MayD

Hi all,

I've been thinking about upgrading (well, buying additional one ) to second hand middle-range or new lower-range (cca 1k euro +/-) road bike.

It would be mostly used for driving to work (20km / 12,5mi each way) on quite straight road with *laptop in my backpack* 2-3 times a week when the weather is good.
I have small kids and am quite busy so other than this, the bike would be parked (i.e. it would be low mileage bike, we're talking 1k km / year) - this is also the reason I'm hesitating whether is it really worth it.

Currently, I'm on trekking bike (this one: bike-data.com/en/Focus/Blue-Ridge/261/ ) with "upgraded" tires to 28-622 continental "ultra sport". I'm also always using SPD pedals.

The thing is, I'm thinking whether would I gain anything [by spending cca 1k for cca 1k km/year] considering I'd be carrying 4-5 kilos on my back (backpack + laptop + t-shirt to change).. Do you think it would be worth it?
Do you have any suggestions in this price range?

fietsbob

You going to come out here to buy it ?? followed your link , it's what gets called a Hybrid with a suspension fork ..




LBS .. has some used road .. bikes .. its a rural area Mountain bikes , used ones, turn over quicker..
New, Trek Raleigh, Felt and a few other brands ..

IDK what brands are in shops around you , you did not say..




Worth it ? I cannot say... worth it to me or you?






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surak

You will almost certainly go faster with a road bike than that Focus, but I agree that a better upgrade would be to get the stuff you're carrying off your back and onto a rack.

fietsbob

Focus brand has road bikes too..

Maelochs

If I were carrying my laptop on a rear rack I would have to build a carrier---something with many layers of isolating foam and triply waterproof. It would be easy and I would find it fun .... but I wouldn't trust my laptop to constant vibrations, the occasional spill, and every sort of liquid from occasional splashes to sudden cloudbursts.

Normally I would recommend buy more bikes just because. In this case, since it is only 12.5 miles each way (45 minutes ride?) The Focus ought to do the job fine. Spending a thousand euros could get you a pretty decent new or a decent used road bike---but unless you hated riding the Focus to work, it isn't likely that you'd get €1000 of use out of the new bike.

When the kids are a little older get a new mid-range road bike and enjoy it for evening and weekend rides, I'd say.

If, however, you absolutely Hate the Focus ......

Hard to tell form the small pic but it looks like the focus might have an adjustable stem? If so, you could raise and lower the bars for days when you wanted to crouch way down or sit upright. Having the gear in a trunk bag and or/two panniers should also make riding a lot more pleasant and won't stress your core, arms, and shoulders when leaning forward.

If you absolutely Must get a new bike, check out the Fuji Sportiv line ... I got one as a rain-bike and now it is my go-to half the time because it is so comfortable, reliable, and can haul all my gear when I need it to.

Of course, I have no idea what is sold where you live, which could be eastern Kentucky or the east end of the Czech Republic or anywhere else.

fietsbob

talking about kilometers and prices in Euros I think Kentucky is unlikely..

20 km each way every day of the week , Maybe in this day & Age go shopping for an electric bike
&2 battery chargers

I had a 12 mile commute but no family @ home .. It was an Hour each way ..

so every work day was 10 hours.. 2 on the commute..

might be pretty knackered by that evening..




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caloso

Many people commute quite happily on road bikes with backpacks. A couple of thoughts: invest in a decent backpack designed for bike commuting. I have an Osprey (don't know if they are available where you are but sure you could get one online) and it's well worth it. 20km isn't too far, especially on a light, fast bike that you enjoy riding. You have plenty of options at 1K euros.

wipekitty

Where are you located? If you're already on 28s, I suspect that the road conditions are not bad enough to warrant wider tires and front suspension.

I'd go for a road bike. It will almost certainly be lighter and will allow you to ride more aerodynamically, both of which will be faster. Faster saves time and is IMO more fun.

As long as your back doesn't complain, there's nothing wrong with riding with a backpack.