Hey everyone, I’m looking to start a 44km daily round-trip commute (220km/week) on paved Kenyan roads with some elevation, varied road quality and slight traffic.I'm looking at three used bikes, and while I’m leaning toward the Trek because it’s the cheapest, I have concerns about the fit and specs.
My Stats: 5'11" (180cm).
The Options:
Trek Domane AL 2 Gen 4 (Size 54): Shimano Claris (2×8), Mechanical disc brakes. (Cheapest)
Specialized Diverge E5 Elite (Size L): Shimano GRX (2×10), Hydraulic disc brakes.
Cannondale CAADX 105 (Size L): Shimano 105 (2×11), Hydraulic disc brakes.
The Questions:
Sizing: Research and friends say a 54cm is too small for a 5'11" rider. The shop says it's "nimble." For a 22km one-way commute, am I going to regret not setting 56/Large?
Brakes: Is there a "real world" difference between mechanical and hydraulic discs for a daily commuter? How much more of a headache is mechanical maintenance vs. hydraulic reliability?For a 44km daily grind that includes rain and long descents, are hydraulic brakes actually "life-changing" in terms of maintenance and hand fatigue, or is mechanical "good enough"?
The Budget Trap: I’m leaning toward the Trek because of the price, but is it a "buy nice or buy twice" situation given the high weekly mileage?
Would love to hear from anyone who commutes 40km+ a day on an entry-level road bike vs. a mid-tier gravel/CX bike.Am I overthinking the size 54 vs. 56 gap!
by Remarkable-Chipmunk5
4 Comments
You can make a 54 work with a longer stem, it will be racier/more aggressive than the 56. I’d go with the 56 however if I was you. 44km a day is no joke and I’d make sure to get something you find comfortable over long distances.
I’d most definitely get something with hydraulic disc brakes as well. Not having to fuck around with Bowden cables is enough reason for me, but the modularity is also a massive advantage.
If you’re really riding your bicycle that long I would absolutely NOT get the trek, and instead shell out for one of the other two. Think of it as an investment, and I’m sure you won’t regret getting
1) a frame that’s more your size
2) modern hydraulic disc brakes with great performance and simple maintenance
3) better drivetrain – both the 11spd 105 as the 10spd grx400 are much nicer than the Claris
Agree with the above responses. Proper bike fit matters with the distance you’re planning to ride.
I’m the same height. I ride a 54 cm Crux. The size works better for me because my hips aren’t flexible. The reach on a larger frame tends to drag my hips forward, so I’m constantly having to shift my butt back. (I struggle with this on my 56 cm commuter.)
I don’t think the 54 will be too small unless you end up with toe overlap.
Holy hell, you’re gonna be really good at biking with that many kilometers everyday. Stamina upcoming. Looks like it is in the blood of Kenyan people.