Pages: [1] 2
Reply Reply New Topic New Poll
  Topic Name: Looking for a new bike for rider with bad shoulders. on: September 21, 2016, 04:58:49 AM
fritzov


Posts: 16


View Profile
« on: September 21, 2016, 04:58:49 AM »

My old racer that i do my daily commutes is on it's final laps and i have been looking into getting a new, but there is so much i want to do on the bike besides commuting. I want to leave to roads and go out on gravel roads and even some long excursions out on the trails. Next year i am going to get serious with the bikepacking.

So what i am looking for is a bike that can do it all and still take me on my daily 50km roundtrip commute to work (all roads).

I have developed shoulder issues over the years so a bike that is a bit easier on the shoulders than a road bike would be ideal (a recumbent isn't really a option due to storage space at home or at work). Does gravel bikes offer a more upright position while riding and could that be a option after a proper bike fit?.

I don't have a budget or the storage space for multiple bikes so i really need a all around bike (if that even exist).
Logged

  Topic Name: Looking for a new bike for rider with bad shoulders. Reply #1 on: September 21, 2016, 05:22:35 AM
RonK


Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Posts: 177


View Profile
« Reply #1 on: September 21, 2016, 05:22:35 AM »

A Salsa Fargo - its high front is very kind top my arthritic shoulders.
Logged

Cycle touring blog and tour journals: whispering wheels...

  Topic Name: Looking for a new bike for rider with bad shoulders. Reply #2 on: September 21, 2016, 05:23:03 AM
bakerjw


Posts: 464


View Profile
« Reply #2 on: September 21, 2016, 05:23:03 AM »

Well, that's a pretty open ended question. I have deterioration in the joints of my shoulders as well as some arthritis in my wrists, elbows, hands, etc... Looking at this from a gravel road perspective.

Many gravel roads are rough and can go from smooth gravel to rutted with potholes rather quickly.
IMHO, many gravel bikes are along the lines of cyclocross frames and aren't built for decent off road tires.

A front suspension fork is desirable as it lessens the impact that your arms feel from ruts, holes, etc...
A tire like a WTB Nano which is typically 2.1" wide and available in 26, 27.5 and 29 is a good road/gravel/trail tire. I have many many miles on a couple of pairs. They can be run softer to add a little more cushion as well.
Handlebars also can make a difference. I ride with Jones H Bars and the afford me a more more relaxed shoulder angle for riding.

There are a lot of frames out there that would suit your needs. Surly makes some very nice and durable bikes.
Logged

  Topic Name: Looking for a new bike for rider with bad shoulders. Reply #3 on: September 21, 2016, 09:35:34 AM
fritzov


Posts: 16


View Profile
« Reply #3 on: September 21, 2016, 09:35:34 AM »

Sala Fargo looks like a really nice bike but doesn't seem like it's sold anywhere near where i am from. I also don't think i would be comfortable building my own bike.
Logged

  Topic Name: Looking for a new bike for rider with bad shoulders. Reply #4 on: September 21, 2016, 09:47:29 AM
AugustWest


Location: Tennessee
Posts: 20


View Profile
« Reply #4 on: September 21, 2016, 09:47:29 AM »

If you like the Fargo, and it would be a great choice for your situation, look into a used one.  They're all over the place.  The bikes been out for many years now and  between ebay, craigs list, and facebook you can find one within driving distance.
Logged

  Topic Name: Looking for a new bike for rider with bad shoulders. Reply #5 on: September 21, 2016, 09:54:28 AM
fritzov


Posts: 16


View Profile
« Reply #5 on: September 21, 2016, 09:54:28 AM »

If you like the Fargo, and it would be a great choice for your situation, look into a used one.  They're all over the place.  The bikes been out for many years now and  between ebay, craigs list, and facebook you can find one within driving distance.

I think i have forgot to mention i am located in Sweden.  From what i can google that bike isnt very common at all over here.
Logged

  Topic Name: Looking for a new bike for rider with bad shoulders. Reply #6 on: September 21, 2016, 11:07:02 AM
fritzov


Posts: 16


View Profile
« Reply #6 on: September 21, 2016, 11:07:02 AM »

How would a Trek 920 or a Specialized Awol work for my issues?, or they are to much like a road bike?
Logged

  Topic Name: Looking for a new bike for rider with bad shoulders. Reply #7 on: September 21, 2016, 01:20:37 PM
RonK


Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Posts: 177


View Profile
« Reply #7 on: September 21, 2016, 01:20:37 PM »

I think i have forgot to mention i am located in Sweden.  From what i can google that bike isnt very common at all over here.

I bought my Fargo from Hibike.com, in Frankfurt, Germany (I'm in Australia).
Logged

Cycle touring blog and tour journals: whispering wheels...

  Topic Name: Looking for a new bike for rider with bad shoulders. Reply #8 on: September 21, 2016, 04:13:23 PM
fritzov


Posts: 16


View Profile
« Reply #8 on: September 21, 2016, 04:13:23 PM »

Thanks for the link. But over 2600 euro is a bit over my budget.

