lack of front suspension.
I would have said flat bars for a commuter bike, but 15 miles each way is quite a distance, and if you've been doing that 5x days a week for a year then I'm sure you'll be fit enough that a drop bar bike will be a breeze and great fun!
One thing - do you use panniers or a rack at the moment? A rucksack does affect the weight balance on a drop bar bike, you may find it hard on your wrists unless it's quite light.
One thing - do you use panniers or a rack at the moment? A rucksack does affect the weight balance on a drop bar bike, you may find it hard on your wrists unless it's quite light.
sunnygym said:
So I’ve taken the plunge and gone for the cube nuroad pro fe and some Shimano PD-EH500 SPD Pedals.
Tanks for the comments, hopefully I’ve made the right choice…. Time will tell
Excellent choice. Tanks for the comments, hopefully I’ve made the right choice…. Time will tell
That appears to have cable disc brakes, so you’ll be able to install cyclocross interruptor levers up on the tops, which I really appreciated on my drop-bar commuter bikes.
I now commute on an e-bike, which is just wonderful.
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