duketg

I wasn't sure which forum was best for this post. I'm certainly a recreational cyclist, so this seemed best. Here's my story, looking for some advice from all the experts.

I currently have a Trek hardtail mtb, but I’m looking to get a second bike for when I’m not headed to the singletrack. This would get used on roads, crusher paths, maybe some dirt/gravel roads, but nothing too crazy. Rides will probably be < 25 miles max for now. This could could go up in the future, but I would still value a bit of comfort over pure speed (I'm thinking geometry choice here). Until a week ago I was convinced I was going to get a Trek 7.2 FX, but now I’m starting to lean towards something with drops (after all, I already have one flat bar -- I can always swap on some slicks if I want to go that way…). I’m thinking a road bike with clearance for a 28 or 32 mm tire. It would also be a potential commuter, so rack/fender mounts would be good. I’m trying to keep it under $1k. I’m hesitant to go online/craigslist, because I’m not confident I would get the right fit on my own. I’m happy to patronize an LBS to get some help on that front. The one wrinkle here is that I need to be able to tow a bike trailer for a few more years, so this may nudge me into something with a triple crankset (hence the 7.2FX). But I want to make sure that once my kids are out of the trailer I still have a bike I enjoy riding (hence the drops). Here are my thoughts:

Fuji Tread 1.5 Disc Fuji Bikes | LIFESTYLE | CROSS TERRAIN | TREAD 1.5 DISC
Fuji Sportif 2.3 Fuji Bikes | ROAD | ENDURANCE SERIES | SPORTIF 2.3
Fuji Touring Fuji Bikes | LIFESTYLE | CROSS TERRAIN | TOURING
Trek CrossRip CrossRip - Trek Bicycle
Norco Cabot 2 Cabot - Touring - Road - Bikes - Norco Bicycles

The CrossRip, Cabot, and the Touring have triples, which is nice for the trailer. The Touring has bar-ends, which I’ve never used before, but maybe I’d get used to them. The Tread has disc brakes, which I’m not against, but I don’t think are strictly necessary, and I would be concerned about trailer compatibility. The Sportif would be the most affordable and it seems pretty ideal (assuming I can get a 32 on there, or at least a 28), but I don’t think Fuji makes a model with a triple. Finally, I may be able to get a 2014 CrossRip from my LBS for $790, which is about $100 below the 2015 MSRP.

So I guess the advice I’m looking for here is:

a) how much importance should I give to triple vs double? I’m sure it wouldn’t be “necessary”, but I want to enjoy taking my kids out in the trailer, not start looking for excuses to not do it. Currently I only use the granny on the mtb when I’m headed up a hill, or getting started on an incline, and even then it’s not for very long. It’s possible that in the lowest gear on a double I’ll be OK -- that’s just hard to test out without actually hooking it up.

b) Anything else in this price range I should be considering? I’ve researched a few other brands as well, but in this price range components and materials seem to be pretty standard. That being said, if there’s a specific bike I’ve missed that would seem to fit the bill, I’d love to hear it.

Of course I'll need to do a test ride on them to see what I think, and I will do that. I’m mostly looking for some input on the benefit of having a triple crankset, and if there are some other options I should look at.

Thanks in advance!

Cyclosaurus

For the same money you could get a higher-spec'ed touring or CX bike from bikesdirect:

This is a steel CX bike with 105 (a few jumps up from Claris/Sora level)
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Or one with SRAM Apex
Save up to 60% off Avid Disc Brake SRAM Apex Cyclocross | Cross Bikes - Motobecane Fantom Cross

And a touring model with Sora/Deore
Save Up to 60% Off Touring Bikes | Commuting | Commuter Bikes | Windsor Bikes - Tourist

duketg

Thanks Cyclosaurus. I do know that's an option, but as I mentioned in the OP, I'm not confident I could get the fit right on my own. Plus I would almost certainly end up taking it to a shop to be built, which would add another $80 or so, plus a bit more for a fit. I have similar reservations going with CL. I'm fine going to an LBS and paying the "newb tax" to get the right bike. After all, for there to be a used bike market someone has to buy it new first, right?

mhifoe

If you want to tow a trailer you definitely need a triple.

I have a wide range double on one of my bikes and it is nowhere near low enough to tow a trailer with 2 children and associated stuff.

Rehab

I rode a FX7.3 most of last year and I also have a Trek hardtail. I took the plunge and went the road bike route late last year and I am not sorry at all. If you ride in wind, IMO nothing beats the drops.

achoo

And if you're worried about comfort on long rides, drop bars with their multiple hand positions are a LOT more comfortable than flat bars - that have one position.

duketg

Thanks! This is exactly why I started leaving away from the hybrid. I want to get a bike that I won't grow out of to fast.

Anyone else have thoughts on double v triple when it comes to a trailer? Or know of some other road bikes with triples?

fietsbob

Trekking bars are a common European option to put on Hybrids too , riders criding around the world ..

but this forum is USA dominated so reflect that option of that sector that writes here.
if it were a German Language Bike forum things would be different..

Wanderer

Because of body position, it's not quite so easy to keep an eye on a trailer full of kids. Or, even kids on bikes. That's where flat bars on a hybrid really shine. Being semi upright, or upright, really helps with overall vision.