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Need a high end "family bike"

Old 02-06-21, 07:55 AM
  #1  
zimm
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Need a high end "family bike"

Long story short- I'm in Italy. Getting ready to head to Japan for a few years. Just sold my 29'er full suspension, my '93 Stumpjumper (converted to bar hopper) is in storage, and I sold my Felt roadie before shipping out over here. I want a "city bike" to ride around with my family- wife is on a Townie, kids are on high end 24" MTB's.

Being a long time biker, I want something to be proud of to own. Budget $1500-2000. Intrigued by the Gates CDX belt drives as they won't grease up my pants for a quick run to the store. Also they look cool.

Mostly paved roads. Gravel paths here and there. Probably want fenders and rear rack too. I want something that rolls good, can handle dropping off a curb, handle wet pavement, cobble stones, etc. Not weighing a ton would be nice too. Seems some of these hybrids weight more than my 29" MTB did.

Was looking at the Specialized Sirrus X4 or X5. Then there's the Spot Acme, but I think I'll have issues getting one shipped to Italy. There's a Bianchi shop here on base, but I'm not really fond of their line up.
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Old 02-06-21, 08:32 AM
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I think you need a hand built Bella Ciao Reporter.
Wax your chain.
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Old 02-06-21, 09:09 AM
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zimm
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Originally Posted by billridesbikes
I think you need a hand built Bella Ciao Reporter.
Wax your chain.
Thats pretty cool but I can’t do a single speed. I’m too picky and like to spin the same cadence.
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Old 02-06-21, 09:50 AM
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Originally Posted by zimm
Thats pretty cool but I can’t do a single speed. I’m too picky and like to spin the same cadence.
​​​​​​Some of their models have an 8sp Shimano Alfine hub option. But does look like the 8sp option for the Reporter has disappeared for 2021 builds, which is too bad. :’(
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Old 02-06-21, 11:15 AM
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The thing making the weight on most rowdy-looking hybrids is the Suntour suspension fork, which weighs six pounds compared to three for a rigid chromoly fork. Beyond that the things making them heavy are the same as ever. Thickest possible rims and tires, overbuilt metal frame, lower end components with more painted steel and less forged aluminum... you know the drill.

In that light the Sirrus X's with their little handlebar shock look pretty good. Specialized also has a flat bar Diverge model that's a step up from those, but it comes with a stupid little 2-inch dropper post.

You could also consider building up a city bike from a versatile XC or trail MTB frame. There are several right now with adjustable or swappable rear dropouts. That gives you so many more immediately better options and fewer compromises than a hybrid with a MTB look. Every piece is what you want, for whatever reason. XC fork or carbon fork, gear drive or 1x or sometimes even a belt. If you want a dropper you can get one full size, the 27.2 posts you can put in a hybrid are all limited to 100mm. I probably would not do this myself because it blows up the budget... but I'd like to.
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Old 02-06-21, 11:46 AM
  #6  
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A Marin Precidio 3 might fit your bill.....
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Old 02-08-21, 09:40 AM
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2 more days of research. I'm now thinking a Canyon roadlite 6 or 7. Difference is 105 vs Ultegra componets for a few hundred more euro. And the darker grey looks cooler on the 7. I'd go Specialized Sirrus X5, but can't find a shop with one in stock on the website.
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Old 02-10-21, 06:16 PM
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You are in the middle of cycling heaven there. There has to be a local option!

Also Priority Bikes...

https://www.prioritybicycles.com/products/the600

Also Decathalon stores are pretty awesome over there as far as bikes go.
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Old 02-10-21, 06:38 PM
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BMC Alpenchallenge series?

https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/intl...challenge.html
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Old 02-14-21, 10:03 AM
  #10  
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The Roadlite doesn't take a cargo rack. Now I'm thinking Canyon commuter 7.0. Gates belt drive, 11 speed hub, fenders, cargo rack, dynamo with LED lights. It's available the end of March so I have to make a decision soon. It's not available in the US, so not much out there to read about. I can get here in Italy though.

https://www.canyon.com/en-it/hybrid-...rahmenfarbe=GY

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Old 02-18-21, 02:01 AM
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Latest change- the Roadlite aluminum DOES take a cargo rack. So the Roadlite 7.0 is only 20.3 pounds vs 27.11 for the commuter. A cargo rack adds 19 oz. It'll be way faster with Ultegra drivetrain, 30mm tires, and 6 pounds less weight...

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Old 02-18-21, 08:55 AM
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Another update- I bought the Roadlite above- it's in stock here in the EU. I ordered a German Racktime lightIT rack and 2 Ortlieb urban bags too so I can get groceries, mail, and also go out and get workouts on it. I think I'd feel silly pedaling laps on base on the heavy commuter, but the hybrid will do better, yet I don't need to get dressed up like a roadie to ride it either.

Last edited by zimm; 02-19-21 at 02:29 AM.
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Old 02-19-21, 04:58 PM
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Congrats! We're gonna need a Ride Report & pics when its all dressed up......
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Old 05-01-21, 09:30 AM
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Hi,

According to Canyon's site [^1], the maximum tire clearance for aluminum Roadlite models is 32mm:

Roadlite AL: 32mm (since MY 2015)
...though I'm not sure it's really been updated to reflect the 2021 Roadlite 7.


I know that tire clearance specifications from manufacturers are generally over conservative. If you still have this bike, would you mind giving me your estimation on the maximum tire clearance?

There was a previous thread [^2] about this, though it was for the 2020 model.

Thanks!


Sorry for this "hack", but I can't post links yet because: "You are only allowed to post URLs to other sites and photos after you have made 10 posts or more."
[^1] ... canyon.com/en-us/support-articles/max-tire-size-for-canyon-frames.html
[^2] ... bikeforums.net/hybrid-bicycles/1214522-largest-tyres-canyon-roadlite-al-7-0-a.html
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Old 05-07-21, 06:48 PM
  #15  
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Family bike you say? Here you go.

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