Originally Posted by
fofinet855
Hey everyone, first post here.
I'm looking to buy a new road/tourism/gravel bike, for hybrid use (commuting, traveling, skiing). I've checked online and found tons of possibilities, of course, with almost endless choices regarding all the possible aspects of the bike.
My question here is a bit lateral, perhaps: what bike, or bikes, or kind of bike, can I expect to last the longest? Right now I'm using a Cannondale H800 from, I believe, 1994. I've been using it a lot and for a very long time, been hit by a (slow) car once, and in time I've changed almost all the components, but it's still working (frame and fork are original). I find this quite amazing: it's so old, but with some maintenance it stil serves it function.
Now I want to replace it with something similar, because it's a bit too small for me, because it does show its age, and because in Italy there is a €500 bonus for buying a bike. I'm looking for something in the €1000-1500 range (but can think of going a bit higher if it's worth it). What aspects should I take into consideration regarding the likelihood that it'll last me just as long as the Cannondale? (For example: carbon vs aluminium vs steel for both frame and fork, mechanical vs fluid for the brakes, model of the derailleur, etc)
I'm not a pro, I'm not obsessed with speed, I'm not looking for the highest-end components. I mostly want it to be solid, and to carry me around even with a heavy load.
Thanks in advance.
I would suggest an aluminum Ridley. I don't know what it is about them but they ride VERY well. I had one for awhile and around here we would do gravel rides and while everyone else was jumping around the Ridley rode perfectly smooth. I went to a Colnago, a Trek Emonda and a Lemond Zurich. There in Italy you might be able to find a Tommasini which is also a great riding bike and being steel would outlast you if you take care of it.