I would like to get into cycling more as a hobby, and would like your opinion. For starters, I plan to do some casual urban cycling on paved streets, but I don’t want to fully close the door on some off-roading.Â
The idea of a bike that’s decent on all roads appeals to me more than a bike that is really strong on roads only (but will send you flying on gravel). Thus, I have been looking into more gravel-type bikes. However, that doesn’t mean I am opposed to the idea of a road bike, so long as it has decent tire width / some flexibility for different road types.
My current bike is a vintage Sentinel Sophomore, which I have a few complaints of: It's heavy, the brakes are unsafe (rim brakes on steel wheels), needs constant maintenance (everything is breaking), and it's not very good at climbing hills.
I don't really know how to budget for a bike, as the most I spent on my Sentinel is $100. Instead, I drafted an informal list of requirements to better help my search:
- Hydraulic brakes.
- Not heavy (current bike is way too heavy).
- Plenty of mounting points (for future accessories).
- Makes climbing hills not miserable (good granny gear).
- A more comfortable riding position (racing/competitive frames are a no).
- Light in weight (preferably).
Based on this list of requirements, here are a few bikes I found:
- Canyon Endurace AllRoad
- Trek Domane AL 4 or 5Â
- Specialized Diverge Elite E5 (or Comp E5)
- Giant Contend AR 1
- Giant Revolt 1 (2026)
- Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 or 5
- Cannondale Topstone 1 or 2
- Salsa Journeyer GRX 600 700C (On sale!)
- Massacan Paula
- Primos Dame
- State 4130 All-Road
Understandably, many of these bikes are expensive and the price is a huge jump from my vintage bike, which is hard to justify for someone who is getting into the hobby. I have been scouring the secondhand market for a steal with no luck so far.
If you have any advice for beginners, different bike recommendations, recommendations in general, etc. it will be appreciated.
I remain very open to any ideas. Thank you for your time.
by dliuninja
2 Comments
Check out r/whichbike, which is the best place for questions like this.
I think you can make any of the above bikes work on trails, provided you are comfortable on technical stuff already and have decent tires.
I started on a hand me down carbon frame that was too small for me. For my first new bike, I bought an aluminum frame with a carbon fork and I do regret it a bit. It’s not very comfortable off road, and I feel better on my 1990s rigid steel frame. Should’ve either gone for carbon or steel, in retrospect.
My 2c is get the one that’s in stock, in the colour you like, and ride it.
Don’t worry too much about anything else.
I’d recommend drop bars, with lots of clearance for wide tyres, but apart from that, the colour you like and availability is what actually matters.