Looking for a convenient commuter bike which I can also use to start cycling longer distances/more often

[kindalite]

I live in switzerland (beautiful place for biking),

My city has okayish infrastructure, but it doesnt matter since its small.

Recently, Ive been wanting to start cycling regularly, as a way to keep fit. I also always preferred cycling on a trainer way more than jogging.

Because of this, am looking to buy a new bike, since my old one is a heavy ass mtb that i never went mountain biking with. After searching for some easily available local options - ive started to heavily consider a gravel bike, since it can do all. the cube nuroad race (fe)(not sure whether the normal or the fe is beter) caught my eye.
My purpose for riding would be daily driving to and from school - potentially running some errands as well. i also want to start biking longer distances, both on roads and sometimes on paths/forest, wherever it takes me, I have some pretty good places to ride to
At the same time, my dad entrusted me with his 2018 cube reaction c62 a pretty good carbon mtb, so I am doubting if i need a new bike in the first place, but at the same time, that bike isnt super ideal for roads.

so the question is, if a new bike can give me enough benefits to outweigh the reaction and justify getting a road/gravel bike, since most aluminium bikes would be almost the same wieght, if not heavier than the reaction.
another question is if i m getting a new bike, whether it would be leaning more towards road or path - preferrably, id like it in the middle.

right now, im considering the: cube nuroad race, cube nuroad race fe, canyon grizl cf 6, im open to any possibilties


My budget would be preferrably under 2k euros,

thankss!!

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

If you dont find the gearing limiting, you could swap out the Cube's tyres for something like 45mm Caracal Races, which will likely roll much better over tarmac than any knobbly mountain bike tyres fitted.

Looking at specs that appear for that model on PaulsCycles, as supplied it's ~11.3Kg, with a tyre swap and either lightweight TPU tubes or some latex tubes that tend to roll easier but are a little heavier, you could get that Cube down to ~11Kg before any other tweaks.

IIRC I think the "FE" versions of the Cube Nuroads come with hydraulic brakes, while the other version doesn't. In the UK, I think something like a Boardman ADV 8.9 is in the 10-11Kg ballpark. A gravel or road bike would likely put you in a more aero position than the Reaction C62, but the mountain bike would likely offer more comfort with the suspension.

 

[kindalite]

T

If you dont find the gearing limiting, you could swap out the Cube's tyres for something like 45mm Caracal Races, which will likely roll much better over tarmac than any knobbly mountain bike tyres fitted.

Looking at specs that appear for that model on PaulsCycles, as supplied it's ~11.3Kg, with a tyre swap and either lightweight TPU tubes or some latex tubes that tend to roll easier but are a little heavier, you could get that Cube down to ~11Kg before any other tweaks.

IIRC I think the "FE" versions of the Cube Nuroads come with hydraulic brakes, while the other version doesn't. In the UK, I think something like a Boardman ADV 8.9 is in the 10-11Kg ballpark. A gravel or road bike would likely put you in a more aero position than the Reaction C62, but the mountain bike would likely offer more comfort with the suspension.

Thank you very much for your it quick reply!

Putting tyres could be a possibility, yes

After searching for the exact model online, https://www.cyclesolutions.co.uk/bi...r-2018-hardtail-mountain-bike--greyblue__2125 here, it shows a weight of 10.2kg

The nuroad race and race FE both have hydralic brakes, the only differences are in the wheelsets (and the equipment ofc)

(In the picture, the Race is on the left, and the FE on the right)

 

[All uphill]

If you are planning to use a bike to commute to school, I'd strongly recommend full length mudguards for those rainy days.

Welcome!

 

[annedonnelly]

Personally I'd suggest starting out with the bike your dad has loaned you. See how you get on with that. If you find that you enjoy the cycling it'll give you a chance to think about what extras you'd like on a bike before you spend your money.

