Dannph

I have decided to get back into shape and started riding again. I need a new bike. I currently have an old Trek mountain bike that served me well in the hills of Pa, but is not very good on concrete. I am trying to decide between road and cyclocross. I ride about 20 mi every other night, looking to do more, but not sure what is best for me. I have looked at some Motobecane and Mercier bikes that have 18 to 27 speeds, is that really that important? Also, I am not familiar with the brands, are they decent bikes? I am looking spend under $1,000 and looking for the right fit. Any advise would be appreciated.

East Hill

Hello Dannph, nowadays Motobecane and Mercier are brands put out by Bikes Direct. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with those brands, but they do not have the cachet certain other brands have.

Have you considered putting slicks on your Trek? That could pump some new life into the bike. If you ride virtually nothing but road, then you want a road bike. If your travels take you to places where you may encounter some gravel or dirt, then you might look into a cyclocross bike.

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

neilfein

The Historian has slicks on a Trek comfort bike, and he seems to like them. Not a bad idea. I keep the knobbies on mine for trail riding, but slicks would be nice on long pavement rides.