[Mar21]

Hi fellow team Bhpians

Looking for some advice.

Context

I've been on two wheels for as long as I remember but would categorize myself as a novice when it comes to knowledge about buying/maintaining a bicycle.

I currently have a very basic Atlas cycle - use it a couple of times a week while cycling around the complex teaching my little one the basics. Have also used it for my daily commutes (but not as frequently as i'd like to)

Here's the link to see what I currently own. https://www.choosemybicycle.com/en/b...nto-dx-26-2014 (as simple and basic as they get)

I'm keen to upgrade. I'm 6' tall and weigh 115 Kgs
if this is bought online, will be my first online purchase of a cycle

Here's my expected usage pattern

1. 2 -3 hours at a stretch, covering a max of 30-40 kms in the city once a week / once a fortnight
2. Daily commute/errands - the typical commute is 3/3.5 kms one way. Would use the bike to commute 2-4 times a week

My criteria

1. Budget - max 35K
2. Hybrid / City bike
3. A riding posture that is more upright vs committed.
4. The lighter the better, but needs to be sturdy (am willing to consider steel frames to save some money)
5. Quick release front wheel would be a key factor.
6. Not too fussed about the drive train: a 6-7 speed is more than enough for my needs, (but don't mind option for a 16-21 speed drive train)
7. Regular rim brakes are good enough for my usage (but don't mind opting for discs)
8. Service is important. I have struggled to get issues sorted on my bike and the little one's bike from the local bike repair shops (tried a proper bike shop as well)
9. Would prefer a rigid front fork (but not a deal breaker)

My shortlist

I've got the following on my shortlist (availability is an issue for many of these - who would have thought that it would be such a challenge to get these)

1. GIANT ESCAPE 3 @~33K
https://bumsonthesaddle.com/collecti...e-3-moss-green

2. Wanderer @ ~17K (haven't heard about this brand previously)
https://www.outdoors91.com/wanderer-...978b26d6117512

3. Trooper @27K (haven't head about this brand previously)
https://www.outdoors91.com/trooper-7...24761044081644

4. Decathalon Triban (Flat bar) @22K
https://www.decathlon.in/p/8515669/c...ban-rc-100-fb-
flat-bar?id=8515669&type=p

5. Decathalon - Riverside @25K
https://www.decathlon.in/p/8389412/b...8389412&type=p

6. Firefox roadrunner series @27K
https://www.firefoxbikes.com/firefox...d/?associd=448

7. Schwinn Super Sport Large (i wish they had an XL)
https://www.trackandtrail.in/cycles/...-sport?id=2811

Ruled out the montrra - they don't even have the Large on their site.

While used does make sense, I am inclined towards a new purchase.
The olx searches have close to no details on the listings. I am not a part of any riding groups, so can't really tap into my network either

Questions

1. For my usage, am I overthinking this? I could walk into decathalon and pick up something and be done with this. I am spending way too much time trying to figure out what I should buy.

2. What would you recommend from the above, would you suggest something else?

3. How does one de-risk online purchases? I would like to try before I buy.

4. Any experiences with BOTS/ Track and Trail, especially their service? What about outdoors91, they seemed to be a distant third.

5. Any inputs on the wanderer/trooper brands on outdoors91

Thanks a ton for your inputs!
Mar21

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by Jaguar

The Rockrider 540 went out of stock, but it was size M and I am not complaining. Went to the shop which had Marin in stock and turns out he has Bobcat Trail 3 as well. So that is the best option I have now. But then again, the only sizes available are 29" M and XL, no L.

I am on the opposite spectrum. My legs are longer. I am a bit over 5'10" with an inseam of 90cm, without shoes, as measured by the shop guy. As per him, although as per the size chart of the bike, I need an L, my inseam warrants an XL to avoid hip and leg pain in the long run. If I have reach issues, I can apparently go for handlebar risers, etc. I was not sure whether to believe him or not since XL was all he had but now the video suggests the same.

As I've said in the past sizing nomenclature for frames is both brand and model specific.

A 90 cm inseam is daddy long legs. I'm taller than you at 5'11" (180 cm) but my inseam is 33.5" (85cm). This combination or ratio of the height (which takes inseam and torso into the equation) to the wingspan (which takes shoulder width and arm length into the equation) is called the APE INDEX and is a very important ratio for professional bikefit fine tuning. Within the same frame size, with the help of stem length, seatpost offset, and crank lengths (which come in increments of 2.5 mm all the way from 165 to 175 mm, which is what people use to fine tune for leg length, cadence, race position, etc.)

So yes, if you are an L but your legs are longer than usual, the XL could fit (assuming the crank lengths remain standard across sizes) BUT you MIGHT eventually land up being more comfortable with a shorter stem if you feel too stretched out (stem risers are NOT the way to go please).

