[ninjatalli]

Originally Posted by pradster

Now the question is what bike?

Key factors for me are :

- Looks
- Low Maintenance
- Comfort
- the ability to accomplish my chosen objectives ( short hops, long rides) without killing my back.

This is not a forum discussion exercise - you need to go out and try the cycles to see what model and size fits you.

Hybrids - For 75k, you'll get most if not all decent brands and a choice of various models with varying components across all brands - Cannondale, Bianchi, Merida, Specialized and so on. It's a candy store situation so go trial shopping and see what works for you. For that price tag, ignore Decathlon and local / Indian brands (Firefox, Montra, etc.)

Road bike - For 75k, you'll have to stick to options with the lowest components (think Sora or Claris if you are lucky). I'd recommend skipping this option.

[pradster]

Thanks All for the advice, apologies for not being able to respond to all! But rest assured I am taking notes!

How much of a difference the thinner road bike tyres make in cornering and general road handling as compared to those shod on MTBs?

This is specially in the context of our lovely roads and general infrastructure, Is the additional grip of MTB tyres really a safeguard?

Having witnessed quite a few tumbles , others, not mine -OK that was just one time that I took a tumble too- while cycling admittedly heavy rental bikes around Europe (and being not the sprightly BMX rider anymore) I would like to protect my derriere and my knees from damage that can avoid.

Originally Posted by srgntpepper

And before I forget, there's this whole gravel bike thing that is picking up. A hybrid on the road side of the spectrum.
...

Check them out before deciding on a high priced specialist

Gravel Bikes do sound exciting! Checking them out.

Originally Posted by Aditya

...Don't look too much into the drivetrain bit. Anything with an Altus / Acera or Claris / Sora drivetrain will get you along nicely...

Originally Posted by ninjatalli

... It's a candy store situation so go trial shopping and see what works for you. For that price tag, ignore Decathlon and local / Indian brands (Firefox, Montra, etc.)

All sage advice, I have scheduled a visit to a specialty bike shop. Will report back with findings tomorrow.

[surfatwork]

Like many above, a hybrid would be the best option. A road bike is quite different in the way it handles - until you get used to it, it can feel very skittish. The drive train is meant for speed, not relaxed cycling. The thin tyres also aren't great on our roads.
Ideally you are looking for a flat handle bar, front suspension, 35c tyres and a lightweight aluminium frame. Puncture resistant tyres would be a bonus.

[amol4184]

Originally Posted by pradster

How much of a difference the thinner road bike tyres make in cornering and general road handling as compared to those shod on MTBs?

This is specially in the context of our lovely roads and general infrastructure, Is the additional grip of MTB tyres really a safeguard?

A lot. Road bike with grippy 23c/25c is a handling delight. Cornering, flickability, weaving thru traffic is way easier on thin tires. I have road bike with 23c (down from original 25c) and gravel bikes with 33c and 38c semi-gravel tires and roadie just obliterates them both on the road. If you compare it to a proper MTB with 2-3 inch tires the difference will be day and night. Any road related activity is going to be a chore on MTB tires - be that regular commuting, climbing small inclines or long rides.

On the other hand these thin roadie tires suck on bad, chipped roads. Riding them on low pressure runs a risk of flats something which you can easily do on thicker tires. They are also going to transmit every imperfection on the road to frame. Riding them thru potholes feels like a punishment. Riding in loose gravel is dangerous too. My 23c bike can handle hard packed gravel but anything with loose rocks makes it nervous.

If your riding is going to be a mix of everything but majorly for fitness and commute, find a middle ground in the range of 28c-33c tires with slick middle and knobby outer. Many hybrids come with such setup and so do gravel bikes. These bikes will not bog you down on flats and climbs while also being reasonably comfortable over long distance.
Just be sure you don't go for a specific purpose built bike and then use it for something else.

[LoneRidder]

Originally Posted by pradster

Somehow cant get myself to spend money on a decathlon bike. no offence to decathlon and their fans (myself included) but I am being a little shallow here and looking to buy a snazzy bike that I will perhaps cherish and show off in equal measure

Been there, done it! I was of the same view while I was exploring various options before buying my first bike. I believe, the value Tiban RC500 gets may not be comparable to any other. For the group set, warranty probably there is no other best in the range of 75k. I have done over 10k on it so far. An epic ride to Goa too

Originally Posted by Red Liner

The groupset that you get beats every single bike out there at the price. Look up YouTube for what international reviewers have to say.

Completely agree!

Originally Posted by pradster

How much of a difference the thinner road bike tyres make in cornering and general road handling as compared to those shod on MTBs? Gravel Bikes do sound exciting! Checking them out.

When on road, the thinner the better for fast and easy ride. You can easily manager even road under construction, meaning gravel roads. But for complete off roading it is MTB.

[surajram]

The Marin Four Corners would fall close this price point after retailer discounts.

Things I liked

1. It’s a steel frame that’ll outlast everyone
2. Super relaxed touring geometry + wide tyres = comfortable plush ride
3. More than enough mounting points for panniers, bottle cages etc., enough tyre/mudguard clearance. Perfect jack of all trades bike.
4. Still quick enough to comfortably cruise at 25kmph all day long
5. Sora Groupset seems like will last the lifetime of the bike.

