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What gravel/all-road bikes would you recommend for exercise, amateur racing, and group rides? (lemmy.dbzer0.com)

submitted 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) by Pickle_Jr@lemmy.dbzer0.com to c/bicycling@lemmy.world

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I have a wonderful GT Transeo which I have been using for commuting and joy rides.

I'm thinking about upgrading since I did a couple of charity rides and even a race this year as well.

I have been riding road primarily but I'm thinking about gravel or all-road bikes since drivers in my area seem to be getting more... dangerous? If I get gravel then I can either go on bike trails or drive somewhere where there is less car traffic. There's also quite a few gravel events in my area.

I've been eyeing either the Trek Domane, Canyon endurance, or the Giant Revolt. Any other bikes to look into?

Budget - Preferably $1k-$2k USD. I'm okay with going up to $3k if it's worth it. I am not looking to be a pro, just something with a little more arrow and competitive than a hybrid bike 😅. Not afraid of buying used, but the market in my area is terribly non-existent. If I look for used bikes I probably would buy through BuyCycle.com or something.

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[–] avidamoeba@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Your Transeo can already go on dirt roads. Perhaps with a different set of tires. Going road or gravel generally means going drop bars and you have to be okay with that. Personally I'm not. Some people do swap drop bars for handlebars but then you'd get what you already have. Personally I'd likely upgrade the Transeo. I'd change the tires, brakes and if I'm feeling generous - the drivetrain. If I experience any issues with wheels going out of true, then I'd replace the wheels too.

[–] Pickle_Jr@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I'm actually stoked looking for a bike with drop bars! Lol. A friend let me ride around on their bike for a bit and I became a fan of them.

I did consider just switching out the components on the bike, but I'm concerned adding drop bars wouldn't match the geometry of the bike. From what I've seen online, adding drop bars is an iffy thing to do?

[–] avidamoeba@lemmy.ca 1 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

Could be, depends. You can measure things and see. I did the opposite conversion years ago - drops to handlebars on a Jamis road bike. Worked fine in that case.

Another thing to consider is your back. I don't know how "aero" you sit on your current but many drop bar bikes have more athletic position than can give you back pain. There are options to raise the bars but they're not amazing. If you already have the shrimp racing position, then you should be fine.

If I'm doubt get your friend's bike for a longer ride and see how it is.