New to bike, but in need of quality
04-04-20, 05:37 PM
#1
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New to bike, but in need of quality
Hi!
By test riding im finding that riding a bike with a carbon frame is much easier.
i have a few injuries, so i need a good quality bike.
Can anyone tell me the difference between a canyon roadlite, canyon grail or trek fx 5 sport?
I just want to ride about it nor cal comfortabley on the roads without leg pain. thanks.
By test riding im finding that riding a bike with a carbon frame is much easier.
i have a few injuries, so i need a good quality bike.
Can anyone tell me the difference between a canyon roadlite, canyon grail or trek fx 5 sport?
I just want to ride about it nor cal comfortabley on the roads without leg pain. thanks.
04-04-20, 06:04 PM
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Hi!
By test riding im finding that riding a bike with a carbon frame is much easier.
i have a few injuries, so i need a good quality bike.
Can anyone tell me the difference between a canyon roadlite, canyon grail or trek fx 5 sport?
I just want to ride about it nor cal comfortabley on the roads without leg pain. thanks.
By test riding im finding that riding a bike with a carbon frame is much easier.
i have a few injuries, so i need a good quality bike.
Can anyone tell me the difference between a canyon roadlite, canyon grail or trek fx 5 sport?
I just want to ride about it nor cal comfortabley on the roads without leg pain. thanks.
Likes For Paul Barnard:
04-04-20, 07:14 PM
#3
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Hi, welcome to bikeforums. It would be easier to answer your question if you could provide more information about your physical condition. What is the nature of your injuries?
It doesn't necessarily follow that a good quality bike would aggravate your injuries less than a poor quality bike. You say that you have found that riding a carbon frame is easier. I am going to infer that since carbon frames tend to be lighter than frames of other materials, that it is the force required to pedal that aggravates your injuries. If this is the case, any bike can be made to require less force to ride with lower gearing.
Of the three bikes you mentioned, two are straight bar hybrids, and one is a drop bar gravel bike. Straight bar and drop bar bikes require significantly different upper body positions, although the leg position would probably be similar.
Pending further information from you, I will say that for your stated goal of riding comfortably, it is most important to test ride any bikes in consideration. If a bike feels comfortable...it's comfortable...regardless of price, perceived quality, or frame material.
And if it is the case that your discomfort increases along with pedaling effort, perhaps an e-assist bike is a better answer. But even then, it is most important to ride any bikes in consideration.
But this is all pending further explanation of your specific situation.
It doesn't necessarily follow that a good quality bike would aggravate your injuries less than a poor quality bike. You say that you have found that riding a carbon frame is easier. I am going to infer that since carbon frames tend to be lighter than frames of other materials, that it is the force required to pedal that aggravates your injuries. If this is the case, any bike can be made to require less force to ride with lower gearing.
Of the three bikes you mentioned, two are straight bar hybrids, and one is a drop bar gravel bike. Straight bar and drop bar bikes require significantly different upper body positions, although the leg position would probably be similar.
Pending further information from you, I will say that for your stated goal of riding comfortably, it is most important to test ride any bikes in consideration. If a bike feels comfortable...it's comfortable...regardless of price, perceived quality, or frame material.
And if it is the case that your discomfort increases along with pedaling effort, perhaps an e-assist bike is a better answer. But even then, it is most important to ride any bikes in consideration.
But this is all pending further explanation of your specific situation.
04-04-20, 08:08 PM
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Hi!
By test riding im finding that riding a bike with a carbon frame is much easier.
i have a few injuries, so i need a good quality bike.
Can anyone tell me the difference between a canyon roadlite, canyon grail or trek fx 5 sport?
I just want to ride about it nor cal comfortabley on the roads without leg pain. thanks.
By test riding im finding that riding a bike with a carbon frame is much easier.
i have a few injuries, so i need a good quality bike.
Can anyone tell me the difference between a canyon roadlite, canyon grail or trek fx 5 sport?
I just want to ride about it nor cal comfortabley on the roads without leg pain. thanks.
Spend $200-400 on a good bike fit! THAT will make a FAR greater difference.
04-04-20, 08:54 PM
#5
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If you're going to be riding around somewhere with big hills then you really need to consider the practical matter of tires & brakes. You can easily get up to 30 or 40mph downhill in some areas. Make sure your bike is equipped with very good tires & brakes. Lighter bikes are nicer but, there's a diminishing benefit to anything under around 18 pounds. Be good. Have fun. Be safe.
04-04-20, 08:59 PM
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Thank you. But Im sorry, like i said, im new, dont i need a bike to start with??
