Enlightenedwaistcoat
Well-Known Member
Sorry about the title - I'll explain. I bought a bike 7 years ago. It was a specialized ariel with a step through that I probably bought in a bit of a hurry. I wanted something that could get me out and about, mostly down cycle paths/canal towpaths with the odd bit of road cycling. I've never felt comfortable on it - the positioning is incredibly upright, I'm too close to the handlebars even with the saddle all the way back on the rail and I get terrible wrist pain through feeling like I'm sat on top of the handlebars which has led to me not really riding it. I've recently got it serviced with the intention of getting a bit of confidence before I splash on a new bike but with it being so uncomfortable I can't face riding it. A few gravel bikes have caught my eye - I'm looking for something that I can steadily increase the mileage on and that has clearance for a slightly bigger tyre for trails (like the transpennine). I might even want to ride roads as I build confidence.
I've seen a cannondale topstone that I like the look of, and I popped into Giant today to have a look at the revolt but the guy was pretty off with me and tried to talk me out of that and tried to put me in the direction of something that looked like a commuter with big tyres and an upright position. He specifically said 'you'd be more upright' even after I told him that's not what I want. He also tried to steer me away from drop bars. So I've come away completely despondent, as tho cycling is some kind of elite sport that only experienced people can do and I'm close to saying bugger it and just not bothering with a bike at all. So I've come here to see if you helpful folk can offer me any advice or guidance on what style might be best for me.
I'm looking for something not super aggressive, but not bolt upright, something that is going to be comfortable for longer rides and probably something that has a bit more clearance for a tyre that's capable of going over crap unpaved surfaces and potholed surfaces. I also came across the liv avail which has clearance for a 38mm tyre with a wider gear range than a gravel bike.
Sorry for the long rambling post. Hopefully people will have a bit of advice. My other half just said 'ffs just buy a bloody bike and hit the road' but my mind doesn't work like that!
I've seen a cannondale topstone that I like the look of, and I popped into Giant today to have a look at the revolt but the guy was pretty off with me and tried to talk me out of that and tried to put me in the direction of something that looked like a commuter with big tyres and an upright position. He specifically said 'you'd be more upright' even after I told him that's not what I want. He also tried to steer me away from drop bars. So I've come away completely despondent, as tho cycling is some kind of elite sport that only experienced people can do and I'm close to saying bugger it and just not bothering with a bike at all. So I've come here to see if you helpful folk can offer me any advice or guidance on what style might be best for me.
I'm looking for something not super aggressive, but not bolt upright, something that is going to be comfortable for longer rides and probably something that has a bit more clearance for a tyre that's capable of going over crap unpaved surfaces and potholed surfaces. I also came across the liv avail which has clearance for a 38mm tyre with a wider gear range than a gravel bike.
Sorry for the long rambling post. Hopefully people will have a bit of advice. My other half just said 'ffs just buy a bloody bike and hit the road' but my mind doesn't work like that!