Comfortable Drop Bar Road Bikes - do these truly exist?
Discussion
I'm back cycling after many years and am enjoying it.
I am thinking of upgrading my Giant fastroad (flat bar) bicycle for something a little quicker. The fastroad is probably near about my limit in terms of comfort as I have a bad back.
If I wanted a drop bar bike, what should I be considering? I seem to be reading that the new Giant Defy is just thing, but the price is eye watering.
If I went second hand, what would the wise on PH suggest for say max £2,000?
The key is speed with comfort.
I am thinking of upgrading my Giant fastroad (flat bar) bicycle for something a little quicker. The fastroad is probably near about my limit in terms of comfort as I have a bad back.
If I wanted a drop bar bike, what should I be considering? I seem to be reading that the new Giant Defy is just thing, but the price is eye watering.
If I went second hand, what would the wise on PH suggest for say max £2,000?
The key is speed with comfort.
Ive just bought a 2024 Defy. Replaced a 10 year old Merida Scultura.
Not got much milage in yet and it's probably needs some set up tweaks, but honestly, it's only slightly more comfortable that my old bike in terms of body position.
Main difference is tyre width, that seems to take out a lot of impact vibration. It is heavier though I think slightly faster and feels like it floats over the surface.
I absolutely love it, went for a higher spec model and got fancy wheels and gears. C2W saved a bit of tax but it was still way over what id budgeted for.
Would have been nice to try one before committing. Maybe worth trying to find a friendly face at a local club where you can get a run up the road on something.
Not got much milage in yet and it's probably needs some set up tweaks, but honestly, it's only slightly more comfortable that my old bike in terms of body position.
Main difference is tyre width, that seems to take out a lot of impact vibration. It is heavier though I think slightly faster and feels like it floats over the surface.
I absolutely love it, went for a higher spec model and got fancy wheels and gears. C2W saved a bit of tax but it was still way over what id budgeted for.
Would have been nice to try one before committing. Maybe worth trying to find a friendly face at a local club where you can get a run up the road on something.
Might be worth getting a bike fit first.
A couple of the guys I ride with have bought Trek Domane SLs - I've had a brief test ride on one and it's significantly more comfortable than my 2015 Cube Peloton (alloy frame). I have 28c tyres on mine and the Treks have 32s, so that's part of it but the seatpost design and carbon frame will also help with comfort.
A couple of the guys I ride with have bought Trek Domane SLs - I've had a brief test ride on one and it's significantly more comfortable than my 2015 Cube Peloton (alloy frame). I have 28c tyres on mine and the Treks have 32s, so that's part of it but the seatpost design and carbon frame will also help with comfort.
I don't have a bad back however like everyone I'll get aches and pains on a long ride.
I find drop handlebars far more comfortable than flat as you have several hand positions which give you different arm and back angles.
Modern road bikes that take 28mm plus tyres are a lot more comfortable than old ones.
I think people tend to size up on road bikes and end up stretching to the bars. If it feels like a stretch at the start of the ride it isn't going to be pleasant after a few hours.
I find drop handlebars far more comfortable than flat as you have several hand positions which give you different arm and back angles.
Modern road bikes that take 28mm plus tyres are a lot more comfortable than old ones.
I think people tend to size up on road bikes and end up stretching to the bars. If it feels like a stretch at the start of the ride it isn't going to be pleasant after a few hours.
I'd be tempted with that budget to go and get a bike fit then choose the bike to fit you.
Most manufacturers sizing isn't applicable to err 'normal' body types.
This, amongst many others, is an excellent resource: https://www.youtube.com/@Bikefitjames
Most manufacturers sizing isn't applicable to err 'normal' body types.
This, amongst many others, is an excellent resource: https://www.youtube.com/@Bikefitjames
Gravel bikes have a less aggressive riding position and wider tyres (38mm on mine) that you can run at anything from 40-70psi to find your ideal speed/comfort sweet spot.
I've got a Boardman ADV 8.9 that I run at about 60psi, and I find it very comfortable and fast enough on the road. Obviously it's not ultra quick, but it's no slouch.
I've got a Boardman ADV 8.9 that I run at about 60psi, and I find it very comfortable and fast enough on the road. Obviously it's not ultra quick, but it's no slouch.
Trek Domane with the H2 geometry.
Built in flex in the frame.
Wider tyre clearance to run 32c tyres.
Taller head tube for a less aggressive position.
A frame design that available at prices from under £1k to £12k new so should be something used you like.
Specialised Roubaix is another good endurance road bike. Similarly available from low to high price points.
I have just bought a Giant Revolt 1 (GRX groupset) as a winter bike & it’s super comfy. New price was £1300 and it’s surprisingly good, bearing in mind my summer bike is a Wilier with Dura Ace 9000 so quite a high bar for handling & drivetrain performance.
Built in flex in the frame.
Wider tyre clearance to run 32c tyres.
Taller head tube for a less aggressive position.
A frame design that available at prices from under £1k to £12k new so should be something used you like.
Specialised Roubaix is another good endurance road bike. Similarly available from low to high price points.
I have just bought a Giant Revolt 1 (GRX groupset) as a winter bike & it’s super comfy. New price was £1300 and it’s surprisingly good, bearing in mind my summer bike is a Wilier with Dura Ace 9000 so quite a high bar for handling & drivetrain performance.
I looked at a Domane as a winter/commuting bike, the Isospeed put me off because of reports of creaking and other problems.
Obviously you need to take these reports with a pinch of salt, people don't tend to say if things work well or they don't have any problems.
I feel that Isospeed type systems are now unnecessary with modern wide tyre bikes.
