ButchA

Good afternoon,

Since I'm 52 yrs old and 6'0" and 210 lbs, I guess that qualifies me as a Clydesdale. I posted an introduction on that page and submitted a photo of my old Schwinn Alum Comp mountain bike:

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...hmond-Virginia!

I plan on hanging onto the Schwinn for those days when I want to get crazy and splash through the mud on the singletrack trails in the woods (but within reason).

I am looking into doing more road riding and can't see myself on a serious $2500 Specialized drop bar racing bike. I have checked out Trek, Giant, and Fuji so far.

Trek FX 7.2
Giant Escape 3
Fuji Absolute 2.1

Out of these 3, which would be the best bang for the buck?

10 Wheels

Drop bars gives you more hand positions for longer rides.

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...5/14807/66177/

10 Wheels

I am your size and weight.

65 y/o here with 9,000 miles, now 71 y/o with 40,000 miles on the bike.

Mithrandir

Those three are really "Hybrids" and not "Road bikes". The difference is that hybrids have:

1. Wider tires
2. Flat bars
3. Lower gearing

There's nothing wrong with them, they're all good bikes. In fact I wanted an FX myself at one point. But many people find that they have a little regret if they buy a hybrid and eventually just buy a "proper" road bike with drop bars. I would highly recommend looking into a drop-bar bike myself. After riding one I'll never go back to flat bars.


I'd look for a budget road bike. For example, here's a $1000 Specialized Tricross:

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik...cross/tricross

It's aluminum, has 8 speeds, and a triple. It's designed for Cyclocross so it's a bit more rugged than a typical road bike, good for clydes; and the triple will help you get up some bigger hills as a clyde. That's just the first one off the top of my head, by no means is it the best (I haven't looked in some time!). I'm sure there's many others.

Barrettscv 

Almost any road bike sold today will be worth considering. Ask the seller, or review the website, to see if any weight limit applies. Some stock wheelsets will be marginal for a cyclist above 200 lb. Most well made 32 spoke wheelsets will be strong enough for a Clyde. If less than 32 spokes are seen, check again for a weight limit.

Enjoy your search! I would include Cyclocross bikes, they are great on trails and gravel and can be fast road bikes, too.

ButchA

Thanks... Your photo serves as an inspiration!

ButchA

Since 10 Wheels posted up a photo, I'll do the same.

This is a photo that a friend of mine took when we did the Anthem "Moonlight Ride" in Richmond, Virginia. It is a really great charity ride through Richmond in the evening after dinner. One ride is 8 miles and the other is 17 miles. Everyone from all ages can ride. I clipped on the Topeak MTX trunk bag, so I could stash my stuff in it while riding.



Also, regarding the choices of a true road bike, a hybrid bike, or a cyclocross bike, here are some photos of a beautiful "rail trail" that is out in Farmville, Virginia that they opened up last year. It is all 100% crushed pea gravel and dirt. Even though there are no bumps or any hazards on the trail, I don't know if a true racing road bike would handle it too good.

The start of the "rail trail" from the road and parking lot.
https://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q...RdEntrance.jpg

Here's the rest of the photos in a slideshow format:
https://s137.photobucket.com/user/but...Bridge%20Trail

So as you can see, I enjoy light trail riding besides 100% true dedicated road riding. Heck, I just love getting out there and riding no matter where I go! Like I mentioned before, I am 210 lbs and want to lose a little weight, and have found that bike riding is an excellent way to do that.

What type of bike can do anything (within reason) and go on crushed gravel "rail trails" and also be able to keep up with the high end racers out on the streets?

bikemig 

I'd get something like the surly cross check. A cross bike give you nice fat tires and forgiving gearing. It will be very comfortable to ride and better for long distance riding than a hybrid.

rgwinn

I am 52, 6'1 207lbs, here is my bike:



2011 Trek Madone 4.5 Carbon Fiber

10 Wheels

Likes this one...Thanks

Barrettscv 

A high performance Cyclocross bike can support a wide range of expert level recreational cycling. The carbon fiber bike below is fast enough to belong in a 19 mph group ride, it performs well at hilly century rides and is ideal on a gravel trail. It could also support credit-card touring, something I plan on trying one day.

I use the CX2 as an all-around bike. The CX2 allow me to enjoy the smoother trails and gravel that are common in the Midwest. I also can just ride across the pot-holed and patched suburban streets.

The ride quality and handling is exceptional. the bike feels stiff and solid but the tires provide a little useful plushness that is ideal for a wide range of cycling.

The bike will also take fenders and a rear rack. The bike is now my #1 ride.

B8888S

I don't know what your budget is for a new bike. If I was going to be riding on terrain like you posted, I would be looking at a nice cyclocross bike. My LBS had a Specialized Crux the other day and it looked pretty sweet!
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik...x/crux-e5-sora

They also a had a Trek Crossrip that looked like it would fit the bill for you as well.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...ross/crossrip/


For my riding, I chose to go with a dedicated road bike and a hard tail mountain bike. The road bike is my everyday exercise machine and the mountain bike is for weekend playtime.

adrien

Well, the best bike for you is the one you want to ride the most. If it has a banana seat and streamers, so be it.

