Originally Posted by
nashcommguy
This has alot to do w/geometry and weight distribution moreso than gear-inches. Loaded drop-bar touring bikes are designed to flatten those climbs. Dedicated roadies aren't designed to function well under load beyond a certain weight limit.
Agree 100%. Get a good ride as little equipment annoyances will mount up into big frustrations and you'll end up either quitting or spending more money to upgrade w/t combined cost of both bikes...been there, done that.
This is true of most modern road and CX bikes. The 'interrupter levers' are way better than the 'suicide levers' on the bike boom rbs of the 70s and 80s. They're cheap, effective and 'newbie' friendly. I've got a set on my commuter/utility bike and find myself using them much more than I thought I would.
I agree with all of this. I never thought I'd use the interrupters the P/O had setup on my bike, but around town, its nice to be able to be upright while searching out a bar/restaurant in traffic and have quick access to the brakes in a situation.
Again, totally agree with the "buy right the first time". I bought a hybrid made for use on trails and recreation for my first bike, and the upkeep and nagging issues with the bike made for a very difficult commute and life for me. My bikes are my only form of transport, and without the advice from members here to check out some better suited bikes, I probably would have gotten frustrated and quit. Don't forget, if you try to ride a bike made for short trips and occasional recreational riding, you could cause some pretty serious problems with your health. Your wrists, back, and other body parts will tell you loudly that they are not happy, and it may be in the middle of a commute one day. My cargo bike was my daily commuter for the past few months, and the last weeks I started having major wrist pain, and that expedited my road bike purchase. I cannot afford to have injuries like that, after experiencing the incredibly long therapy period after I messed up my back a few years ago.
You have touched on another topic that is a big thing here. Road bikes are all different, not all road bikes are racing wonderbikes. Buying one of THOSE for a commute would be a bad idea. A touring frame or CX bike is the ticket. The lighter weight of a simple aluminum road bike with a more distance optimized geometry will really pay off on something like a 30+mile r/t route.