Obviously you need to take these reports with a pinch of salt, people don't tend to say if things work well or they don't have any problems.
I feel that Isospeed type systems are now unnecessary with modern wide tyre bikes.
Thanks.
Do you guys think a drop bar endurance bike is actually materially quicker than something like me Giant fastroad? Yes, assume same rider, etc.
My bike - https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/hybrid-bik...
Do you guys think a drop bar endurance bike is actually materially quicker than something like me Giant fastroad? Yes, assume same rider, etc.
My bike - https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/hybrid-bik...
i would agree a fitting would help but another bike option is a Cannondale Synapse. I've got the previous generation Synapse and IMHO, it's a great all-day bike.
It is a good time to be looking with end of year and Black Friday offers. Couple I quickly found:
https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Cannondale/Synaps...
"Only" Tiagra level components but 40% off at £1450. Can take 35mm tyres.
https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Cannondale/Synaps...
Shimano 105 - £3200 down to £1890.
It is a good time to be looking with end of year and Black Friday offers. Couple I quickly found:
https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Cannondale/Synaps...
"Only" Tiagra level components but 40% off at £1450. Can take 35mm tyres.
https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Cannondale/Synaps...
Shimano 105 - £3200 down to £1890.
Ffffaster said:
Thanks.
Do you guys think a drop bar endurance bike is actually materially quicker than something like me Giant fastroad? Yes, assume same rider, etc.
My bike - https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/hybrid-bik...
I'd guess an endurance road bike *might* be quicker than your current bike. It would likely become faster the further you go, as they are designed for long distance comfort.Do you guys think a drop bar endurance bike is actually materially quicker than something like me Giant fastroad? Yes, assume same rider, etc.
My bike - https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/hybrid-bik...
I'd doubt a standard gravel bike would be any quicker - they're designed to be ridden off-road with gearing and tyres to match. Having said that, you could add a 'road' wheelset and effectively have 2 bikes.
Tyres would probably make a decent difference to the speed of any option. Your current bike with Conti GP5000 could be as fast as an endurance bike with some heavy standard tyres.
I've personally got a Specialized Roubaix which is brilliant at soaking up bumps and rough surfaces, noticeably better than a Giant Contend winter road bike I have. It feels much kinder on my back for long rides than road bikes I've had before back in the rim brake days. I've also got a Diverge gravel bike , which is great fun for doing a mix of off-road and road riding, but a good bit slower than either road bike on the road.
Get a bike fit first.
The buy something which works for comfort
To do the opposite is daft - I know, I bought three road bikes before a bike fit and then finding one which actually fits.
I also moved away from the marketing hype that has everyone on the latest Tour De France winning, carbon, low front uber bike and realised that I never race, and while light weight and efficiency were good, happy and comfy was often in competition to that. I ended up with a far more 'toury' bike than my mates have - but I am the only one who doesnt have iffy back, buzzy hands, numb feet etc on a regular basis, and i get there the same speed.
The buy something which works for comfort
To do the opposite is daft - I know, I bought three road bikes before a bike fit and then finding one which actually fits.
I also moved away from the marketing hype that has everyone on the latest Tour De France winning, carbon, low front uber bike and realised that I never race, and while light weight and efficiency were good, happy and comfy was often in competition to that. I ended up with a far more 'toury' bike than my mates have - but I am the only one who doesnt have iffy back, buzzy hands, numb feet etc on a regular basis, and i get there the same speed.
Interesting thread. I spent 4 months partially crippled after a herniated disc and 2 years with lower back issues and spasms once I could get on a bike. I found going from flat bars to drop bars was a big relief and helped me improve the condition. Today my back (touch wood) is fine. I did go through some absolutely bonkers bike setups (crazy saddle angles/ riser stems) along the way though. I've only just got to the stage where I can set the bike up like a regular rider and I still swear by my redshift stop shock seat post.
In my case the drop bars allow me to vary my hand position (and by proxy back angle) during the ride, they allow me to get my weight more balanced so over lumps and bumps the shock isn't going right into my lower back and they also put less stress through my lower back when climbing and having to push power through the cranks (I have no idea how that part works but it does).
In my case the drop bars allow me to vary my hand position (and by proxy back angle) during the ride, they allow me to get my weight more balanced so over lumps and bumps the shock isn't going right into my lower back and they also put less stress through my lower back when climbing and having to push power through the cranks (I have no idea how that part works but it does).
As other have said, it's the fit not the bike. The most aggressive bike can be set up to be more comfortable.
That said, if you start with a relaxed geo, and a more compliant material, you'll have a head start. I've got a custom steel bike, very comfy, even thought it'a the same fit as my Carbon bikes (and a very similar geo). I've also got a Ti Gravel Bike, likewise vey comfy, and 47mm tyres add to that.
That said, if you start with a relaxed geo, and a more compliant material, you'll have a head start. I've got a custom steel bike, very comfy, even thought it'a the same fit as my Carbon bikes (and a very similar geo). I've also got a Ti Gravel Bike, likewise vey comfy, and 47mm tyres add to that.
I hate road bikes. Horrible uncomfortable things, useless for anything except getting down the road fast, sprints and racing.
Trouble is, if you are into racing, sprints and getting down the road fast then there is simply no other option
I must admit to being tempted to get one for training purposes. I did a short cycling holiday in the summer and could not keep up when it came to the final few km sprints - I am tempted to train on one for next year and have another crack.
Trouble is, if you are into racing, sprints and getting down the road fast then there is simply no other option
I must admit to being tempted to get one for training purposes. I did a short cycling holiday in the summer and could not keep up when it came to the final few km sprints - I am tempted to train on one for next year and have another crack.
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