I really just started riding this year. I'm now 40 and did ride a lot through college. I bought a cyclocross bike as a recovery tool for running Ultras. I saw a link to a race called "hilly billy" and signed up the race morning and became very interested in other events especially "Dirty Kanza"
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\nSo now I'm looking for a more proper bike. Using the Google machine it sounds like I want a Niner RLT Steel.
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\nI'm not fast, but want a bike that can go fast, but do some light bikepacking and 100-200 mile events. When I google everyone claims to have the "best" bike. I'm Looking for some thoughts from mid pack riders and what they like.
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\nThanks,
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\nGreg
I thoroughly enjoy my Specialized Crux with Bodyfloat post. Used it for both road and gravel events (Ultra: 2016 DK200 Finisher and shorter rides) with no issues. Handles and rides great with Stan's Grail rimset. It can handle speeds faster than my 47y/o body or brain will allow.
I'm planning on using it the C&O canal this fall using Apidura gear without any hesistation. Good Luck with your test rides.
I am 44 and The 2016 Bootlegger 100 was my first 100+ mile gravel grinder. I did it on a Giant TCX2. Shortly after I switched to a Grava Maple Sally. It has been great. I use one bike for everything just switch wheels for road or gravel. This past week I had 173 miles including one ride of 77 miles on gravel. One bike for everything has been great for me.
I love my Vassago Donnybrook: light, high quality steel frame with options to add racks, threaded bottom bracket, polydrops, comfortable geometry, room to fit narrow mtb tires (46mm currently mounted), etc. Another one I'd take a hard look at is the Specialized Sequoia. Oh, and the Salsa Warbird. I rode one at a demo event and it was fantastic. They've updated the frame this year to include mounts for fenders.
I used to ride a CX bike for all my gravel and have noticed since switching bikes how much sketchier/twitchier my CX bike was on gravel decent and cornering in general.
I am 54 and am new to the Volagi Viaje (link below)...absolutely love it. Have done several 100k's...see no issues with longer as it is extremely comfortable. Very much a "do everything" bike. http://www.volagi.com/purchase-a-viaje-xl/
RLT is a great bike and very versatile for touring. They run a little heavy, but I've raced and overnighted on mine - good tire clearance and comfortable over the long haul.
trippertim wrote:I love my Litespeed T5G. The Ti frame plus a BodyFloat seatpost are great for the long days in the saddle for a 40+ body on rough terrain.
So did you do the Hilly Billy or planning on it next year. I did it last year on the T5G and thought the T5G was great for that race.
+1 I'm 41 and rode the DK200 and a bunch 100's and 50's on my T5G. Only issue was saddle choice which should be resolved with the C17
My $.02: 73 year old experienced cyclist - first race in 1958 as a 15 year junior in Central Park NYC. First -- all of the bikes suggested, or for that matter all your google ideas, will work great for your needs. If you aren't an experienced bike mechanic though, I would strongly suggest buying through a local bike shop with a good reputation in your area. Second -- long endurance events put a premium on comfort, durability, and reliability. Go for equipment that is designed with those criteria. Ignore weight. Bike weight is much less important than you may think. Third -- There is no such thing as a "fast" bike -- just fast riders. Your training and preparation for any event will be way more important than the choice of bike and equipment. Virtually any bike discussed here will work for you. It all boils down to personal preference, budget, and availability.
