another new rider

[HillSlugger]

I have heard of these bikes, and tried to look for them online ~ is it a brand name or a type of bike for a certain type of event? Having trouble finding them.

Jackie

It's a type of bike used for racing/riding on multiple types of surfaces. For example, look at the Specialized Tricross or the Kona Jake

[Deborajen]

Welcome, momtohanna! I don't have gravel roads to contend with since I live in town, but I ride a mountain bike a lot of the time because the bigger, thicker tires aren't as sensitive to surface as the road bike tires. Personally, I just like the mountain bike - it handles better, I like the position, etc. But we have a bike rack and can carry the road bikes to a starting point if we want.

I haven't done BAK but from what I've heard, I wouldn't go with a heavier bike like a mountain bike for that. If you're planning on doing some longer rides, tours, etc., you might want to check into a touring bike and car transport options. There are lots of older threads you can search, or feel free to ask again as you're thinking it through!

Deb

[momtohanna]

Thanks to everyone for their responses.

Deborajen ~ Yes, I definitely want to get something different/lighter for longer rides ~ however, I have to kind of prove myself to my hubby before he's gonna let me lay out more money for a bike than we've spent on quite a few of our cars

I'm definitely having fun looking and it can be a little confusing since I don't know a lot of the terminology. It seems some bikes would be right for me, but then I read in forums and it seems they maybe aren't. We have an awesome LBS in Wichita, so I will go in and talk to them over the coming months.

I'm hoping I can maybe get some cash for Christmas to fund a new bike.

[momtohanna]

I stopped by a couple bike shops today and was offered completely different options.

The first shop took me first to the hybrid section and when I said I wasn't really looking for a hybrid to the fitness bike and once I asked about it the cyclocross options.

The second bike store took me to the hybrids first and I again said I didn't really want a hybrid, he told me he wouldn't really let 1/2 mile of gravel stand in his way. (I was a little put off, but then realized he was trying to help.) He then showed me the Giant Dash series (which is coming out in 2010), and after we talked for a while recommended the Dash 2.

So what do you think? I haven't actually sat on or tested out any of these bikes, but I was surprised someone recommended a road bike for me, as I didn't think I would be able to do it with so much gravel between me and the road.

I do mainly want to ride on the road, and do long trips including of course Bike across Kansas in a couple years, but don't want to have to put my bike on a car to get to the road. kwim?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[HillSlugger]

I stopped by a couple bike shops today and was offered completely different options.

The first shop took me first to the hybrid section and when I said I wasn't really looking for a hybrid to the fitness bike and once I asked about it the cyclocross options.

The second bike store took me to the hybrids first and I again said I didn't really want a hybrid, he told me he wouldn't really let 1/2 mile of gravel stand in his way. (I was a little put off, but then realized he was trying to help.) He then showed me the Giant Dash series (which is coming out in 2010), and after we talked for a while recommended the Dash 2.

So what do you think? I haven't actually sat on or tested out any of these bikes, but I was surprised someone recommended a road bike for me, as I didn't think I would be able to do it with so much gravel between me and the road.

I do mainly want to ride on the road, and do long trips including of course Bike across Kansas in a couple years, but don't want to have to put my bike on a car to get to the road. kwim?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

The Dash 2 looks like it might be able to suit your needs since it is able to accommodate 28c tires. 28's are a good compromise between on road performance and comfort and the ability to deal with your gravel road and other rough-ish surfaces. One thing to consider is that since this bike is a "flat bar" road bike it offers you less hand positions than you get with a "drop bar" bike. On a long ride, like BAK, a drop bar gives you hand positions on the hoods, in the drops, and on the flat top part. A flat bar gives you only the one position, with an option for a second if you add on bar ends.

I assume you are thinking that whatever you buy in the near term will be THE bike you'll have for the long term and for BAK? Is there a chance of another new bike in a year or so before BAK?

So, when are you going to start test riding?

[momtohanna]

Good to note ~ yeah I'm thinking the bike I get now will probably be what I do BAK with.

I'm pretty sure the guy at the shop said the Dash would come with the sidebars on the straight handlebars.

I think I need to do some riding with the drop handlebars as they still kinda freak me out lol.

I'd love to start test riding, just a matter of having the bike in stock and someone to watch my daughter while I do it. (which is pretty hard to come by these days). SOON though if I have anything to say about it