hoosadam

I'm replacing a 20 year old Trek 820 (not really ridden in the last 15+ years) that was my college bike. I'm looking to get back into riding some again - running is my primary exercise, but I'd like to mix it up and have a good bike to get out and explore with... maybe run to the grocery store, bar, rides with kids, bikeways, gravel trails, etc... I road the SLR2 at my LBS and it seems great. The cost is what's stopping me from pulling the trigger. I'm wondering if it will be a wise use of $ or if I should start out with something cheap (like an Amazon purchase to just knock around town on and see if I really stick with it).

I'm sure many will laugh at considering a $330 city bike vs. a $870 hybrid, but... I would welcome thoughts on my dilemma. I can afford the $870 (and the additional gear I'll end up needing - helmet, lights, lock etc...) but I'm trying to make a wise spending decision. The ToughRoad does seem like the perfect match for the kind of bike I was considering - something a little more versatile than the Trek FX or "fitness" hybrid, but not a full MTB/hardtail. And FWIW the ToughRoad looks pretty sweet in person.

Another question is the time of year to purchase: I wonder if I should wait until winter isn't looming (I'm in Virginia) to purchase and jump back on the bike.

Thanks... hopefully I'll stop my over-thinking this soon and can post here with some meaningful contributions.

Bruzer

So that Retrospec bike looks like a good deal. The bikes are not the same so comparing the two is an effort in futility. The SLR2 has rack mounts. This Retrospec does not. You may be able to get some rack to work but it will be more of a challenge and you will have less options of racks. The Retrospec uses rim brakes that are a lot different than disc. Also 1x7 speeds are not equal to 2x10.

In the end it will come down to your goals and preferences. If you really want to set up with racks so you can carry groceries the choice is clear. If you want to pay the least amount of money the choice is also clear. It is a bike, only buy what you will ride.

You said the SLR2 was "great". Can you elaborate? What did you like about it?

coominya

2x10 is a great combination in my experience. I never used the granny gear on a 3-ring and find the combination of small chainring and largest cog on the toughroad hauls me up the steepest inclines at the end of a tiring ride. I know a lot of folk have moved to a single but I couldn't imagine it myself. Perhaps if I was 20 years younger

Of course the toughroad SLR-2 comes with 3 rings. One of the reasons I went for the SLR-1, and if you rarely or never use that small ring on the 3x I can't see the sense in buying one.

hoosadam

I liked the look for sure. The weight - at least to me it seems very light. The ride was decent. The ability to add some racks if I wanted... overall versatility.

Saitama

I tried a SLR1 a couple of months ago on offer second hand. Didn't buy because there were too many scratches he hid by avoiding them in his photos, and it was a bit too big. But it feels very solid, the specs suit it very well.

CadenceBoy

it's a rigid mountain bike imo, too beefed up to be a hybrid.

Or a rigid trekking bike, ... still not a hybrid.

ColonelSanders

Aren't Dual Sports, Crossroads and Roams considered hybrids?

The Toughroad is a competitor to them, more so than the FX or Sirrus range.

Wassy

Have any of you compared the fastroad to the Specialized Sirrus? Any thoughts? I'm liking the look of the fastroad a lot but need more info.

ColonelSanders

A test ride will tell you more than anyone's opinion here.

Both are considered pretty good bikes, so find what suits you better.

Wassy

My problem is not a single one of the very few dealers near me stock em. Have to order and commit.

jase33

Talk to the shop owner or manager and ask if they will let you set a deposit for them to order the bike with the agreement that you will buy one bike from them. If you end up not liking either bike you may lose your deposit or they may let you put it towards another bike they offer. My LBS does not advertise it but allows this if you ask, but make sure they offer something you want. My LBS will usually ask for one third of the sale price as a deposit.

It's also a good way to build a relationship with them that could bring you good deals on other stuff later like tires, components and other accessories.

Wassy

Thank you!

hcgaloi

I bought a 2016 Fastroad late October/2016, and I have ridden for about 500-600 miles. I'm a complete newbie to cycling, so I can't comment on the performance. However, the one thing I hate about the bike is the squeaky noises that it makes. I only at a local lake with mostly flat paved route, and every day or other day, the bike would change to different noises. At first the LBS blamed it on "things need to settle on a new bike." After a month with 400 ridden miles, they tried to re-lube this... re-adjust that... but unable to fix the problem. I'm at a point of about to throw it away and get a different brand.

Snuts

-- Mystery noise --

When I bought my last bike in Nov. The mechanic was transferring my Brooks saddle (only 6 weeks old) over to my new frame, I was assisting. He was very adamant on really cleaning the rails of the saddle, and the mount. Lots of friction too. He commented that it is a great source of mysterious noise. Siting the paint can chip, or something to that effect. I respect his experience and have added it to my bag of tricks/remedies. I got the impression it was a had lesson learned somewhere along the line.

Hope this might help.







-Snuts-

Wassy

Surprised to hear about the noises. I had heard that slightly older models had done that but they rerouted the internal cables to fix that issue but also heard that carbon magnifies all sounds that otherwise would be silent on an aluminum bike. Wonder if same on the Sirrus carbon.

rumrunn6

gonna need a cigarette (jk) after looking at the 1st pic & hearing about the OEM 700x50 tires

coominya

I think that's what attracted me too it.

coominya

Carbon bikes certainly have their idiosyncrasies. I wonder how much of it comes from the joints where the carbon meets the metal bits. I read an article that said the pro racers only use their bikes for one race, do the noises start after time do they?