Originally Posted by archermd
thanks
i am not coming of a mountain bike
i am coming back to riding but have not been on a bike in 20 years or more
the spec sirrus seems nice
many people tell me i will want drop bars sooner than later
that's why i am looking at the options
clearly there are more options to use wider tires on flat bar bikes
that is the confusion for me
if i could put 28 or 32 on a sequoia elite it might be nice for me and cheaper than a tricross
also, should i go for carbon and spend more to have less weight?
there are just so many options and questions
see also my thread "compact?"
One thing about buying your first bike is that it will not be your last. The first bike is so that you can find out what you really want in a bike so the second one is better.---- and the 3rd and the 4th ad infinitum.
I would not go for the top of the range initially but do not go cheap unless that is all you can afford. In the sirrus range for example- go for one that has the gears you want- if hilly then go for a triple crankset and if flat go for a double. Ask advice back here on the particular model when you decide to see if we can suggest better or recommend it. As to the drop bar as your first bike, If you feel confident enough go for it. If you are certain that road riding is what you are going to do then a road bike is better. If a bit more casual and with a few trails then the "Hybrid" flat bar bikes will be better,. Just don't get an MTB unless you are going offroad. On tyres- A wider tyre will be better for comfort but I ride 23's on the road bike on soft surface mups with no problems. I just stay away from the muddy bits.