So, is the Dolce Evo considered a "gravel bike". I really don't want to sound stupid, but up to this point, the info i got from the LBS is that the drop bars is the difference between road and hybrid bikes, and road bikes do not ride well on anything but paved roads...for anything else, get a hybrid. I do understand that the drop bars will require a more aggressive riding position, but i was also told that it's strictly for speed and long distance riding...mostly on paved roads. Like, if in the future i want to ride in group rides, most of the those riders have the "road" bikes. This is the impression i'm getting from other posters that say, "just get the drop bars...". For those longer rides, it's more comfortable.
I guess i need to understand the pros/cons between the flat bars and drop bars...especially when i'm also told that you can address any pavement concerns by just changing out the tires. Also, when i've been asked "what is your purpose for the bike", i'd say 'fitness'...basically i want to keep in shape and eventually long rides. When you look at bikes, it's the hybrids that are listed under 'fitness'...to me, that's a little weird, since you can work your a$$ on a road bike. It's almost like hybrids are being advertised as the bikes for the ultimate work out. As for terrain, i live in Florida where we have some nice paths, but sometimes, you may have to ride the crappy side walks, or through grassy parks, to get there. I don't have the luxury to have a bike for every little situation...again, i live in florida where it can rain at anytime, our winters are just about 40-50 degrees, and it's guaranteed there will be sand patches/pot holes everywhere. i just want to make sure i'm not looking too much into this.
In any case, that Dolce Evo looks sooo nice! From the little bit i've researched, the components are pretty good. Thanks again!!!!
Originally Posted by
kevrider
agreed, MinnMan. good thing about the Dolce Evo (no, i do not work for Spesh. why do you ask?
) is the price is only $50 more than the carbon option above. Angie, it seems like with the other bikes you are planning to outgrow before you buy. probably not hard to do with flatbar road machines. why dip your toe in the water? just go ahead and cannonball.
Tiagra is solid. i have two other bikes with Ultegra, but do not feel deprived when riding with Tiagra. that said, the Dolce frame is nice and worthy up eventual upgrades, the first of which could be wheels. if you decide that you do, indeed, enjoy dropbars on dirt (so wrong, it's gotta be right) then you could get a second wheelset mounted with wider/knobbier tires (tubeless) for dirt/gravel and keep the original slicks on the original wheels for the street. hydraulic brakes would be a nice down-the-line upgrade, as well.
additional thoughts, since i'm here... relative to a gravel bike:
road bikes are lighter and faster up hills, but require a more aggro riding position and are sketchy on the unpavement... also can be unstable if loaded for touring... great for charity rides, and such.
mountain bikes are obviously better on dirt, especially more rugged trails, but are usually heavier and slower on pavement... most can be set up for touring, but best if that happens on dirt... you should get one eventually, nothing is better than riding singletrack, imho.
flatbar roadbikes are better... umm... for people who aren't sure what they want to do with a bike... people who are put off by dropbars... can't think of any way that they are functionally superior to a gravel bike.
gravel bikes can't hang with mtn bikes in the rough/sandy/muddy stuff, but they can do most xc trails and all of these other things and make you smile broadly while doing it.