Flat bar road V Road bike.

[pez2014]

Hi. I have posted twice asking for recommendations for both styles of bikes, I have looked at 100's of bikes online and am no closer to deciding lol. Most of my riding will be on roads ( quite poor roads around my way) Any advice would be good please.

[jaythefordman]

a well fitted Road bike will always be more comfortable over the long haul given the greater number of options for hand position etc. Having had both I can't see any real argument for a flat bar on the road/path. On poorer surfaces you might want to go a CX style or maybe even lean towards 25mm tyres on a true roady. My 2c

[pez2014]

2c appreciated.

[rodneycc]

Hi mate. If you think you will really get into riding then go the drop bar roadie. If its just going to be a down the shops bike or casual low km ride with family or a couple of mates then go the flatbar. I generally have a bit of discomfort on a flat bar after 15-20kms so if you think your rides will be longer than that then go the dropbar roadie in my opinion.

There are heaps of people that start on a flat bar or hybrid that buy a second bike which is a dropbar very soon afterwards however you don't hear as many going from dropbar to flatbar in a hurry.

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[outnabike]

Hi pez2014,
It is a common question and the answer can be found in many threads as well as directly. Just go through the topics and you will get a lot of ideas.
This thread may be relevant to you.My bike had touring bars and they seemed OK but after trying drop bars I am happier now. You some times can't decide these things until you try for your self.
http://www.bicycles.net.au/forums/viewt ... =9&t=74428" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[pez2014]

Thanks for the help. I should of mentioned I have signed up for the BUPA around the bay 100k in October, so yes I will be doing a fair few K's when I start training.


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[alexander]

well then you'll need to get a drop bar, no question.

[pez2014]

Ok. Road bike it is then. I've upped my budget to $1200ish. Recommendations please.

[rodneycc]

Same players/bikes as before. Pretty much all the major brands will have an offering or special. There isn't a huge difference between $1000 to 1200, with maybe the exception of the cycling express lower end carbon bikes. You can view those in Bayswater (Vic). You really have to go and test ride a few because what works for someone isn't anything special to another.

Edit: There are always a few nice ones in the market place as well on here. You will need to know your size but for example you could always try and bargain Wilson down to $1500 for his caad10 or Simon down to $1000 for his CX bike!

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[rjk]

also go have a look at the cell range of bikes, they seem to be doing some reasonable ones at good prices

[Top_Bhoy]

Small stuff can be changed/adjusted later but the frame can't so its important to get the correct size from the outset. Look at several brands and models to try and determine which feels better to you.

If you don't know your bike size, have a read at this article to give you an indication of the bike size to be looking at. The theory figures may or may not be the size you end up with but its a good starting point.

http://www.velofitter.com/storage/Road_ ... .14.11.pdf

[KGB]

Definitely drop bar for that distance. I commute 25km each way on a flat bar single speed but only because my position on my road bike is pretty aggressive and I can't stand wearing a backpack on that bike/position.
I'm about to build up a CX bike which might be a little better for commuting, at least it will take a rear rack.

[il padrone]

Hmm....

Having ridden a 200km hilly Audax day ride, and ridden two 3,500km tours both on flat bar/roadster bar bikes, I'd say go with what you find you like and what you are used to riding on. Dropbar bikes are the bike of choice for road racing, but this may not be your style of riding. Heinz Stucke has been touring all around the world for the past 50 years, on a flatbar 3-spd.

[HappyHumber]

How about the OP just take the plunge FFS!

If there was such a clear cut answer over one or the other for every person riding habits; why would there by a choice!? There's not as if there isn't "n+1" to fall back on down the track anyway. All part of the bug once you get it.

[pez2014]

Thanks for your help HappyHumber. Not. That's why we have forums to discuss and learn.


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[lobstermash]

Thanks for your help HappyHumber. Not. That's why we have forums to discuss and learn.

Honestly, how many threads and replies do you need before you take the plunge? This is the third from you, and there are probably close to three figures worth of others asking the same question.

The truth is, there's little actual tangible difference between bikes within a category. Even between price points, the differences are very small. If you want to feel as comfortable and confident about your purchase as you can, go and ride a few bikes at your local bike shops and go with the one you can afford and like (and be prepared for the sales person to try and upsell you as high as they can). No matter what you get, you'll always wonder if you got the best deal, or the best components, or whether you'd be a little faster with internal cables, or if the brand you got properly reflects your self image. Rule #4 is completely wrong. As long as a bike fits, it's all about the rider.

[pez2014]

Thanks for the advice people. HappyHumber & lobstermash. Bollox to ya


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[il padrone]

No, what they are both telling you is good advice. Take the training and preparation recommendation of Fausto Coppi, European road legend - "Ride a bike, ride a bike, ride a bike!"

First get out and ride your existing bike...... lots. Then you will know much better what works, what doesn't work, and what style and quality of bike you really desire.

[il padrone]

There are heaps of people that start on a flat bar or hybrid that buy a second bike which is a dropbar very soon afterwards however you don't hear as many going from dropbar to flatbar in a hurry.

Hey some do. This is exactly what I did 21 years ago. I still ride a couple of drop bar road bikes, but my preferred bikes for rides are the flat bar bikes. 'Rides' including anything from 10km commute to 3,500km extended tour.

[pez2014]

Many thanks.


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[rodneycc]

There are heaps of people that start on a flat bar or hybrid that buy a second bike which is a dropbar very soon afterwards however you don't hear as many going from dropbar to flatbar in a hurry.

Hey some do. This is exactly what I did 21 years ago. I still ride a couple of drop bar road bikes, but my preferred bikes for rides are the flat bar bikes. 'Rides' including anything from 10km commute to 3,500km extended tour.

Ah yes but you are a very special case IP. Some even may say a treasure

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[flashpixx]

The suspense is killing me... or do you propose another thread bike A vs Bike B vs Bike C

FFS man go to a bike shop and actually LOOK at a bike, ride some, have a test fit.

You can flap yer gums all day on forums, but at the end of the day all you will get is opinion... only YOU can decide what is FACT

[pez2014]

[rodneycc]

Hmm never going to be a serious rider with that attitude. Better stick with the flatbar then... or possibly the BMX.

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[pez2014]

I was just after advice, I can get that !! BAN ME NOW FOR SWEARING !! anywhere


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