PatAB

New to the forum -this is my first post.

I used to cycle in my youth, recently started riding my old mountain bike around the neighborhood and I think it is time for me to upgrade.

Me: 52 yrs old, getting in shape, 5’6”.

Use: fitness, rides for fun (do not plan to commute) start around town, bike paths / trails. Longer distances to come. No “single track” trails, but some hard pack dirt and maybe a bit of gravel. No competition, I would like something comfortable.

Budget: 3-4K Canadian (including pedals, shoes, bike accessories (lights, flat kit & water bottle cages))
(I already have a helmet, shorts, etc.)

Options I am considering:

1- DEFY ADVANCED 2 – 2021 (size small)
In stock at a shop out of town – 6 hour drive to go pick it up.

2- TREK Checkpoint SL5– 2022 (size 52) (very close to budget limit)
Local shop, but not available until August 2022.


Comments, suggestions?

Any suggestion on shoes? Road Vs. Mountain bike Vs. Gravel? I am looking at the Shimano SH-XC300 because of the tread on the sole and the recessed cleats that make walking easier.

Thanks!
Patrick in Alberta, Canada.

10 Wheels

Mountain Shoes as one can Walk w them.

Prodigy4299

The two bikes you mention are in the endurance road bike (Giant) and gravel (Trek) category. The former is built for longer, comfortable rides on the road, with some tame gravel / path riding thrown in. The latter category is built to be more sturdy in gravel, and will do OK on the road. In terms of comfort, both categories have frame geometries that value comfort over performance. So which category you choose depends on which you see yourself riding more. I'll also throw in a couple more models for you to consider in each category:

Endurance road:
Canyon Endurace
Cannondale Synapse


Gravel:
Cannondale Topstone
Specialized DIverge
Canyon Grail
Canyon Grizl
Norco Search
Rocky Mountain Solo

Good luck!

Chubakazubaka

It's a great choice.