Rockrider 8.1

AWMedia

Hi guys, a while ago I came on here asking for a suitable bike which I can use on and off road. I ended up buying the Rockrider 8.1 and it is a great bike!

However, I'm using it more on road than I expected and I have to say it isn't the smoothest ride on-road, it just doesn't feel very comfortable and these people are cruising passed me on their nice road bikes, looking nice and comfortable with their curved handlebars.

I'm not complaining about the bike but I'd just like to find a way to make my road journeys slightly more comfortable. I'm thinking of getting some curved handlebars myself. Is this possible for this model?

What would people recommend?

It would be that or potentially I'd be looking to exchange the bike for a more road-based bike.

It just feels like the rock rider is more mountain-based (as the name suggests) but I seem to be using it more on the road so I might be best to get a more road-based bike.

Please advise. Thanks.

supersonic

As you, is a mountain bike. But they can be adapted, and the first thing to do is fit narrow road tyres and tubes.

Also consider fitting a rigid fork - this will save 2lbs in weight.

mcnultycop

Personally i'd always just prefer a road bike for solely road use. Triban 3 at Decathlon is good on a budget.

cooldad

But in reply to your question - you can't fit drop bars without changing a whole lot of other stuff, like brakes, shifters etc. And as SS said, without changing tyres it will still feel rough.

AWMedia

When I brought the bike, the guy took off the mountain tyres and gave me some thinner ones which he said are more suitable for road.

I think I'm going to sell it and get a new one. I'm just not using it off-road enough.

AWMedia

Anyone got any suggestions for a replacement which is suitable for both on and off-road but maybe more road-based?

rockmonkeysc

A cyclocross bike will do for a bit of both.