Sportive v road

#david2012

I'm looking at treating myself to a new bike next spring, I've set myself some goals over the winter and got 6 months to save
The more I read / research it sounds like a more sportive geometry will probably suit me better than a road. Apart from the longer head tube anything else that would be majorly different? And with that in mind any sportive recommendations? Budget up to 1.5k

16mm

#david2012 wrote:

I'm looking at treating myself to a new bike next spring, I've set myself some goals over the winter and got 6 months to save
The more I read / research it sounds like a more sportive geometry will probably suit me better than a road. Apart from the longer head tube anything else that would be majorly different? And with that in mind any sportive recommendations? Budget up to 1.5k

The difference is parly due to how easy it is to set the saddle and bars in a particular position. Race geometry allows you to easily run a very low front end, sportive allows you to run a higher front end without loads of spacers. You can probably botch a low ish position on sportive geometry with a -ve rise stem, & run high bars on a race bike.

The other issues is the sportive bikes can have slower handling (cornering) and can be less harsh to ride.
Tyres make the biggest difference to ride quality, so you can ofen make a race bike a bit more comfy by fitter wider tyres, if they'll fit.

Chose the bike that fits you the best, and suits what you'll use it for.