They don't seem to have the Fargo 3 that seems a bit cheaper than the other models.
Logged

  Topic Name: Looking for a new bike for rider with bad shoulders. Reply #9 on: September 21, 2016, 10:32:37 PM
Biggus Duckus


Posts: 34


View Profile
Re:
« Reply #9 on: September 21, 2016, 10:32:37 PM »

Maybe a bike that would work well with Jones H Loop handlebars? Very upright ergonomics, even more than mtb handlebars.
Logged

  Topic Name: Looking for a new bike for rider with bad shoulders. Reply #10 on: September 22, 2016, 02:37:52 AM
fritzov


Posts: 16


View Profile
« Reply #10 on: September 22, 2016, 02:37:52 AM »

There is a supplier of Salsa Bikes in sweden were i can but one from but I am a bit lost what size I should get.

 I am 191cm (6.2)
Logged

  Topic Name: Looking for a new bike for rider with bad shoulders. Reply #11 on: September 22, 2016, 03:13:05 AM
RonK


Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Posts: 177


View Profile
« Reply #11 on: September 22, 2016, 03:13:05 AM »

There is a supplier of Salsa Bikes in sweden were i can but one from but I am a bit lost what size I should get.

 I am 191cm (6.2)
I am 181cm. The size L Fargo fits me nicely using a setback seat post and a 90mm stem.
You will need an XL and probably a setback seat post and at a guess s 100mm stem.
But your Swedish supplier should be able to sort that out for you.
Logged

Cycle touring blog and tour journals: whispering wheels...

  Topic Name: Looking for a new bike for rider with bad shoulders. Reply #12 on: September 22, 2016, 07:46:50 AM
fritzov


Posts: 16


View Profile
« Reply #12 on: September 22, 2016, 07:46:50 AM »

This might be a stupid question but does a smaller frame let me be able to get a more upright riding position or that has nothing to do with each other?

Logged

  Topic Name: Looking for a new bike for rider with bad shoulders. Reply #13 on: September 22, 2016, 08:35:10 AM
AugustWest


Location: Tennessee
Posts: 20


View Profile
« Reply #13 on: September 22, 2016, 08:35:10 AM »

Usually the opposite. Plus a too small frame keeps too much seat post extended. You'll have to bend over further to get to the handlebars now that the bike industry has done away with quill stems.
Logged

  Topic Name: Looking for a new bike for rider with bad shoulders. Reply #14 on: September 22, 2016, 08:47:02 AM
fritzov


Posts: 16


View Profile
« Reply #14 on: September 22, 2016, 08:47:02 AM »

Thanks for the answer


I have now ordered a Salsa Fargo but have to wait until they have them instock.   I've been reading they 2017 models wont be available until November.
Logged

  Topic Name: Looking for a new bike for rider with bad shoulders. Reply #15 on: September 22, 2016, 11:21:33 AM
AugustWest


Location: Tennessee
Posts: 20


View Profile
« Reply #15 on: September 22, 2016, 11:21:33 AM »

You and me both. Except I heard January! sad2
Logged

  Topic Name: Looking for a new bike for rider with bad shoulders. Reply #16 on: September 23, 2016, 10:41:55 AM
fritzov


Posts: 16


View Profile
« Reply #16 on: September 23, 2016, 10:41:55 AM »

How does a Surly ERC or Bombtrack Beyond compare to the Salsa Fargo?
Logged

  Topic Name: Looking for a new bike for rider with bad shoulders. Reply #17 on: September 23, 2016, 01:00:46 PM
RonK


Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Posts: 177


View Profile
« Reply #17 on: September 23, 2016, 01:00:46 PM »

How does a Surly ERC or Bombtrack Beyond compare to the Salsa Fargo?
The Bombtrack is almost a Fargo copy.

ECR not as high at the front.
Logged

Cycle touring blog and tour journals: whispering wheels...

  Topic Name: Looking for a new bike for rider with bad shoulders. Reply #18 on: September 23, 2016, 01:17:55 PM
fritzov


Posts: 16


View Profile
« Reply #18 on: September 23, 2016, 01:17:55 PM »

Btw, I found 1 dealer in Austria that stock a Fargo in size L and Salsa's size chart says 191cm on top for that size so not really sure if I should give it a try.
Logged

  Topic Name: Looking for a new bike for rider with bad shoulders. Reply #19 on: September 23, 2016, 04:21:00 PM
RonK


Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Posts: 177


View Profile
« Reply #19 on: September 23, 2016, 04:21:00 PM »

Btw, I found 1 dealer in Austria that stock a Fargo in size L and Salsa's size chart says 191cm on top for that size so not really sure if I should give it a try.
Nope, you are too to tall. You are 4" taller than I am and I'm on an L.

And by the way, 191cm is 6' 3" not 6' 2".

Have a look at the Bombtrack Beyond, it's a nice bike.

Go to the geometry page for the Salsa Fargo. Look at the stack and reach dimensions.

Compare them with the stack and reach dimensions for other bikes. You will see that the Fargo is higher and has a shorter reach.

And you'll see that the XL Fargo is significantly higher than the L.
Logged

Cycle touring blog and tour journals: whispering wheels...
  Pages: [1] 2
Reply New Topic New Poll
Jump to: