I entered the world of biking in 2014, shortly after a traumatic divorce. Having moved from a car-dependent neighbourhood to the densest space in Seattle, Wash., I rapidly realised my automotive can be extra of a problem than a assist. I offered it and embraced a car-free way of life. I had deliberate on utilizing the general public bus system however quickly grew pissed off with how lengthy it took to get anyplace within the metropolis. So, I made a decision to provide bike commuting a shot.
On a decent finances, I stumbled upon a used bike store that specialises in classic metal bicycles. With solely two choices in my measurement to check journey, I settled on a darkish blue Eighties Nishiki, which I affectionately nicknamed Babe. And that was the start of my love affair with metal bicycles.
Babe was my gateway to all issues biking. With down-tube shifters, interrupter brake levers, and metal wheels, it was a basic—and considerably intimidating—bike to study to commute on. Regardless of being a tad too giant for me and completely terrifying to journey within the rain, that bike took me throughout Seattle in these early months. I discovered learn how to load it on the bus once I’d inevitably get a puncture from using these inclined 23mm tyres over the potholed streets. I joined (and rapidly acquired dropped from) group rides, and located my choice for a leisurely tempo.
As my love affair with biking deepened, I eagerly joined the Bike MS charity group at my work, setting a objective to journey 64 miles in a row. When a coworker recommended I improve to a extra trendy bicycle for the occasion, I took their recommendation and purchased an entry-level aluminium street bike.
Whereas the bike labored for its meant objective, and I efficiently conquered my first metric century, there was a tangible distinction in consolation. The place Babe felt sturdy but versatile, my new bike felt stiff and jarring throughout the potholes. In hindsight, I used to be additionally most certainly over the weight restrict for that aluminium body and wheels, which positively impacted my expertise.
As quickly as funds allowed, I upgraded my bike once more, this time to a Surly Straggler, a metal touring bike that’s to at the present time, considered one of my favorite bikes to journey. Constructed from sturdy 4140 Chromoly Metal, I used to be assured by my native bike store that this bike was able to absolutely anything I may throw at it.
Marley Blonsky using her beloved Surly Straggler
(Picture credit score: Marley Blonsky)
It proved true. Strapping on 40 kilos of panniers for a week-long tour of the Gulf Islands in Canada? No downside. Mounting a rack to the entrance fork to hold a hefty bundle of firewood? Simple peasy. Changing it right into a zippy single-speed cyclocross bike? Performed. I rode that bike in three extra Bike MS occasions, a lot to the confusion of my coworkers, who couldn’t perceive why I might select 40mm tyres for the street journey.
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One of many most important criticisms you’ll hear in opposition to metal bikes is their weight. However as a heavier rider who likes to journey on quite a lot of surfaces – usually with means an excessive amount of stuff strapped to the bike –, metal instilled a stage of confidence I wanted. The body’s robustness and luxury greater than make up for its additional kilos. For years, I maintained that my favorite bike was “a metal one.”
However then I rode my first carbon bike.
It was 2022, and as a part of my athlete ambassador contract with Cannondale, I used to be given a lovely, modern, full-carbon SuperSix Evo. Designed as a race bike, I customised it for my gravel and cyclocross racing wants. And it was on a muddy, grassy cyclocross course that I started to know the attract of carbon.
As a heavier, budget-conscious rider, I had all the time averted carbon because it didn’t appear sensible for me. However what a pleasure it’s to journey one! The SuperSix Evo felt so extremely gentle and nimble in comparison with my earlier metal steeds. The punchy climbs that will have beforehand compelled me to dismount and push my bike up have been completely rideable on the carbon bike. And dismounting and shouldering the bike for obstacles was not a dreaded chore both. This bike was gentle, quick and easily enjoyable in a complete new means.
I’ve since had the chance to journey extra carbon-frame bicycles, together with a cross-country mountain bike, a full-suspension mountain bike and a street bike. As I put every bike by its paces, I’ve come to understand the traits every body materials can deliver to the journey really feel.
Right this moment, my bicycle fleet is a mixture of body supplies. I like each considered one of my bikes for the aim that they serve. If I’m going bike-packing, I journey metal. If I’m racing or need to go quick, I’m going for carbon. For my lengthy gravel rides, I journey a Cannondale Topstone that matches me like a glove and consists of an aluminium body paired with a carbon fork.
Marley Blonsky at MidSouth Gravel
(Picture credit score: Marley Blonsky)
On the finish of the day, any bike is usually a pleasure to journey—offered it suits you nicely and is protected. Whereas your finances will possible play a big position within the bike you finally find yourself on, I’d encourage you to maintain an open thoughts to border materials when selecting your subsequent bike. Go check journey that dream carbon bike, take that metal bikepacking rig out for a bit of spin, and really feel out these variations for your self.
Metal and titanium are sometimes praised for his or her clean journey high quality and sturdiness, whereas carbon generally carries a status for fragility. However remember the fact that carbon expertise has come a good distance lately. Folks in larger our bodies not have to dismiss carbon as a result of it’s perceived to be too fragile—although it’s all the time smart to examine weight limits earlier than hopping on any bike.
Fashionable developments in carbon layup expertise have made carbon bikes extra sturdy and versatile, with choices suited to all types and disciplines of using. The light-weight building makes them simpler to deal with, and carbon absorbs street vibrations for a clean, snug journey. Merely put, carbon is not only for velocity—it is for anybody who values effectivity, consolation and a responsive journey.
As for me, I’ll proceed to journey all of the bikes in my secure, together with carbon, aluminium and the outdated trusty metal steed.
