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I need expert advice on purchasing a bike. I'm a young 70 year old guy The last time I rode a bike was 30 years ago. Used to ride 400 miles a week on a Colnago . Is there a bike that has road and off road capabilities ? I live at 7000 ft. My budget is $2K. Any help would be appreciated
how "off road"? For dirt roads, there's a whole new class of bikes that has emerged in the past several years for "gravel" riding. if you're looking to crossover between that type of riding and the road, a gravel bike can suffice for both. Tires are wider to ease the dirt road, but the bike geometry is very similar to road. Might start there with your research, and look for used Titanium, it doesn't go bad...
how "off road"? For dirt roads, there's a whole new class of bikes that has emerged in the past several years for "gravel" riding. if you're looking to crossover between that type of riding and the road, a gravel bike can suffice for both. Tires are wider to ease the dirt road, but the bike geometry is very similar to road. Might start there with your research, and look for used Titanium, it doesn't go bad...
thank you. yes gravel bike is the perfect description
I ride MTB as I like riding on forest preserve terrain as here in the Midwest it is pretty flat. This new series/model "gravel" bike has a good comparison to what I thought would be a good mid-point bike between road and MTB. Hope this helps you.
how "off road"? For dirt roads, there's a whole new class of bikes that has emerged in the past several years for "gravel" riding. if you're looking to crossover between that type of riding and the road, a gravel bike can suffice for both. Tires are wider to ease the dirt road, but the bike geometry is very similar to road. Might start there with your research, and look for used Titanium, it doesn't go bad...
Originally Posted by n2cars
thank you. yes gravel bike is the perfect description
Yes, blue steelman is part of the stable. Great bike! My everyday is the Tarmac Disc, just does everything well. You're a better man than me, I'm just about to roll out on a ride, and hope to get back earlier enough to take the p-car over to the coast (pending the wife/girls aren't home when I leave :-) If ya see a Tarmac with chrome tape, give a holler!
noted on chrome tape.
with sunglasses on , I don't see much hahaha. just enough to avoid hitting trees and cars.
was out to pagemill today, HOT even at 8am
most my bikes have bright bar tape and most my jersey have junk food on it.
I ride MTB as I like riding on forest preserve terrain as here in the Midwest it is pretty flat. This new series/model "gravel" bike has a good comparison to what I thought would be a good mid-point bike between road and MTB. Hope this helps you.
n2cars: any good local bike shops near you? Best to try a couple and see what fits first. Most shops will push their own brands so ride a few.
Current faves in the budget range are Specialized Diverge and Trek Checkpoint. Both brands tend to have good customer service as well.
The other nice part about gravel bikes for all around use is that aside from the relaxed geometry, the big tires make the ride very comfy. I have a Santa Cruz Stigmata. Great bikes and lots in the used market.
Also thinking about taking my 993 C4 cab to an off-road overlanding festival next weekend. Sort of want to do donuts on the grass and I think some of the trails are sufficiently mild that I don’t think I would have an issue (she is at stock US height and has LSD because she is a C4). No one shows up in a Porsche, even cayennes or macans. Anyone planning on going? It is near state college PA? Anyone into the overland scene? You all have raptors, right. 🤣
Otherwise I will bring one of the actually suitable 4x4 vehicles (I have six, three shown below). Not a #brandist ok maybe a little as I really like land rovers.
n2cars: any good local bike shops near you? Best to try a couple and see what fits first. Most shops will push their own brands so ride a few.
Current faves in the budget range are Specialized Diverge and Trek Checkpoint. Both brands tend to have good customer service as well.
The other nice part about gravel bikes for all around use is that aside from the relaxed geometry, the big tires make the ride very comfy. I have a Santa Cruz Stigmata. Great bikes and lots in the used market.
Yes, lots of good bike shops near me. I think I need to up my $2k budget though
noted on chrome tape.
with sunglasses on , I don't see much hahaha. just enough to avoid hitting trees and cars.
was out to pagemill today, HOT even at 8am
most my bikes have bright bar tape and most my jersey have junk food on it.
I'll keep an eye out of the bright/multi colored tape, especially now that I know you carry treats
Originally Posted by fbroen
Love the airshow pics.
Chrome tape -- very shiny. How does that not get slippery?
It's not bad, except for hot days and climbing in the saddle -t hen it is definitely slippery. Supacaz has some pretty cool offerings, will try another combo when this wears out.
Originally Posted by n2cars
Yes, lots of good bike shops near me. I think I need to up my $2k budget though
Chris has solid advise, ride a few different options. In addition to different frame geometry, bike mfg's will spec the bikes with either Shimano or SRAM (sometimes Campy). Each has their own unique engagement, and people tend to prefer one method over another. Of course a littler extra in the budget moves you up on the feature list too!
Chris has solid advise, ride a few different options. In addition to different frame geometry, bike mfg's will spec the bikes with either Shimano or SRAM (sometimes Campy). Each has their own unique engagement, and people tend to prefer one method over another. Of course a littler extra in the budget moves you up on the feature list too!
I live on a gravel road bordering a state park/forest and I've been thinking to try me one of these gravel (mixed use) bikes. Where does their $ curve reach saturation and diminishing returns? Or how much would you need to spend to get almost every good thing then need to go 2x or 3x from there for only marginal improvement? What's the best gravel bike with the best bang/buck?
07-28-2019, 03:56 PM
The last time I rode a bike was 30 years ago. Used to ride 400 miles a week on a Colnago . Is there a bike that has road and off road capabilities ? I live at 7000 ft. My budget is $2K. Any help would be appreciated
