I want to get a bike to commute to work during the summer days, my commute is about 10k each way and consists of uphill/downhill road and about 20% of the way is on gravel / dirt road.
I started biking last summer and picked myself up a Trek X-Caliber 7 and I really liked it, except the size I got was too big for me and I started feeling pain in my right leg and back.
I sold this bike start of this year and haven't had a chance to pick out a new bike until now so I am here to get some advice on what kind of bike to get.
I have always ridden a mountain bike and just can't get into an all out road bike with thin tires (I often don't pay attention to the little rocks on the road). So I am looking for some sort of cross/hybrid bike similar to the X-Caliber.
Ideally a bike that has drop handles so I have more than one position to hold and front shocks that can lock for uphill. I am not totally sold on a must for front shocks I just figured if part of my ride is dirt and bumpy roads it may help. Disc brakes are a must.
Do cross bikes exist that have drop handles, front shocks and dick brakes geared towards casual commuters?
Anyone out there able to help me choose what to get? I am 5'10 and weight 210lbs. My budget is $1000.
As an example, I really do like the spec on this one minus the fact that it does not have front shocks but the group set is pretty good: https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/nvn/bik/6119358832.html
While it is out of my budget, for the right bike I am willing to fork up a little more.
Anyone able to help me narrow it down from these bikes? They are all in my price range and have disc breaks + front shocks. I am now leaning towards the Rocky Mountain Fusion?
Those models don't have drop handles, so proper cyclocross bike will suit you need perfectly, they are made for road/gravel combination (also tires are wider than normal road tyres). Go demo some and see for yourself.