I might change the tyres to a road focused option if the need arises. But so far the stock setup hold very well.

[srgntpepper]

Originally Posted by amol4184

On the other hand these thin roadie tires suck on bad, chipped roads. Riding in loose gravel is dangerous too.

I got flung off my 25C bike because the front tire got ever so stuck in slight gap between concrete sections.

Originally Posted by amol4184

Just be sure you don't go for a specific purpose built bike and then use it for something else.

+1. buy a gen purpose bike for now, soecialize later.

[pradster]

Originally Posted by srgntpepper

I got flung off my 25C bike because the front tire got ever so stuck in slight gap between concrete sections.

This is my biggest fear with road bikes. This, and bum pain....

[Biker Ram]

75k is a good budget. In fact too high a budget if you haven't decided what kind of bike to go for. Not sure about the riding conditions in your locality but if I were to advise anyone buying a bike in Bangalore for general purpose I'd say go for a hybrid. Straight bar, good brakes, fatter tyres and probably a basic suspension fork will be much safer than a bike with drop bars and thinner tyres. Especially for someone getting back to cycling after a long gap.

Originally Posted by srgntpepper

Infact, since you are starting after ages, get started with maybe secondhand bike. Then once you know you are really into it and figure out your usage. Then do a major upgrade.

I second this. Get a used hybrid for much cheaper and use it for sometime. It will help in understanding what aspects are more important for you and what kind of bike you will really like.

[Pani]

Hey, a cyclist here as well
You are currently in one of the best phase of the hobby, shipping for a new bike

I am not sure if you are open to both new and used bike. For your budget you can either buy a good entry level hybrid brand new (assuming you don't want to get into road bike with drop handlebars) or a really nice mid level bike pre-owned.

To start with if you want bike with fixed fork you can look at Giant Escape. If you want a front suspension you can look at Giant Roam. And if you are open to slightly used bikes (which you should consdering there are some tremendous deals out there), you can get many more interesting choices from Specialized, Trek and Cannondale. By the way, I suggest you check out this app called Findbetter. It is a social marketplace for cycling and running goods. Some of the best cycling stores have listed their catalog on it. Lots of good people (all enthusiasts), who are discussing cycling goods everyday. I think posting there would open lot of good options for you. Here is the link https://onelink.to/4kqkem

[balphanso]

Originally Posted by pradster

Somehow cant get myself to spend money on a decathlon bike. no offence to decathlon and their fans (myself included) but I am being a little shallow here and looking to buy a snazzy bike that I will perhaps cherish and show off in equal measure

That said, decathlon are known for selling decent value goods at a no nonsense price, is that also the case with their bikes? Really interested to know if their bikes follow the VFM mantra that they are known for.

I know, I am late to the party. I have been using a Triban 520 since 2019 and have clocked around 2000 kms on it and used it for a couple of Duathlons

It’s a good bike for someone who would like to enter into cycling. It’s sturdy and the ride geometry is endurance built. This means your body (especially your neck and back) gets ample time to get used to the riding posture. I was able to clock a 100k ride within 2 months of getting this bicycle. Yeah, I did chew more than what I could bite, but the bicycle held up well.

The Sora group set is quite sturdy and relatively cheap. The gears give you ample ratio to climb hills.

The sizing of the Decathlon is quite accurate, but based on your height, inseam and hand length, you may want to do minor mods. The decathlon stores help you with that. Servicing is real up to par, at least near my place.

They have a new gravel version RC 120, it’s a workhorse, while I haven’t ridden it. But have seen quite a few folks do really long rides.

I would suggest you go for the RC500/520, since you are starting out for. The bicycle with the ease of service will ensure you can focus on the riding and enjoying

Hope this helps!

[yakherder]

Get a used rim brake road bike. At the budget end there is a huge weight difference between disc and rim. 8 speed Claris even older Gen i.e.2400 series is fine. Ideally externally cabled and carbon fork with aluminium steerer tube. Bonus would be if the frameset can take 28c tires. Which is more than enough for decent roads. Why the above ? Because if you really do end up getting passionate about it, you can do your own maintenance pretty easily, used aluminium steerers won't have the ring of death that some full carbon forks do, you can play around with stack or how high you want the handlebars without worry. I only go to the bike shop to get my wheels trued.

Most importantly you will have to get the correct size which make mean getting a paid bike or doing some research (did the latter). Don't worry if it's initally uncomfortable, it's something the body gets used to over time.

This is the route I went down. Bought a used road bike with 8 speed Claris that I upgraded to shimano 105, (mainly for the looks lol and also to use a single sided power meter). Changed the handlebars and new saddle on the way. Initally planned on upgrading to carbon until I realised I was happy enough with the bike as is.

You should get good enough deals if you take the time to search. Would recommend Cannondale CAAD or Specialized Allez (203-17). Moolah leftover can be used for kit, bike computer etc.