I have to say, I just don't get it. I've never ridden a bike anywhere where this bike would make sense. To me it's like a slow road bike, or a lousy MTN bike. I guess maybe I need to find some gravel to ride on?
Nick,
Indeed, if you have no where local to go, or no intention to leave the pavement, then a bike like this makes no sense! But then again, millions of people buy SUV's that never leave the pavement either! :)
Now, if you do have easy access to rail-trails, gravel roads and light trails, then a bike like this makes sense. If you live in an area like that and you are a triathlete, and your only bike now, is a full on tri/TT bike, then a bike like this does have a certain appeal and utility. With some swaps of wheels/tires you can go from riding in a Gran Fondo or sportif to gravel road use even some light CX and trail use. Don't get me wrong, this is not the perfect bike for all those uses, but it will get you going and certainly not be the wrong bike for those uses.
Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog
Nick,
Indeed, if you have no where local to go, or no intention to leave the pavement, then a bike like this makes no sense! But then again, millions of people buy SUV's that never leave the pavement either! :)
Now, if you do have easy access to rail-trails, gravel roads and light trails, then a bike like this makes sense. If you live in an area like that and you are a triathlete, and your only bike now, is a full on tri/TT bike, then a bike like this does have a certain appeal and utility. With some swaps of wheels/tires you can go from riding in a Gran Fondo or sportif to gravel road use even some light CX and trail use. Don't get me wrong, this is not the perfect bike for all those uses, but it will get you going and certainly not be the wrong bike for those uses.
Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog