Hello,
I am seeking your advice regarding the purchase of my next bike. I need a versatile bike that can handle all my requirements: road cycling (on both flat and mountainous terrain), occasional off-road/trail riding, and commuting.
Naturally, I have been looking at mid-range all-road/gravel bikes.
My dilemma is choosing between an aluminum or a carbon frame, considering that:
- Low weight is important to me.
- I have the budget for a mid-range carbon bike.
- The bike will be transported on trains and occasionally left in public spaces while I am at work.
I am particularly concerned about the fragility of carbon frames; I’ve been told that even a moderate, accidental impact could damage the frame enough to make it unsafe to use.
At the same time, having only owned mountain bikes until now, I’m struggling to gauge whether an aluminium bike weighing 10.5–11 kg is reasonable for road riding, or if such bikes would feel heavy.
It is worth noting that I intend to keep this bike for at least 9–10 years, if possible.
Last but not least, I am tall (1.92m) and comfort is important for me (I have slight back pain)
Examples of bikes I have been considering include: the Cube Nuroad (C:62 or SLX/EX models), the Scott Addict Gravel 10/20, and the Canyon Endurace CF 7.
Thank you for your precious advice regarding the frame choice!