End of the road bike era?

[LOOK695]

Are we seeing the end of road bikes as we know them? So many changes happening, especially with disc brakes making inroads and gravel bikes, which are more dual purpose in their application.

 

Here is the thing, I am quite keen on getting a cyclocross/gravel bike as we have fantastic roads in our area that are well suited to this type of bike. The maximum tyre size I can fit is 25mm and then it is a tight fit. So do I get a more entry type cyclo/gravel bike and keep my road bike, or sell my road bike and get a carbon frame cyclocross to replace it and use this as my all in one bike?

[J∆kk∆ls]

If we keep buying into their marketing then yes. Ill keep mine as is for a couple more years. 

[gummibear]

So much prettiness   

 

http://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Niner_RLT9_Black_Di2_gravel_road_bike_1.jpg

 

http://suncycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/2015_Eeklo_Shimano_Ultegra.jpg

 

http://ritcheylogic.com/media/catalog/product/cache/7/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/s/w/swiss-cross-disc-2014.jpg

[LOOK695]

So much prettiness   

 

http://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Niner_RLT9_Black_Di2_gravel_road_bike_1.jpg

 

http://suncycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/2015_Eeklo_Shimano_Ultegra.jpg

 

http://ritcheylogic.com/media/catalog/product/cache/7/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/s/w/swiss-cross-disc-2014.jpg

Stop! Your scratching my itch

[DJR]

Never sell a great bike (I assume you love your Look) , just buy one more! You never have to buy more than "just one more dear".....

[LOOK695]

Never sell a great bike (I assume you love your Look) , just buy one more! You never have to buy more than "just one more dear".....

yep, I enjoy my Look. If I keep it then buying more entry level makes more sense to me; finances are a bit tight at the moment

[Ryanpmb]

Are we seeing the end of road bikes as we know them? So many changes happening, especially with disc brakes making inroads and gravel bikes, which are more dual purpose in their application.

 

Here is the thing, I am quite keen on getting a cyclocross/gravel bike as we have fantastic roads in our area that are well suited to this type of bike. The maximum tyre size I can fit is 25mm and then it is a tight fit. So do I get a more entry type cyclo/gravel bike and keep my road bike, or sell my road bike and get a carbon frame cyclocross to replace it and use this as my all in one bike?

Not if you enjoy the road bike. A CX/ gravel bike will never replace a road bike if you ride on the road a lot, in a group etc etc. Unless you have two wheelsets - one road, one gravel. I speak from experience. I sold my road bike and built a gravel bike. I love the gravel bike and at a time was too unfit for my regular road group, or to enjoy riding with them anyway. So I rode a lot on the gravel bike. Many of these rides on my own as I gradually got my fitness up. I've now got back into road cycling and have consequently fitted road tyres to the gravel bike so I can keep up with the road group and enjoy my road cycling again. I'm in the process of building a dedicated road bike and once that's done my gravel bike will go back to its dedicated purpose. I love my gravel bike and what it allows me to do but it is definitely a compromise as a road bike. Just my personal experience to offer my 2c. If you enjoy road riding, group rides, coffee rides etc then don't get rid of the road bike. If you ride on your own a lot and find yourself wanting to explore back roads than perhaps a gravel bike only will suffice. I need both options.

[T-Bob]

Nah, I love cycle cross and its got it's place (usually muddy fields of europe and oddly popular with the yanks) but you can beat hammering it on a pure bred race machine, hell for leather on something designed for speed and power transfer. 

 

... but if you're looking at offloading your look (to be honest it's all dual purpose and who really needs a fine Look anyway) then I'll do you a favour and take it off your hands.

[Johny Bravo]

I think so. These new Gravel grinders and endurance machines have sure gained a lot of fans. Disc brakes are really sexy on road bikes, and many mtb riders are buying road bikes now with disc brakes. Myself included.

[milky4130]

Disck brakes, electronic gear shifting & motors in BB's, 1000 Lumen lights, so yep end of the road bike, it has evolved into a MotorCycle now.

[gummibear]

I think so. These new Gravel grinders and endurance machines have sure gained a lot of fans. Disc brakes are really sexy on road bikes, and many mtb riders are buying road bikes now with disc brakes. Myself included.

Been seeing a few issues with heavier guys riding discs.Lots of brake fade when brakes get very hot.

[LOOK695]

Been seeing a few issues with heavier guys riding discs.Lots of brake fade when brakes get very hot.

Is it because of the smaller disc size or use of non- hydraulic brakes?

[Johny Bravo]

Is it because of the smaller disc size or use of non- hydraulic brakes?

The cheaper bikes have mechanical disc, like some of the Giant Defy models. Those are absolutely ***, just a gimmick to sell bikes. The hydraulic ones are superb.

[LOOK695]

The cheaper bikes have mechanical disc, like some of the Giant Defy models. Those are absolutely ***, just a gimmick to sell bikes. The hydraulic ones are superb.

They are specced with Trp Spyre brakes; thought those were some of the better ones........

[gummibear]

If only those legs came with the bike

 

http://theradavist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Kellis-Stinner-Cross-Bike-with-Airglow-Paint-41-1335x890.jpg

[gummibear]

Is it because of the smaller disc size or use of non- hydraulic brakes?

I'd rather ride canti brakes before mechanical disc.

 

Seems like it's all with Hydraulic brakes.