Hello! Long time lurker first time poster.
I have an appointment at my local bike shop to get fitted and discuss options for buying a new bike later this week. I definitely need to stay under €500. Preferably less than that if I’m being honest but I’ll consider if it’s a very nice bike that will save me money and sanity in the long run.
I’d like to use this bike primarily for commuting to and from work (about 4km each way). However, I also REALLY want to get into bikepacking. I’m from NYC but recently moved to Germany, and now that I’m in Europe I’m so inspired seeing all of your journeys 🙂
Anyway! I found a few bikes where I’m getting fitted, and I’m hoping you all could give some insights on what to look for, ask, etc. and your thoughts on the bikes below (keep in mind… I know very little about bikes so any suggestions are encouraged).
THANK YOU!
by Frei_aber_froh
1 Comment
I can’t comment on these bikes as I’ve never heard of them (I ride an old 1987 Miyata), but with regards to your comment about money and sanity, the best thing you can do for that is learn the basics of how your bike works. Even the most expensive components get out of alignment or damaged. Spending money doesnt buy sanity in this hobby, nor does it usually save you money. What it buys is performance, weight reduction, and sometimes, but not always, longevity. Obviously there is a bottom end of quality that you probably want to steer clear of, but basically anything else with a rack and gears will get you started.
Adjusting brakes and derailleurs is basic stuff that anybody can learn. You don’t need to learn to true wheels or service bearings, but you should learn to identify when there are issues with those things. Rear derailleur alignment is very important and often a source of frustration for many (hitting the rear derailleur is a common thing for many) and you can check it well enough with your eyeballs. Listen to your bike. A quiet bike is a happy bike. Ride on.