Either way a MTB XL is not the same unmanageable beast as a road bike XL is.

P.S. So many Marins floating around currently, with photos, I got confused between you and Achilles. And missed your post.

[Red Liner]

Lovely article about what seems to be like a very lovely gravel bike from namma Decathlon

https://www.biketour-global.de/en/20...e-touring-920/

My news feed, and general browsing recommendations have slowly started moving towards bikes from motorbikes now lol

[vb-saan]

Originally Posted by Mar21

1. GIANT ESCAPE 3 @~33K
…
4. Decathalon Triban (Flat bar) @22K
5. Decathalon - Riverside @25K

The Escape 3 I felt is a sweet bike. Tried that a couple of months back and liked it. Did not go in the Giant route only because of the snob dealer attitude here in Singapore – lack of pleasant customer service/support is a huge put-off for me. And that green shade is beautiful.

Heard lot of good things about the Triban, but personally not a fan of the Riverside. Had bought one 2-3 years back only to return after a few days (full refund is a huge positive with Decathlon).

Happy shopping!

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by Red Liner

Lovely article about what seems to be like a very lovely gravel bike from namma Decathlon

https://www.biketour-global.de/en/20...e-touring-920/

My news feed, and general browsing recommendations have slowly started moving towards bikes from motorbikes now lol

Lovely bike! A proper Ladakh scout. And that SRAM Rival drivetrain is absolutely drool worthy (in fact I'm looking at its double crank road version as an eventual upgrade for my CAAD8 ). I personally would not trust eyelets and mounting panniers and luggage on a carbon fork though. The Marin Four Corners with a cromoly frame and steel fork wins there for me. And you can understand the quality of their frame building by the fact that a full steel bike is just 500 grams heavier than this equivalent alloy and carbon bike.

[Jaguar]

Originally Posted by ebonho

So yes, if you are an L but your legs are longer than usual, the XL could fit (assuming the crank lengths remain standard across sizes) BUT you MIGHT eventually land up being more comfortable with a shorter stem if you feel too stretched out (stem risers are NOT the way to go please).

Either way a MTB XL is not the same unmanageable beast as a road bike XL is.

Thanks, doc.
The crank length is the same from M through XL.
The stem length, handle width, etc are the same across all sizes.

[Simha13]

I finally went ahead and got myself Rockrider ST100 yesterday.

Went for a 7km ride today morning, the ride is bit bouncy and seat is damn hard, very difficult to ride without padded shorts.
I am a complete newbie with respect to cycling, last was in high school when I had Hero Hawk. I would like to know about basic maintenance and upkeep and things to look out for during my rides. I plan to ride for 30-45 min on daily basis.

[promit]

Originally Posted by ebonho

Thanks Promit. How does it roll? Is it very heavy rolling? How has he done on punctures?

How heavy is your friend and how many psi does he fill into the Ralsons? The reason I'm asking is that unlike my Indian GRLs that are rated for 100 psi, the Ralsons are rated only for 75 psi (the ones I've seen).

Couple of shop guys have recently told me that the Ralsons are rated for 116 psi (but that they do not recommend filling beyond 90 to be on the safe side) so I'm wondering if Ralson have come out with a newer version. Their website still shows both 23c and 25c rated for 75 psi only.

He is using the Ralson 25c which replaced a set of Continental GP 5000 whose rear was on its last legs. I believe it is slightly heavier. Rolls well I daresay. Tread pattern does not look too great. It's been ridden 900 kms since they were mounted - in July itself. Punctures none thus far. It does seem to be more robust. He is a big tall guy and weighs ~100 kg. Tire pressure maintained is 100 psi. A dealer told us Ralson comes in two grades - and the one which retails for 1000 bucks/piece is the better quality one. This may be mumbo jumbo can't be sure. Don't quote me on this.

As for the friend, he has been hitting great average speeds lately. I don't believe the tire is holding him back at all. This is perhaps the only reason why people in my circle are warming up to these tires. Hmm, as a trainer tire, can't comment on wear on a trainer. Have usually seen a deep thin centre ridge line form at the touch point and a ridiculous amount of rubber dust behind the rear tire after a single indoor session when using road tires. Don't know how the Ralson would fare. Worth a shot perhaps, since they don't cost all that much.

[ach1lles]

Originally Posted by promit

Sure, happy to help. Have dm-ed you my number.

Super like. Texted you

[krackr]

Originally Posted by vb-san

......but personally not a fan of the Riverside. Had bought one 2-3 years back only to return after a few days (full refund is a huge positive with Decathlon).

Happy shopping!

