What I have is basically this bike in white, except that I've changed a few more parts. I bought the bike new. I've ridden on and off, never consistently, but the bike has served me well, mostly on bike paths and quiet streets. It was last serviced in 2020, though it did well on an 8 mile ride a couple of weeks ago. A tire went flat after the ride, and because the hole was on the spoke side, I changed the wheel tapes.
I'm in my mid-60s, about 6 feet (182 cm) tall, 220 pounds (100 kg), and am in fairly good shape from regular hiking. Due to arthritis, I'm getting numbness in my hands while riding, and I'd like not to fuss with a triple crank front derailleur. I'm not climbing the Alps; probably not even cycling the Blue Ridge Parkway.
After some looking at bikes, I have some questions.
- Is $700 to $1000 a reasonable budget for a new bike? Looking for a hybrid close in setup to mine with modern parts.
- Do I need a front derailleur at all, or would two front gears be best?
- Given my age, and the likelihood this is a last bike, should I consider a step-thru frame?
- I'm generally hard on hiking gear and things like car interiors. Should I consider a carbon fiber fork, or would a front suspension with shock be a safer choice?
- What about hydraulic brakes? I'm completely unfamiliar. Are they fussy?
- What is a gravel bike compared to a hybrid? Cycling unpaved woods roads at my local state park sounds like something I could do.
Thanks in advance, I don't have much access to cycling friends locally, so looking for a place to start.
by anonyngineer
3 Comments
1x is absolutely fine for casual riding. People who are doing hard efforts or triathlon training might miss having a few extra options in the middle of the range, but for everyone else it’s just simpler.
Step thru frames can be good, as can a more relaxed riding position. Don’t want to be putting too much strain on your hands.
I don’t imagine you’d find any carbon frame bikes under 1000, unless you’re looking second hand. Suspension is generally not advised on a hybrid, it doesn’t really provide much benefit for the sort of riding they actually get used for so it’s just extra weight/something else to go wrong. If you want more comfort and more versatility, you can get something with wider tyres. That’s where gravel bikes come in really.
Hydraulic brakes are very nice and more of a premium option, they can go for years without really needing work as long as you can keep them clean and free from contamination. When they do need work, it’s the sort of thing you’d probably get done at a shop if you’re not super confident yourself.
https://marinbikes.com/collections/larkspur
Check out the Trek Verve for a really comfortable ride with the option of a step through.
Get an aluminum frame bike with a carbon fork. Mechanical disc brakes are fine. Don’t assume this will be your last bike
My 86 year old mother in law got a new bike a tear or so ago. And no, it’s not an ebike or a step thru.
I’m almost 63, and I have road, gravel, and mountain bikes. I love my Gravel bike (Grizl 7 Al). I use it for bilepacking I don’t know how your hand numbness will be affected by the drop bars
Here are a couple of well reviewed budget gravel bikes
https://www.rei.com/product/246445/van-rysel-grvl-af-2-sword-bike
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/revolt-2
They’re out of your price range by a few hundred dollars