What do I need? Hybrid or Road?

[jowwy]

Had another thought on the subject of choices, I realise that certain groupsets are judged to be superior to others, but on road bikes there appears to be an increasing choice between higher spec 10 speed, such as Tiagra with 2 chainrings or (for example) Sora with 3. In other words 20 speeds as opposed to 27. I have Deore XT with 9 X 3, on my hybrid, but although I haven't so far, nor am I planning to ascend the Alps, I've only used the large chainring once so wondering if it's going to be superfluous on my next bike.

So, high spec gears with 2 chainrings, or lower spec and 3, one of which I probably won't use? I'm tempted to think Tiagra or 105 as opposed to Sora or 2300/2200.

i got higher spec 105 triple on both my road bikes, so it is possible to get higher spec x3

 

[fudgepanda]

fudgepanda, they put my road bike brakes to shame to be honest. They are v-brakes. Cantilever brakes are often found on cx bikes and often complained about, that's why I avoided them, but I've also heard if you change brake pads in cantis for decent ones they can be good. The brakes on my cx have me stopped in an instant, which is what I needed when cycling on cycle paths etc with unpredictable peds and dogs. And we are talking on wet gravel too. I am stunned at how well the brakes perform. As I said the disadvantage is that crud builds up around the brake block if you're cycling somewhere mucky but as long as you are aware of it and deal with it, it's fine.

Personally, I would buy Tiagra or above every time if the wallet allows. Both my bikes have 105. I have a triple on my road bike and a compact on my cx.

So if I understand it, and please forgive me as I'm being a bit of a cyclenumpty here, cantilever brakes are the type with a centre pull cable whereas on V-Brakes the cable goes across, almost from one fork leg to the other..... I think. I'm very impressed with the hydraulic discs on mine, possibly because of the similarity to those on my motorbike, so I'm wondering, despite the weight penalty, whether I might start having a look in that direction.

 

[fudgepanda]

i got higher spec 105 triple on both my road bikes, so it is possible to get higher spec x3

I'm thinking that if I've (almost) never used the so-called "Granny Ring" on my bike whether I'll need it on what is essentially going to be a slighty tougher road bike and stick with a twin chain ring and a good groupset, such as Tiagra or 105. Only two rings might keep the weight down as well as cost and perhaps let me spend a bit more on frame, wheels and brakes.

 

[Stonechat]

Depends on your climbing ability
Mine is poor so I love the granny ring
95% of time I don't use it but when I do it is essential

 

[jowwy]

I'm thinking that if I've (almost) never used the so-called "Granny Ring" on my bike whether I'll need it on what is essentially going to be a slighty tougher road bike and stick with a twin chain ring and a good groupset, such as Tiagra or 105. Only two rings might keep the weight down as well as cost and perhaps let me spend a bit more on frame, wheels and brakes.

granny ring only gets used on steep climbs, but the middle 39 ring has got the ideal ratios for cruising without having to do multiple changes constantly

 

[lesley_x]

I'm thinking that if I've (almost) never used the so-called "Granny Ring" on my bike whether I'll need it on what is essentially going to be a slighty tougher road bike and stick with a twin chain ring and a good groupset, such as Tiagra or 105. Only two rings might keep the weight down as well as cost and perhaps let me spend a bit more on frame, wheels and brakes.

I miss my granny ring on my new bike which is a double. I really have missed it. But there is an advantage - gets you fitter quicker!

I do love the granny ring on my road bike though particularly as I'm not that fit at the moment!

 

[fudgepanda]

I've got some idea of the hierarchy (read cost & quality) when it comes to gear and chain sets, eg. Sora - Tiagra - 105, and so on, but brakes are less clear. My Hybrid has Shimano Deore XT which I believe is relatively high up the MTB type gear tree and I also have Shimano hydraulic discs, yet there are plenty of hybrid/cyclocross/MTB bikes out there with different kinds of rim brake and quite a lot of of Cyclocross machines that are not far off a £1000 yet have cable operated discs. Are the different kinds of brakes down to personal preference or are hydraulics appreciably better than cable; and are they any better than rim brakes?

 

[Stonechat]

Talking about granny rings I have 48-38-28
I used the 38 and sometimes the 28
If I had to lose one it would be the 48

 

[fudgepanda]

Talking about granny rings I have 48-38-28
I used the 38 and sometimes the 28
If I had to lose one it would be the 48

Reminds me of a girl I used to know.....er, not the granny bit, obviously. Although possibly the 28 came before the 38.....I think. Although I did go out with some strange women

 

[tigger]

You want a cross bike with wider more rugged road/touring tyres rather than nobblies. Mudguards are always a good option. Here's one ready off the peg...
https://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=3201#tab-reiter2

 

[lee1980sim]

Currently riding a hydrid and my next bike will be a CX due to the riding I do, so I too will vote for the none optional CX

 

[uclown2002]

You want a cross bike with wider more rugged road/touring tyres rather than nobblies. Mudguards are always a good option. Here's one ready off the peg...
https://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=3201#tab-reiter2

That could well be my next bike!

Fancy a CX for winter riding.

 

[sazzaa]

Vapour disc is pretty awesome so far, I'd recommend.