[yd_gli]

Originally Posted by McLaren_P1

Hi,

I’m looking to purchase a gravel bike - would you know of good recommendations in under 50k INR? Thanks a lot for the advice.

I'm planning on selling my Marin Four Corners. Let me know if you're still interested. I'm based out of Pune too.

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by yd_gli

I'm planning on selling my Marin Four Corners. Let me know if you're still interested. I'm based out of Pune too.

Wow, from what i have read it is a lovely bike. What are you planning on getting next?

[vb-saan]

Originally Posted by ebonho

Yes that's right. For the roads you are riding in your photos, 23c or 25c would be perfect. 28c if you feel you lack the confidence or want something softer.

Thank you! Or maybe I keep the FX3 with the stock 32c tyres – not too wide, and comfortable for the family rides with my wife/daughter, or neighborhood trips. The FX3 is a wonderful machine, but the problem I found on long rides (like the one this morning) is that I was running out of gears a few times.

I have asked friendly sales guy at Trek to give me a call when they have an Émonda in my size available for a test ride. The alloy frame/carbon fork Émonda ALR5 comes with 25c tyres as stock and weighs around 9kg. In comparison, the Domane AL5 comes with 32c tyres and weighs around 10kg. The Domane’s riding position was sweet; just wanted to see if the Émonda’s geometry works for me. Otherwise, price and components are pretty much same on both bikes.

I am taking the Checkpoint out of the options – the more I think of it, a gravel road bike with 40c tyres is probably not my thing as of now

[yd_gli]

Originally Posted by Red Liner

Wow, from what i have read it is a lovely bike. What are you planning on getting next?

Yes, it is a phenomenal bike. There isn't anything else like it. I'm considering selling it off since I've always wanted to have a road bike and I don't have the space to store two bikes at home. Leaving one in the parking lot is asking for trouble. My friend is planning on selling his Trek road bike and I'm in two minds on what to do. I run more often than I bike and long distance rides are becoming more and more infrequent. A road bike suits my use case much better than a gravel one. Dilemma!

[ninjatalli]

Originally Posted by yd_gli

A road bike suits my use case much better than a gravel one. Dilemma!

My advice - don't get too much pulled into such conversations. Evaluate each option with an open mind and go for the bike that you like when riding. Especially now you are plonking a lot of cash, more important to be clear on it.

Some years ago when I was evaluating road bike options, endurance frames were the in-thing. Had mentally made my mind to go for a Trek Domane 2.0 or a Specialized Secteur Elite or Cannondale Synapse - all (endurance bikes and) available at excellent discounted prices. Especially the Secteur was available a mouth-watering 50% off msrp price.

When I test-rode the bikes for decent distances, the Trek Madone and other racing geometry bikes suited me much more even though I hardly race. I eventually bought a non-endurance frame bike which blew away other options even though I paid a ransom for it; and I still find more suitable till date (at times even more than the hybrid I use).

As for trail/gravel riding, I have puncture proof tires (25c) that do the job in most of the on-ground scenarios. Plus the hybrid is always there.

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by yd_gli

Yes, it is a phenomenal bike. There isn't anything else like it. I'm considering selling it off since I've always wanted to have a road bike and I don't have the space to store two bikes at home. Leaving one in the parking lot is asking for trouble. My friend is planning on selling his Trek road bike and I'm in two minds on what to do. I run more often than I bike and long distance rides are becoming more and more infrequent. A road bike suits my use case much better than a gravel one. Dilemma!

Weird. Wouldn't a road bike be more a "long distance" use me every weekend kinda bike? I would think a road bike is a more serious commitment to cycling than a gravel bike.

Actually, if you don't intend to be a serious cyclist (and only focus on running), that gravel bike is the best fit. Paddle around everywhere in comfort, explore trails, do some road to get there etc. It would probably also help in active recovery after your training.

Maybe you should think this out a little...

The only single downside i see on that gravel bike and most other gravel bikes is the weight. 3-4 kgs more than a comparable road bike is quite a lot.

Have i started giving advice already here? Such is the internet!

[yd_gli]

Originally Posted by Red Liner

Weird. Wouldn't a road bike be more a "long distance" use me every weekend kinda bike? I would think a road bike is a more serious commitment to cycling

This would be true if I only rode on the highways. But I rarely did. I usually used to ride on broken, dirt filled backroads around the Western ghats of Pune. However, over the recent past all I've done is ride on City roads and some highways. The road bike is far more efficient and fun on these surfaces. The gravel with its extra weight, disc brakes and fat tires is not much fun on tarred roads especially when it's sunny and hot outside. I might still explore 32c tires but it's impossible to get a hold of them in today's market

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by yd_gli

This would be true if I only rode on the highways. But I rarely did. I usually used to ride on broken, dirt filled backroads around the Western ghats of Pune. However, over the recent past all I've done is ride on City roads and some highways. The road bike is far more efficient and fun on these surfaces. The gravel with its extra weight, disc brakes and fat tires is not much fun on tarred roads especially when it's sunny and hot outside. I might still explore 32c tires but it's impossible to get a hold of them in today's market

Now I agree with you. That extra weight was also what put me off gravel bikes.