04-04-20, 09:53 PM
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A good fitter can make recommendations based on frame geometry. Then, set it up perfectly for you based on your personal physiology. So yes, the model can matter, but not in a way anyone on the forum could help you out with.
Last edited by Ross520; 04-04-20 at 09:58 PM.
04-04-20, 10:17 PM
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04-04-20, 10:33 PM
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I disagree with Ross520. Yes, a pro fit is good. But, in the early months and miles of cycling, you adopt a lot. In September, the pro fit that could work very well for you might then not be even rideable or remotely comfortable now. The bike you get now set up to be comfortable you may well have "outgrown" come fall.
My advice? Go to a reputable shop. Have them put you on a lower priced bike and dial in the fit to be a good start now. Ride it all summer. This fall, go to a fitter with your bike so he can see what you've been riding and put into context what you have to say about your experience on it.
Now, if you can afford a carbon bike now and just let it go next fall when the fitter tells you that now you would do much better in "this" bike, go for it. But if the cash isn't that easy to let go of, spend far less on that first bike. (Used can be a great approach.) The big danger of spending big bucks on the first bike is your investment in it. If it turns out to be not-so-great once you understand what a good position is for you on a bike (and had ridden enough that you can comfortably do it), you may well 1) not "hear" that you should be on a different bike or 2) be unwilling to spend again what you just spent. This can lead to years of riding a bike with a substandard fit or simply quitting riding because of it.
Carbon (and ti and high end steel) are very nice but good fit is far more important. And it is a near certainty you will not get it coming in off the street with zero (recent) riding experience.
The approach many of us "take" or "get handed" is starting with a good, sturdy lesser bike, perhaps used steel. Get the bike and fit that works well now. Ride it. Get the fit. OK, now that bike doesn't work quite as well. Fitter's got you shifted a couple of centimeters and to make that work, you have a slightly odd stem. But "this bike over here" (that you never even considered last April) would address all of that nicely. You buy it. It does! You fall in love. Now you are saddled with that lesser bike. But! The weather changes. Your hooked on riding but hate to take this gem in the bad stuff. Again, but! You have a second bike! It fits! Yes, the ride isn't perfect and it looks odd, but it will work just fine to get you through the poor weather 'till next spring.
Ben (Edit: for a typo with unintended meaning change.)
My advice? Go to a reputable shop. Have them put you on a lower priced bike and dial in the fit to be a good start now. Ride it all summer. This fall, go to a fitter with your bike so he can see what you've been riding and put into context what you have to say about your experience on it.
Now, if you can afford a carbon bike now and just let it go next fall when the fitter tells you that now you would do much better in "this" bike, go for it. But if the cash isn't that easy to let go of, spend far less on that first bike. (Used can be a great approach.) The big danger of spending big bucks on the first bike is your investment in it. If it turns out to be not-so-great once you understand what a good position is for you on a bike (and had ridden enough that you can comfortably do it), you may well 1) not "hear" that you should be on a different bike or 2) be unwilling to spend again what you just spent. This can lead to years of riding a bike with a substandard fit or simply quitting riding because of it.
Carbon (and ti and high end steel) are very nice but good fit is far more important. And it is a near certainty you will not get it coming in off the street with zero (recent) riding experience.
The approach many of us "take" or "get handed" is starting with a good, sturdy lesser bike, perhaps used steel. Get the bike and fit that works well now. Ride it. Get the fit. OK, now that bike doesn't work quite as well. Fitter's got you shifted a couple of centimeters and to make that work, you have a slightly odd stem. But "this bike over here" (that you never even considered last April) would address all of that nicely. You buy it. It does! You fall in love. Now you are saddled with that lesser bike. But! The weather changes. Your hooked on riding but hate to take this gem in the bad stuff. Again, but! You have a second bike! It fits! Yes, the ride isn't perfect and it looks odd, but it will work just fine to get you through the poor weather 'till next spring.
Ben (Edit: for a typo with unintended meaning change.)
Last edited by 79pmooney; 04-04-20 at 10:38 PM.
04-04-20, 10:40 PM
#10
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Thanks Ben 
Yes, I mean of course, re the guy above, not ben, but the obvious is to get fitted. That is a luxurty in these times. and not a solution from e right now. i just need a place to start and was hoping for a friendly repsonse.
so i am gathering information is all.
Yes, I mean of course, re the guy above, not ben, but the obvious is to get fitted. That is a luxurty in these times. and not a solution from e right now. i just need a place to start and was hoping for a friendly repsonse.so i am gathering information is all.
