Originally Posted by Higgs_Zaphod

Hi!

I recently found out I have some health issues that could possibly benefit from some exercise and I have decided that cycling is the method I want. I am in my mid 40s, 5'11 and thin at 135lbs, but have some cholesterol related heart issues that I would like to take control of. Not to mention that some exercise just wouldn't hurt me anyway. I bought a cheap and very used mountain bike off of facebook market place and over the past few weeks of riding it, I found that I REALLY like cycling. So...I want to upgrade to something a bit more suitable.

So far I have found that I think I prefer pavement. I wouldn't be opposed to some off road trails now and then but on road is what I really enjoy. I am considering either a road bike or a gravel bike. I like the idea of a fully dedicated road bike best. Going far and fast sounds fun for sure and quite honestly...I think road bikes also look super cool . The roads around here aren't perfect though. Gravel roads aren't a big priority although they do exist here, more so just that cracked pavement, some pot holes and uneven transitions are pretty common. It's "country roads", I live among farmers, so they are not always in the best condition. So that combined with that I wouldn't be super opposed to a little trails now and then, has me also considering a gravel bike.

What are you thoughts on this decision? Are road bikes ok on roads that aren't super smooth or do you think I would better served with a gravel bike, even though the vast majority of use will be on pavement?

Thank you!