Originally Posted by SPOODZ
Hi,
Looked at just about every bike in my price range and still undecided as to what is right for my needs. I like the Trek 7.3fx disc - I've ridden mountain bikes for 10 years so am still attached to the likes of disc brakes and a more upright riding position. But I keep looking at everyones commuter bikes on the forum and they all seem to be road bikes, drop handlebars and 23mm tires. For the length of my commute, am I looking at the wrong sort of bike?
My route is road all the way, a few hills, a few potholes, lots of traffic. Are 32mm tires and 48/38/28 + 11-30 gears going to be unsuitable? Would I be beter with something like the Giant FCR3, with its big 52 ring and 28mm tires, as well as a more roadie riding position (flat bars though)?
I seem to be spoilt for choice - and its just causing more confusion - your advice is much appreciated.
If you are out in the open, wind will be an issue and I will go with the road bike. If you are in built up areas with narrow roads and wind is not a concern, go with the hybrid. Actually, I don't like hybrids; I suspect the geometry is unstable because of a steep head tube which causes handling problems at high speeds (the wheel, if perturbed, seems to want to oscillate in an unstable way causing an over the handlebars crash; I've seen crashes of this type two times now, both on hybrid geometry bicycles).
Instead of the hybrid, go with a road bike with flat bars. It's much better; it has the upright position of a hybrid but the handling characteristics of a road bike, which are much more stable.
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Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
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