Alternatively you might find that you hate cycling outdoors (I think you said you did your cycling indoors) and it'll save you wasting money on a bike that you won't use.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

After searching for the exact model online, https://www.cyclesolutions.co.uk/bi...r-2018-hardtail-mountain-bike--greyblue__2125 here, it shows a weight of 10.2kg

Hello and
A hardtail mountain bike like the one you already have (add mudguards, a rear rack and panniers), would make an ideal commuting/shopping/exploring bike.
Like said above, just change the knobbly tyres for something sleeker.
Will you ride on ice?
A set of Marathon winter studded tyres for icy days will be invaluable!

 

[kindalite]

Personally I'd suggest starting out with the bike your dad has loaned you. See how you get on with that. If you find that you enjoy the cycling it'll give you a chance to think about what extras you'd like on a bike before you spend your money.

Alternatively you might find that you hate cycling outdoors (I think you said you did your cycling indoors) and it'll save you wasting money on a bike that you won't use.

Yeah, I think ill stick to that for 2-3 weeks, try to do some longer runs.

I definetly like cycling outdoors though, it wouldnt be my first time. Most of the time, my parents took me onto forest trails or some chilkl stuf like that, but i want to also be able to enjoy the road on high speeds, since i have really picturesque places to visit

 

[kindalite]

Hello and
A hardtail mountain bike like the one you already have (add mudguards, a rear rack and panniers), would make an ideal commuting/shopping/exploring bike.
Like said above, just change the knobbly tyres for something sleeker.
Will you ride on ice?
A set of Marathon winter studded tyres for icy days will be invaluable!

Hello hello!
Thanks! Definetly no ice for me though probably, maybe only if i miss the bus to school in winter 👀

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Yeah, I think ill stick to that for 2-3 weeks, try to do some longer runs.

Maybe give it a bit longer, 6 months would be better.
Riding that bike most days, changing it a bit to suit you, will give you an idea of what suits your kind of riding.

but i want to also be able to enjoy the road on high speeds,

Easy tiger
Maybe get a bit more cycling experience before you go for Queen of the Mountain (Strava)

 

[Jameshow]

Also look at Cyclo-cross bikes. Like gravel bikes but sharper handling and without the gravel tax!!

 

[ColinJ]

I would be tempted to buy a nice versatile gravel bike to enjoy riding, plus a very cheap 'disposable' bike for school and errands.

When I was young I had my bike stolen from school, and a friend's son had his bike stolen in his first week at university. I therefore don't like to leave a good bike unattended no matter how good the lock is, since bike thieves carry angle grinders now which can cut most locks off in less than a minute! I have a cheap bike which rides ok, but is less tempting to thieves, and it wouldn't be a huge loss if it did get stolen.

Is bike theft a significant issue where you live?

 

[Jameshow]

I would be tempted to buy a nice versatile gravel bike to enjoy riding, plus a very cheap 'disposable' bike for school and errands.

When I was young I had my bike stolen from school, and a friend's son had his bike stolen in his first week at university. I therefore don't like to leave a good bike unattended no matter how good the lock is, since bike thieves carry angle grinders now which can cut most locks off in less than a minute! I have a cheap bike which rides ok, but is less tempting to thieves, and it wouldn't be a huge loss if it did get stolen.

Is bike theft a significant issue where you live?

When I had my first bike pinched I was really upset. But looking back I think why was I crazy for a purple emelle mtb bike with 200gs gears!🤣🤣🤣

 

[kindalite]

I would be tempted to buy a nice versatile gravel bike to enjoy riding, plus a very cheap 'disposable' bike for school and errands.

When I was young I had my bike stolen from school, and a friend's son had his bike stolen in his first week at university. I therefore don't like to leave a good bike unattended no matter how good the lock is, since bike thieves carry angle grinders now which can cut most locks off in less than a minute! I have a cheap bike which rides ok, but is less tempting to thieves, and it wouldn't be a huge loss if it did get stolen.

Is bike theft a significant issue where you live?

I actually used to use my mums bike, it was a bit too small and similair to my dads, it was left over the weekend near my school and was sadly stolen. But i think as long as you dont leave it there too long and if its in the public among other bicycles, it should be fine.

 

[ColinJ]

But i think as long as you dont leave it there too long and if its in the public among other bicycles, it should be fine.

I just checked. Apparently (click link), over 54,000 bikes were stolen in 2024 and the problem is increasing so I would still be very cautious!