ForFun

I am looking for a first dropped bar bike recommendation … I am 64 yrs of age, 250 lbs and have been riding a trek 7500 and 7.5 FX ( bought used) for the past yr and a half. 80% on roads and paved mups with the remainder on cinder paths, rails to trails. I thinking cyclocross hopefully for a relaxed geo and the ability to run 32 or 35 tires for comfort … i am not a speedster, currently 13 mph average so I certainly do not expect to ride much above 15 +/- .

I have been looking at these four bikes as I prefer to stay under/around 1 K

https://www.giantnerd.com/tommaso-bes...ross-bike.html $900
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...60_-1___203559 $850 (when on sale)
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...75_-1___203559 $700 (when on sale)
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...71_-1___203559 $1000 (when on sale)

I am concerned about the 20/24 spoke count of the nashbar GT’s but I do like the idea of the carbon fork … the Tommaso does seem to be the heaviest, steel fork, heavier frame I guess but im not sure a couple of pounds will make a difference ..I am use to shimano never road sram … kinda like to try 105’s but im sure tiagra is plenty good enough for me …

Any thoughts ???

Barrettscv 

As much as I like Cyclocross bikes, a touring bike might be better for your needs. A touring bike will also fit 700x35 tires and in many ways are the same as the bikes you selected. However, touring bikes have stronger wheels and will carry 250 lbs with better durability and stability than any CX bikes. see: https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...12_-1___202339

Bekologist

cyclocross isn't 'relaxed geometry' by any stretch of the imagination.

far better to consider a touring frameset, or a bike specifically built with relaxed frame angles and the ability to run wider tires.......


Raleigh Port Townsend is the epitome of what you're looking for, not any of those racing oriented cross bikes you've linked to.

ForFun

Thanks to both for your comments ... i will certainly look at the touring bikes ... didn't want to make a mistake and purchase the wrong bike !!!

Thanks again ...

ForFun

That bike looks like a good buy !!! a bit more research and prob pick it up on sale ... thanks ...

Barrettscv 

Yes, you get Shimano 105 triple drivetrain and sturdy 36 spoke wheels at a great price.

johnread

On the other hand....

I started looking at bikes when I was at 265 lbs, and purchased a Specialized Sirrus Limited at 240. When I reached 215, I was tired of getting beat up by the 23mm tires on the Limited, and traded it for a Specialized Crux. It sports 35mm tires, canti brakes, a drop bar, fairly quick geometry. I absolutely love it as my "all arounder". It's a great fitness bike, and does extremely well as a commuter/city bike with a messenger bag, handlebar bag, and/or seatpost rack. It's definitely strong enough for my current 200 lbs, and I'm confident it would hold me well even when I was 240 (but the pounds keep sliding off by riding four times a week). My Crux has Shimano 105 (love it!), and other mid-grade components and is a fine ride.

ForFun

Thanks John, I'll take a look at the Crux but the touring bike does seem a logical first drop bar bike for me ... as always need to ride a few ... thanks again.

mustang1

on cx bikes, watch out for toe overlap especially with fenders installed and also front brake shudder (combi of canti brakes and carbon fork though I've heard of this on forks with other materials also).

My Tricross CX had this gift though my Focus Mares doesnt (it has road-like brakes).

CX bikes also have a slightly odd geo but that's all personal taste.

fietsbob

Test ride a '013 Trek CrossRip.

ForFun

Stang, thanks for the heads up on the overlap and brake shutter ... !st i've heard about the brake shutter but good to know ...

ForFun

Bob, Looks very interesting ... well worth a test ride ... thanks ...

johnread

+1 on the toe overlap! My Crux will definitely come screeching to a halt, and dump me on the ground, in a slow speed sharp turn. My only complaint at all with the bike!