Any Cyclers in the house? Would love some recommendations to buy a new one.

Starting bi-cycler here 👋. Recently bought the Trek Dual Sport 2 (2021) - quite happy with the purchase. This one I did a bunch of research before getting this - so let me know if you have any specific questions.

@loud-glass-33663 got a question. What do these pricier bikes offer over the standard 15-20K price range? Better gear, brake mechanisms? Better riding comfort? Or is this like asking why someone would buy a BMW over a i20? :-)

That’s a great question @helpful-gigabyte-47939 If I am honest, I don’t know. 🤷 I haven’t tested enough bikes to come to the conclusion. My budget when I started looking for a bike was 10K. (max 15). I wasn’t able to find anything that I liked riding at the standard places (BT-WINs at Decathlon and some hero cycles I tried at the local cycle place). I got the Dual Sport 2 on the advice of a friend who I trust in these matters. I actually went to get the Dual Sport 1 which is 10K cheaper than this - but they didn’t have it in my size. (I also did research and find out that Trek is generally considered to be in the top 3 cycle manufacturers - so that price was not outrageous for what I was purchasing). In the end, I said screw it, I can afford it and it is really a joy to ride. There are no solutions - only trade offs 😊 When I came home and flipped through the manual, this is the second page which convinced me I had made a right decision. (attached) I truly believe that these guys have my best intentions at heart and have not cut any corners. My friend who strongly recommended this brand said that the components are top-notch, light weight and when you are starting to cycle and are fighting a lot of inertias (mentally & physically), it helps to have a machine which is fast, fun to ride and safe. It is like going to Starbucks and having their outrageously priced coffees - but you know that if you don’t like it, the barista will happily make another one for you. No questions asked. And that’s how businesses should be I feel.

Wow. @loud-glass-33663 It was great reading your suggestions. But I was looking more in the 15-20K range. Decided to go with Keysto brand & with the Dual Sport 2 model.

@many-camera-99839 I can answer this… 1. Pricier cycles = Lighter AND sturdier materials - something that helps when you’re on the saddle a lot. 2. They offer a much more professional fit - the angles and lengths of the frame are correct - this means you do not get back aches Until my surgeries, I was an endurance cyclist. I used to clock 250-300km per week during my training schedule. I have a Professional endurance machine - Marin Argenta. Averaging 500km in 5 days and more was more about fun than worrying about the body taking a hit. You never know the value of a good bike till you have a bad one! All that said, just dont buy a vehicle based just on the cost factor. It will hurt you.

@straight-continent-34777 I can relate to lighter + better materials. I have camping gear (tent, sleeping bags, air mattresses) that never become a hassle to lug around on a trek, are better designed and last a very long time. Same thing for slim laptops, I think. I no longer want to buy a laptop that is heavier than 1kg after having used the Pixelbook. Carrying them around at conferences is just painful.

@adorable-waitress-80240 would also have some important notes to add to this thread.