Bike Forums - View Single Post - The last bike I'll ever buy

06-06-20 | 07:16 PM

#10

LeeG

Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 5,300

Likes: 115

Quote:

Originally Posted by fofinet855

Hey everyone, first post here.

I'm looking to buy a new road/tourism/gravel bike, for hybrid use (commuting, traveling, skiing). I've checked online and found tons of possibilities, of course, with almost endless choices regarding all the possible aspects of the bike.

My question here is a bit lateral, perhaps: what bike, or bikes, or kind of bike, can I expect to last the longest? Right now I'm using a Cannondale H800 from, I believe, 1994. I've been using it a lot and for a very long time, been hit by a (slow) car once, and in time I've changed almost all the components, but it's still working (frame and fork are original). I find this quite amazing: it's so old, but with some maintenance it stil serves it function.

Now I want to replace it with something similar, because it's a bit too small for me, because it does show its age, and because in Italy there is a €500 bonus for buying a bike. I'm looking for something in the €1000-1500 range (but can think of going a bit higher if it's worth it). What aspects should I take into consideration regarding the likelihood that it'll last me just as long as the Cannondale? (For example: carbon vs aluminium vs steel for both frame and fork, mechanical vs fluid for the brakes, model of the derailleur, etc)

I'm not a pro, I'm not obsessed with speed, I'm not looking for the highest-end components. I mostly want it to be solid, and to carry me around even with a heavy load.

Thanks in advance.

The bike that lasts the longest will be the one that was assembled and maintained well. You will replace tires and drivetrain according to use and conditions regardless of brand. Entropy hasn't changed. Frame material and brand is somewhat irrelevant as long as the bike you ride meets your needs. Pick the bike for 80% of your use. There’s a big difference between a 150 lb rider with a heavy load and a 225 lb rider with a heavy load with regard to wheels and bike so you leave a lot missing for feedback. Many bikes can carry a heavy load if distributed well front to rear but few bike handle well with a heavy load sitting over just the rear wheel. You might consider other handlebar configurations than the near straight bar of the hybrid H800.

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