Originally Posted by
no1mad
For weekend club rides, it will be acceptable. For grocery runs, not so much, unless he's using a big backpack or mess bag. If he could extend the budget a bit, sounds like a CX would be the way to go- offers a bit more versatility.
Gearing and drop bars like a rb and a little stouter frameset like an MTB. There's a couple on
www.bikesdirect.com(click on 'road' and scroll down to 'cyclocross') that would fill the bill. One's 2x10 and the other's 2x9. 800.00USD for one and 550.00USD for the other. Free shipping. They're great bikes for the money, but no snob appeal. Good to excellent comps and bosses for racks. Get a lbs to assemble it unless the OP's willing to help.
Btw, I've got the 2x9 version and have no trouble keeping up w/group rides. Just strip off the rack/bags and roll.
