What type of bike???

bokufish

Hi,

I currently have a single speed bike and am looking to get a new bike, with gears, for some longer bike rides. I'm intending to start with day bike rides, but in the future may be up for longer, touring rides. What sort of bike should I go for? Does anyone have any particular recommendations? I have up to £800 to spend. I have tried out a few Specialized bikes (allez, secteur) and a Trek bike (1.5 c?), all with the drop handle bars and they REALLY hurt my back I also tried the Specialized sirrus, with straight handle bars which I found much more comfortable, but was thinking that the drop bars might be better?

Thanks for any advice!

g00se

If your back hurts - unless there's a specific medical issue - I would suspect it's that you're not used to it or the bike was too big for you. If you go for flat-bars, then you could end up with more aches if going day or longer rides - as you have no real alternative hand-holds to adjust your position on the bike (with drop-bars, you can ride on the hoods, the top, the sides etc., to give different muscles a rest.

Also, you can consider bikes which have the bars a little higher than full on road-bikes. Look out for the terms 'sportive' and 'tall head tubes' in current bike-marketing speak.

For day long rides and overnights, you'll need the ability to take racks etc. So that would suggest a tourer. If you want something a bit more nible and half way between a tourer or road-bike - then I would look at an Audax bike (an Audax is a long distance route-based challenge ride). Something like this:

http://www.fatbirds.co.uk/24251/products/Tifosi-CK7-Audax-Grey-Veloce-Audax-Sportive-Bike.aspx?utm_source=Froogle&utm_medium=PriceComp&utm_term=Froogle&utm_content=None&utm_campaign=PriceComp1

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-tifosi-ck7-sora-10-39421

(I'd go for the Veloce over the Sora - but that's just me).


But it sounds like it's important for you to try these out in a bike shop and discuss comfort and your position on the bike - so that's it's as comfortable as possible.

bokufish

Thank you! I feel more convinced by the prospect of drop handlebars so will revisit those. And yes, I think you're right I need to try out lots of bikes... Now to find a bike shop with lots to try - so many seem to only have one or two that are suitable!!