Excellent

[Mr Moofo]

Thinking of buying a road bike...
But ?
How do I satisfy curiosity?

[weeksy]

There's a question isn't it. I guess 'why' is the first question for me. Before we then get to the what.

For speed? Purely for road? Long rides, short rides, weekend away rides?

[Mr Moofo]

To gain fitness
To ride when the SDW is just dangerous ...
Hence road miles seem to be good -

[Tricky]

Thinking of buying a road bike...
But ?
How do I satisfy curiosity?

Borrow/ rent Crust's and see if you want one I reckon- by the sound of it he won't be using it

[weeksy]

To gain fitness
To ride when the SDW is just dangerous ...
Hence road miles seem to be good -

In that context then i'd be personally looking something a bit more tame than a full on roadie, something like say a PlanetX XLS or a London Road, rather than a full on carbon race bike. Something that give a bit more comfort, a bit less focused on the riding position, disc brakes... You may lose 0.5 - 1mph overall speed, but you'll not be crying when you get off them. Along with the CX/Gravel tyres just feeling a bit more 'normal' when riding, instead of seeing a skinny 25mm tyre beneath you

[Buckaroo]

XLS is a good frame. Just need to add some lighter rims. I use Hunt Four Seasons and it is good for road and gravel.
Buy a frame and build it yourself.

[Mr Moofo]

You will be glad to know that i think I am through the road bike phase ....
I’ve moved on ..

[weeksy]

to what ?

[Mr Moofo]

I will be self isolating ( with my riding buddies, all 2 m away obviously) on a mountain bike tonight.
And erasing all thoughts of the dullness/ near death experience of road riding.

[Dodgy69]

One good thing coming out of this virus is that cycling has increased massively. Sales are through the roof.

I've just ordered a Marin fairfax 2.. Its a £500 bike that will do exactly what I want. It's a hybrid bike for the road, very light. 27.5 wheels, hydraulic brakes, but straight bars and more upright.

My lad recently bought a specialized sirrus 2, same sort of bike and money, it's great for casual, road riding with good distance being an option. Water, spare tube, pump and levers... it's almost motorbiking.