jeepin784

I am looking at possibly purchasing another bike, but trying to decide on what to do. I currently have a road bike, and a mountain bike, but I don’t really feel like either of them are going to do what I’m interested in doing. Basically I want some thing that I can ride through town or even do some mild distance on back roads but also something that I will be able to take on a fairly smooth gravel trail system (Ahnapee Trail in Wisconsin if anyone is familiar) for anywhere from 10-40 miles. I see a lot about cyclocross and gravel bikes but the info is pretty overwhelming for a newbie such as myself. My road bike doesn’t get ridden much because honestly our roads kind of suck and it’s a little rough with lower back issues so I’m thinking about selling that one. I know I could technically use the mountain bike but not sure how that would be for longer distances. Any recommendations on which type or even specific models? Looking for something fairly entry level but not a department store bike. I’ve had Giant, Specialized, and mostly Trek in the past. Thanks in advance for any advice.

prj71

Best tool for the job for what you describe you want to do.

Specialized Sirrus X

shelbyfv

Most brands have "gravel" bikes at various prices. Seems the obvious choice.

Bald Paul

Road Bikes vs. Gravel Bikes: 6 Key Differences | The Pro's Closet (theproscloset.com)

Jughed

I ride a giant TCX cyclocross bike for that exact kind of riding.

Cross bikes are more racy that gravel bikes, more aggressive geometry… it’s as fast as my road bike with road tires.

Gravel bikes are more relaxed, have more places to mount stuff, and can handle a little wider tire.

1x drivetrains are great for these applications.

If I had to have one bike it would be a cross bike.

Eric F 

As noted by others, it sounds like a gravel bike would be a great fit for your described use.

An important factor…what is your budget?

For me, my gravel bike is my most versatile. It excels on dirt roads and rough pavement, is competent on moderate singletrack, and is efficient enough on the road to not feel like I’m pushing a pig.

Iride01 

Maybe you just got a crappy road bike for your conditions. Wider and better rolling tires will go a long way to fix a crappy ride if your bike can handle them. If you are on very budget friendly tires it's going to be a rough ride no matter what you have.

But this might also be to your liking

Checkpoint ALR 5 - Trek Bikes

And it comes in many different tier levels with all the way up to more money than I could comfortably afford to pull out of my pocket. During a ride I was doing earlier this year, I met a guy on a Checkpoint that was loaded down with paniers on the front that was doing a 444 mile trip and he said he really enjoyed it. His was one of the carbon fiber versions.

Even though it's marketed as a gravel bike, it apparently does well for touring too.

tFUnK

A flat bar gravel bike sounds about right.

mstateglfr 

Road bike isn't ridden because roads suck too much
MTB is overkill for type of desired riding.
Desired rides would be in town and back roads as well as crushed stone trail.


Unsure if a gravel bike would be best even though it's designed for bad roads, gravel roads, etc.

What?

If there are too many options, pick a price range and see what's in stock at shoes near you in your size. Call em and go to places that have inventory in your price range and size. You will immediately narrow it to maybe 5 bikes just by calling.

A bike that can handle 38-45mm tires will work perfectly for you. They all have slightly different geometry and feel different as a result. Some will feel slow steering, others fast steering. There is no right or wrong, get what you like.
Buy 2x or 1x drivetrain. There are upsides and downsides to both. Again, no right or wrong. If you have a preference, then that helps further narrow the choices. If you don't care, then buy what fits best.

blacknbluebikes 

AI smell.

mstateglfr 

8 year old AI? It'd be the OG of AI.

Eric F 

A single introductory post in 2015. 4 posts since 2022, and all of them have the AI scent about them.

mstateglfr 

Ooh, well then yes the plot thickens.

PeteHski

Could be that the guy just discovered AI last year and decided to post stuff using it. A few other "human" posters have dabbled with AI responses recently. Hopefully the novelty will wear off.

WT160

What size tires are on your road bike? I went up to 28mm, and it made a big difference.

shelbyfv

Yep, it sets off ZeroGPT.

hybridbkrdr

Trek Dual Sport Gen5 or Bombtrack Munroe AL.

blacknbluebikes 

sleeper cell.

jeepin784

Thanks to all for the valid advice, I'll check out some of the specific models you recommended. Right now I have a 2015 Giant Defy 5 which is definitely a cheaper entry level road bike and a Specialized Rockhopper MTB. I'm definitely not AI, not sure what gives off that vibe. I keep wanting to find the right type of riding. I enjoy riding, but I have a screwed up back and can't seem to find my fit. Been trying to gain some traction (no pun intended) for several years I just havent found a sustainable type of riding other than my road bike on my trainer in the basement doing a virtual ride along with someone on Youtube I originally joined trying to help my daughter when she wanted to do Triathlons, then tried to find something myself. I've recently dropped about 50 lbs, I'm feeling better and want to ride. I grew up being a runner but that's just not in the cards for me anymore and to me biking is somewhat of a substitute for that. I've also tried swimming, and want to get into Kayaking. Once again, thank you sincerely to the ones who took the time to answer my question and give some valid suggestions.

jeepin784

700X25C, I haven't tried 28 but I had read that most 28 wouldn't fit on this bike due to brake clearance.

jeepin784

I'm trying to stay under $1,000 so I am shopping the used market.

jeepin784

Any thoughts on this one?

Maelochs

Looks good ... what do you think?

mstateglfr 

Cyclocross bike. Looks like a size 53?...tough to tell with the tube sizes. If so, the geometry will make for a relatively neutral feel compared to the wide range of drop bar wide tire bikes currently on the market. Steering will not be fast and twitchy, but also not slow and sluggish. Chainstays arent too tight and will help with a more relaxed feel compared to a tight geometry road bike. Based on bottom bracket drop measurement, he bike will feel like you are 'sitting on top' of the bike more than 'in' the bike. Hopefully that makes sense.

The shifters are not a shape that is still made- it was pretty unpopular, but based on reviews from 5 or so years ago, they consistently worked fine. It has hydraulic brakes which is nice. 2x10 drivetrain is plenty good too.

The most important thing when looking for a used bike is whether if fits properly or not. If you are compromising in your mind during a test ride, it will suck once you take it out for any extended length of time. A different stem length or bar shape is no big deal to change, but the actual feel of the bike- that has to be something you really like.
After that, if the components are in good working order and you think the price works, then buy it and ride! No idea if you can fit tires wider than 35mm into the frame, but if 35s are good enough then it looks like it would fit your criteria.

Eric F 

All of this ^^^.

If it fits in your budget, it seems like a good place to start. Felt is a well-known and reputable brand.