Good morning! Just popping in for some advice on a new bike. I previously rode a Giant Escape 3 (still own it), and currently ride a 1988 Cannondale SR500 (This is the same bike, minus the Crest toothpaste livery haha)
Cycling Experience
Rode a Giant mountain bike through high school and college, never very serious about it. Purchased Giant Escape in fall of 2022, lost a considerable amount of weight, bought above vintage road bike in December of 2023.
I like long rides, I think? Last weekend I finished a metric century and had a lot of fun, but my road bike is too small (and too old) for long distances like this I think. My sit area and back were a bit sore, and hands were numb.
What's your price range, and have you considered second hand?
Not sure, maybe $1000 to $1500? I am interested in second-hand, but only if well-maintained and it actually FITS.
What's your intention with the bike – commuting, fitness, touring, sport, etc?
Fitness mostly, maybe group rides when my fitness is better. Mostly weekend rides for fun. Not interested in getting into racing.
How far will you be riding, and how often?
Between 20 and 40 mile rides on a bi-monthly basis, and I would like to do a century sometime in my life.
Riding conditions: roads, pavement, trails, single-track, off-road? Flat or hilly? Traffic and weather.
Roads and pavement, maybe light crushed rock or small gravel. Nothing seriously offroad. Flat and hilly, won't be out on the bike if the weather is super cold or raining. Midwest.
A bit about yourself: height, weight, and level of fitness can all help people understand your needs better.
5'5" 150lb
Per my ride last weekend, I think the vintage road bike was a good foray into this type of speed/riding, but it's not the right size and that damages my ability to go any farther. Should I get something more relaxed like an endurance bike, or just stick with the Giant Escape? It seemed to be somewhat relaxed, but not sure about 50+ miles.
by LokiirStone-Fist