Hello vb-san, was actually thinking about the Riverside 500, since I could not find anything else in that price range with similar specs (alloy, lockable suspension, quick release on all wheels, hybrid to name a few features I am keen on). Any particular reason for such a quick return. I liked Triban, but the tyres would be thinner and Mumbai potholes ask for a hybrid at least. Thanks!

[akshaymahajan]

Bought a Riverside 50 early last year and have been thinking of an upgrade. These days, I cycle 10-15 kms daily in and around Indiranagar and I think I am looking to bump it up a little and go to 25 kms a day. Have done under 2000 kms on this current bicycle.

Current issues
1. Would prefer some gears
2. Itch to get a new one since this was bought to see whether or not I cycle regularly
3. maybe a better saddle - but that can possibly be upgraded

Budget: I was pretty sure I wanted a Triban RC 100 FB till about a few months back. So ~25k INR

What changed: Sherlocked posted a picture of his Rockrider ST30 and its a stunner. And then I see a couple of other Rockrider ST options on the website (availability is to be checked) that I think would be better suited

So experts, what do you suggest?

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by akshaymahajan

So experts, what do you suggest?

The MTB has more gears and will be easier on the legs on climbs. But there is a significant 4 odd kilo weight penalty you will always be carrying with you. A very good looking bike for sure. Especially in the metallic grey.

The hybrid has a much narrower gear range, okay for most urban riding, but not for any serious climbing. But it's a much lighter bike.which is great regardless of terrain. Of course I would suggest the drop bar over the flat bar since you've already ridden a flat bar for some time now.

Both are great looking bikes with very eye catching paint schemes.

Depends on wgat type of riding you want to do and type of rider you are eventually.

A ride on both back to back should give you an indication.

There is another rigid fork ST with similar 7 speed gearing as the RC100 for under 10k. A compelling package.

[vb-saan]

Originally Posted by krackr

Hello vb-san, was actually thinking about the Riverside 500, since I could not find anything else in that price range with similar specs (alloy, lockable suspension, quick release on all wheels, hybrid to name a few features I am keen on). Any particular reason for such a quick return. I liked Triban, but the tyres would be thinner and Mumbai potholes ask for a hybrid at least. Thanks!

No big reasons as such. I bought it at a time I did not think much about biking, wanted something not so expensive for casual neighbourhood rides and so got the Riverside. It probably is a good bike, but I did not enjoy the suspension-cushion and the overall setup; could be just the personal preference. I see many of those on the tracks here and is quite a popular one

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by akshaymahajan

Bought a Riverside 50 early last year and have been thinking of an upgrade. These days, I cycle 10-15 kms daily in and around Indiranagar and I think I am looking to bump it up a little and go to 25 kms a day. Have done under 2000 kms on this current bicycle.

Current issues
1. Would prefer some gears
2. Itch to get a new one since this was bought to see whether or not I cycle regularly
3. maybe a better saddle - but that can possibly be upgraded

Budget: I was pretty sure I wanted a Triban RC 100 FB till about a few months back. So ~25k INR

What changed: Sherlocked posted a picture of his Rockrider ST30 and its a stunner. And then I see a couple of other Rockrider ST options on the website (availability is to be checked) that I think would be better suited

So experts, what do you suggest?

Will you use this bike only to continue commuting within Indiranagar and generally within the city limits?

If yes, please don’t buy the rc100. Stick to the ST30.

However, if you venture down old madras road, and onto the blissful Kolar Road and start doing 30-40 kms on the trot, the rc100 it is.

You know, I would actually do something like this. Keep that riverside for the Indiranagar weekday run abouts of 10-15 kms. And get the rc100 for the weekend endurance rides of 50+ kms. How about that? You get to have two bikes and use them for what they have been designed for. And now you can go and get that rc100 drop bar. Gorgeous baby.

I can’t believe I am writing posts like this within a month of getting my own lol!

[akshaymahajan]

Originally Posted by Red Liner

Will you use this bike only to continue commuting within Indiranagar and generally within the city limits?

If yes, please don’t buy the rc100. Stick to the ST30.

However, if you venture down old madras road, and onto the blissful Kolar Road and start doing 30-40 kms on the trot, the rc100 it is.

You know, I would actually do something like this. Keep that riverside for the Indiranagar weekday run abouts of 10-15 kms. And get the rc100 for the weekend endurance rides of 50+ kms. How about that? You get to have two bikes and use them for what they have been designed for. And now you can go and get that rc100 drop bar. Gorgeous baby.

I can’t believe I am writing posts like this within a month of getting my own lol!

I would be lying if I said that this thought did not cross my mind. And your post is tempting!

Currently, I dont see myself doing those weekend endurance rides, but then till last year I did not see myself riding so much. Will need to sleep over this and see how I feel about it.