Hi,
I (hope to) cycle to work 8 miles each way. 6 miles are on a quiet, flat country road. The remaining 2 miles are through a busy town centre.
I purchased a good quality mountain. It had shock forks which I always had locked out. I placed some smooth tyres on it to make the ride more comfortable. I found the bike to provide confidence, especially when travelling through the town stretch. Being rugged it could handle my 17 stone well. The problem was it was so heavy. I saw people of retirement age whizzing pass me. They weren't peddling faster or in a faster gear. They may have been fitter than me but not by that much. I saw it clearly as my bike was too heavy. I sold it.
I then purchased a Giant road bike. It was much lighter and quicker than the mountain bike. One problem, I had no confidence using the drop-down handle and brakes, especially when going through the town stretch. I just stopped riding it. I could've persevered to become confident but I just didn't feel comfortable riding it. I also wondered how long the bike could last with my 17 stone on it before the wheels/spokes caved in. All in all, I sold it.
I feel I need a bike that is light enough to be fast. Robust enough to handle my weight. With flat-bar handle and brakes for confidence, but preferably with some special handles where I could have my palms facing inwards for more aerodynamics (like a road bike).
What type of bike should I get?
A hybrid bike with special handles?
A cyclocross bike seems to have quickness and flat-bar braking?
I do not race but I do wish the bike to be quick, and certainly quicker than my mountain bike was (road and hybrid have 700c wheels too). I also need to have confidence braking and weaving between vehicles/people in built-up areas.
What do you suggest?
Thanks.
I (hope to) cycle to work 8 miles each way. 6 miles are on a quiet, flat country road. The remaining 2 miles are through a busy town centre.
I purchased a good quality mountain. It had shock forks which I always had locked out. I placed some smooth tyres on it to make the ride more comfortable. I found the bike to provide confidence, especially when travelling through the town stretch. Being rugged it could handle my 17 stone well. The problem was it was so heavy. I saw people of retirement age whizzing pass me. They weren't peddling faster or in a faster gear. They may have been fitter than me but not by that much. I saw it clearly as my bike was too heavy. I sold it.
I then purchased a Giant road bike. It was much lighter and quicker than the mountain bike. One problem, I had no confidence using the drop-down handle and brakes, especially when going through the town stretch. I just stopped riding it. I could've persevered to become confident but I just didn't feel comfortable riding it. I also wondered how long the bike could last with my 17 stone on it before the wheels/spokes caved in. All in all, I sold it.
I feel I need a bike that is light enough to be fast. Robust enough to handle my weight. With flat-bar handle and brakes for confidence, but preferably with some special handles where I could have my palms facing inwards for more aerodynamics (like a road bike).
What type of bike should I get?
A hybrid bike with special handles?
A cyclocross bike seems to have quickness and flat-bar braking?
I do not race but I do wish the bike to be quick, and certainly quicker than my mountain bike was (road and hybrid have 700c wheels too). I also need to have confidence braking and weaving between vehicles/people in built-up areas.
What do you suggest?
Thanks.
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