[manduvindupondu]

Bikers,
Need your help. I am a 6 feet male aged 38 and living in Hyderabad. I have a passion for cycling and currently using Mach City Munich Hybrid 19 inch frame (gearless).
I have good stamina and cover 30 kms daily and 60 kms on weekends at 17-19 kmph average speed.

I was told that gearless bikes impact the knees . So I get down whenever there is a slope and walk the cycle. I realised I need to upgrade to a Road bike WITH gears.

1. Based on the discussions on this thread, I shortlisted Scott Speedster, Polygon, Triban. No road cycles are available in Hyderabad. Everything is out of stock. How and where o buy?

2. How to select the right frame size?

3. Does import work ? I have close friends in Singapore/Bangkok.

[ebonho]

This guy could be our vey own Eric. Love his philosophy! Don't do it right. Just get it running.

https://youtu.be/u8aoLZKF2rQ

[ringoism]

Originally Posted by ebonho

This guy could be our vey own Eric. Love his philosophy! Don't do it right. Just get it running.

https://Youtu.be/u8aoLZKF2rQ

Indeed seems to be a man after my own heart, will have to check out his other vids.

I've seen a LOT of stalled projects - cars, bikes, whatever - over the years. Things can get complex and de-motivating when idealism and perfect plans are held too tightly to. Unless of course that is particularly what makes someone tick, and they're highly persistent / determined.

I never had a perfect or 95+% completed vehicle, but ALL of my couple dozen old cars/bikes got at least to the point where they would take me down the road.

(On that note, just got back from a satisfying 600km ride through the hills on our raggedy (but mechanically very solid) old Machismo. Will post pics there on that thread soon, I hope).

Seems to be turning out the same with cycles, and I'm indeed enjoying it.

Thanks Doc.

-Eric

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by ringoism

Indeed seems to be a man after my own heart, will have to check out his other vids.

Thanks Doc.

-Eric

You might like to give oldshovel a checkout too.

https://youtu.be/Fg_E5pNAyb8

Cheers, Doc

[narayanang76]

Almost time to change my Signature.

Introducing Van Rysel Ultra CF 105, with some custom mods, upgrades.

All these while, I was riding bikes with Aluminum frame and its my first time getting into Carbon Frame. I hope I will be able to do justice to this bike.

And I wasnt looking for a bike change or upgrade, but as luck would have it, the planetary alignment happens and such things come true. Bike Availability, with suitable price, willingness to upgrade some components, home minster's nod, and timing couldnt have been better.

So far did 2 X 50 KM rides on it, and I am trying to get used to the bike. Initial impression has been that the bike is Agile, responsive and rider gets less feel of road vibrations.

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by manduvindupondu

Bikers,
Need your help. I am a 6 feet male aged 38 and living in Hyderabad. I have a passion for cycling and currently using Mach City Munich Hybrid 19 inch frame (gearless).
I have good stamina and cover 30 kms daily and 60 kms on weekends at 17-19 kmph average speed.

I was told that gearless bikes impact the knees . So I get down whenever there is a slope and walk the cycle. I realised I need to upgrade to a Road bike WITH gears.

1. Based on the discussions on this thread, I shortlisted Scott Speedster, Polygon, Triban. No road cycles are available in Hyderabad. Everything is out of stock. How and where o buy?

2. How to select the right frame size?

3. Does import work ? I have close friends in Singapore/Bangkok.

Nobody replied to you

1. Those are all nice bikes. You can also check with dealers in Bangalore. Join the cyclops community on facebook and post your requirement there. Buy only from recognised dealers who have a shop and do not buy sight unseen unless its from Decathlon or Cyclops.

2. Frame size is primarily based on your height. There are also calculators available online if you have the patience to measure yourself properly. Then go to the manufacturer website and verify your height against their recommendation.

3. If they are flying down, i dont see this being a problem. They will need to hand carry it as part of their luggage. But unless you are trying to buy some exotic which has no chance of availability in india, maybe stick with buying in india. Not worth all the trouble.

4. Begin your bicycle evaluation from the Triban series and then compare and contrast other manufacturers at the same price point/geometry/and tech specs.

This is strictly advice for a beginner cyclist only to wade through this maze of cycle purchasing.

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by narayanang76

Almost time to change my Signature.

Introducing Van Rysel Ultra CF 105, with some custom mods, upgrades.

Congratulations on your lovely new bike Narayan ji! Beautiful bike.

Those chain rings look a lot like the Absolute Black (?) rings favored by our crochety old troll with superhot young girlfriend Durianrider!

Do tell more about the custom mods and upgrades please.

Cheers, Doc