Personally, I'd get a nice road bike with plenty of clearance for larger tires. A cross bike would be a second choice, though they don't handle as well (higher BB) and they certainly don't stop nearly as well.

I went steel after a lot of alloy frames. Carbon feels meh to me, and I've ridden $10,000 carbon wonder bikes from the big boys. Go out and ride as many as you can. Imagine your favorite route, and what you're climbing onto. Get that bike. Ride, repeat, be happy.

Oh, and save some of the budget for handbuilt wheels.

adrien

BTW, any road bike with 28s could handle that trail, no worries. I ride gravel all the time on 25s, though I have clearance up to 38.

Gratuitous dream bike photo attached.

ButchA

You know what? This ^^^^ makes perfect sense to me. Thank you!

I have my brother-in-law's old Schwinn Alum Comp mountain bike (upgraded with better components) that I ride everywhere. It does everything I ask of it. It was free, so I can't complain!

A dedicated road bike would be the logical choice as I don't think I'd be too comfortable taking that old Schwinn for a 25-30 mile bike ride on the road! I mean, it would do it, but it would take me half the day! Just as a true road bike wouldn't be a match for some gnarly muddy singletrack mountain bike trails. The road bike might end up getting get bent up into a pretzel!!

You all have convinced me...

Schwinn Alum Comp: Keep it for the nasty, muddy, singletrack mountain bike trails, bike paths and rail trails.

A new drop bar road bike: Road biking, touring, charity rides, but nothing too advanced/high tech/road racing.

Edit: I would need something rugged, that I'd be comfortable on and still be able to keep up. Honest - I have no interest in time trials and/or road racing. It's not my style. If there is a very nice sturdy and even budget based, entry level, type of drop bar road bike, I need to check it out....

2 wheeler

IMO, that bike is super small (frame wise) for a guy your size. Make sure that the next bike is sized properly so that you will enjoy it.

ButchA

I know... That has already been said to me a few times.

My brother-in-law is 5'9" and the old Schwinn fit him perfectly. When he gave it to me, I thought nothing of it and continued to ride the heck out of it. I do get cramped on it after about 10-12 miles or so. It was free, so what the heck, you know?

The next bike will be a 60cm large framed sturdy road bike that will last me for years and years.

TrojanHorse

you may be 210 but that is well within the design specs of most (I'd say all but I'm not sure) road bikes. Other than staying away from wheels designed for featherweights, and some pedals, you're good to go.

tunavic

I'm same height as you but about 10 lbs heavier. I too didn't see myself riding a road bike but after a while you just want to go faster. Get a road bike and don't look back.

I test road this today and it was a plush ride yet it felt fast:

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...s/domane_5_2/#

Edit: Also the shifting was silky smooth! Much better than the Ultegra 10 speed on my BMC.

CommuteCommando

All are good. The best one for you is the one that feels best to you. I like the Giant. YMMV.

If you want a smoother ride and drop bars, a cross bike is a good choice. An economical road bike in the $700-1k range would be a good way to start. Put a couple thousand miles on it then start test riding other stuff. You should have a good baseline for comparison.

catonec 

plenty of great options here. just choose your price range.

at 210lbs you probably dont have to be too concerned about most wheelsets. give yourself a month or 2 of riding a few times a week and you'll quickly be under the cylde limit.

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/road_bikes.htm

WestPablo

I would suggest that you research the Surly Pacer, the Giant Defy, and the GT Corsa.

Also the Nashbar Steel Cyclocross bike seems to be well within your budget

www.nashbar.com

expatbrit

Want to go fast, or just get stravapetitive?

I have to say I'm in this boat. I can't afford a new roadbike, especially not an expensive Domane/Madone/Roubaix just now, but I wantssssss one, my preciiiousss.

Dado00

This is exactly what I'm looking for as well. I'm torn between two Cannondales, a Quick SL 2 hybrid, and a CAADX 7 cyclocross. They're both basically Sora drivetrains, which I find confusing - how is Sora "low end" for road bikes but "high end" for hybrids? Is it an durability expectation given cyclocross riders are (I'm guessing) likely to put bazillions more miles on their bikes than recreational hybrid riders?

Anyway, they're both the same price, and I'm probably going to end up selecting the CAADX because it seems more versatile. Plus I'm moving myself down in weight by training for a Triathlon, and the CAADX looks like it might actually be ok to ride in on.

But I'm really not sure - just have to remind myself I end up with a very nice bike either way!

Jarrett2

I bought a Trek FX 7.2 and in retrospect, it was a mistake. I should have gone straight to a true road bike. I have one now and really enjoy it.