I disagree with Ross520. Yes, a pro fit is good. But, in the early months and miles of cycling, you adopt a lot. In September, the pro fit that could work very well for you might then not be even rideable or remotely comfortable now. The bike you get now set up to be comfortable you may well have "outgrown" come fall.
My advice? Go to a reputable shop. Have them put you on a lower priced bike and dial in the fit to be a good start now. Ride it all summer. This fall, go to a fitter with your bike so he can see what you've been riding and put into context what you have to say about your experience on it.
Now, if you can afford a carbon bike now and just let it go next fall when the fitter tells you that now you would do much better in "this" bike, go for it. But if the cash isn't that easy to let go of, spend far less on that first bike. (Used can be a great approach.) The big danger of spending big bucks on the first bike is your investment in it. If it turns out to be not-so-great once you understand what a good position is for you on a bike (and had ridden enough that you can comfortably do it), you may well 1) not "hear" that you should be on a different bike or 2) be unwilling to spend again what you just spent. This can lead to years of riding a bike with a substandard fit or simply quitting riding because of it.
Carbon (and ti and high end steel) are very nice but good fit is far more important. And it is a near certainty you will not get it coming in off the street with zero (recent) riding experience.
The approach many of us "take" or "get handed" is starting with a good, sturdy lesser bike, perhaps used steel. Get the bike and fit that works well now. Ride it. Get the fit. OK, now that bike doesn't work quite as well. Fitter's got you shifted a couple of centimeters and to make that work, you have a slightly odd stem. But "this bike over here" (that you never even considered late April) would address all of that nicely. You buy it. It does! You fall in love. Now you are saddled with that lesser bike. But! The weather changes. Your hooked on riding but hate to take this gem in the bad stuff. Again, but! You have a second bike! It fits! Yes, the ride isn't perfect and it looks odd, but it will work just fine to get you through the poor weather 'till next spring.
Ben
My advice? Go to a reputable shop. Have them put you on a lower priced bike and dial in the fit to be a good start now. Ride it all summer. This fall, go to a fitter with your bike so he can see what you've been riding and put into context what you have to say about your experience on it.
Now, if you can afford a carbon bike now and just let it go next fall when the fitter tells you that now you would do much better in "this" bike, go for it. But if the cash isn't that easy to let go of, spend far less on that first bike. (Used can be a great approach.) The big danger of spending big bucks on the first bike is your investment in it. If it turns out to be not-so-great once you understand what a good position is for you on a bike (and had ridden enough that you can comfortably do it), you may well 1) not "hear" that you should be on a different bike or 2) be unwilling to spend again what you just spent. This can lead to years of riding a bike with a substandard fit or simply quitting riding because of it.
Carbon (and ti and high end steel) are very nice but good fit is far more important. And it is a near certainty you will not get it coming in off the street with zero (recent) riding experience.
The approach many of us "take" or "get handed" is starting with a good, sturdy lesser bike, perhaps used steel. Get the bike and fit that works well now. Ride it. Get the fit. OK, now that bike doesn't work quite as well. Fitter's got you shifted a couple of centimeters and to make that work, you have a slightly odd stem. But "this bike over here" (that you never even considered late April) would address all of that nicely. You buy it. It does! You fall in love. Now you are saddled with that lesser bike. But! The weather changes. Your hooked on riding but hate to take this gem in the bad stuff. Again, but! You have a second bike! It fits! Yes, the ride isn't perfect and it looks odd, but it will work just fine to get you through the poor weather 'till next spring.
Ben
04-05-20, 01:41 PM
#11
Senior Member
How old are you?
What is your current level of fitness?
What do you currently do for physical activity?
What kind of riding do you want to do? Where? How far? How often? Recreation or transportation or both?
Do you need to be able to carry stuff?
What is your budget?
What is your current level of fitness?
What do you currently do for physical activity?
What kind of riding do you want to do? Where? How far? How often? Recreation or transportation or both?
Do you need to be able to carry stuff?
What is your budget?
04-05-20, 06:55 PM
#12
Senior Member
Many new riders don't consider bicycle safety enough. Some new riders will take a bad fall on one of their first rides and, totally give up on ever riding again after that. Don't be foolish. Buy a good working bike from a reputable vendor. Get a helmet & safety glasses. Consider protective gloves & knee covers. Buy a couple rechargable safety lights. Learn how to keep tires properly inflated & brakes adjusted. Try to find a social group of rider to help you get started. Take your time. Learn how to ride safely & you will be rewarded with a lifetime of happy memories.
