insta360 x3 4K test ride my new carbon fiber hybrid straight handlebar gravel bike

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I couldn't test my new carbon fiber hybrid straight handlebar gravel bike for over a month because I had a problem with my left knee. Now, that it got better, I decided to try a new cycling route with it. Then again, I shouldn't have?

It was quite a distance and I started to have cramps before reaching it. I should have tested it before going for the long ride. Turn out, the seat was too high. I began to have neck and wrist pains because of it. Other than that, the bike works really well!

 

I wasn't sure about not having a front suspension but the tyres make it up for it. People kept asking me what the tire's size and I told them it was 700x40c. The aero design makes it a smooth fast ride. Well, that's what I'm assuming anyway.

I've said this in my other post but I love the smooth carbon fiber frame. I'm lucky that I didn't scratch it when I fell. Hurt my left knee but I continue to cycle back home. Going up-slope was a breeze as the 11-speed cassette gear Sram change worked well.

I'm not a strong rider and haven't cycled for a month, I didn't want to over-exert myself. As a mostly leisurely urban rider, hybrid bikes work well. I can go on gravel, pathways, dirt roads, and whatever. I have a slip disc, hence I opt for a straight handlebar. It also offers better control.

This is my first time using a full hydraulic brake and I like it. Works well, so far. Maybe, too well. I almost, fly over the bar when I pulled an emergency brake. Need to get used to it. I'm not sure how to maintain it though. When the time comes, I'll learn then.

The carbon fiber frame is pretty light too. If I remember, it's around over 9kg. It feels rigid and strong. I didn't measure the handlebar length but it seems wide and comfortable enough for me. I don't have any preferences. As long as it's 720mm and below. 

The bike frame is designed like a road bike so they're using a bike stem with cable running through it. It makes the bike look clean and smooth. But, it came out via the stem to the brakes and shifter. I didn't check what kind of shifter they installed and had to adjust the location for my thumb easy reach.

As a whole, I'm really satisfied with the bike. Love the design, glossy white color, great brakes, and shifters. Feels good to hold the handlebar with PU leather bike grips. The 700x40c tires are very comfortable to ride on too. 

I'm hoping my knee will get well soon so that I can go ride my new carbon hybrid gravel bike again. Such a joy!

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#hybridbike #mountainbike #roadbike #cycling #cyclinglife #carbonhybridbike

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rain or shine i ride my mountain road bike to work #shorts

Schwinn Phocus Adult Road Bike, Aluminum Frame, Flat and Drop Bar Options, Multiple Speed Drivetrain, Carbon Fiber Fork, 700c Wheels, Multiple Colors

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So, I've been using and testing how it feels like using a drop bar on my mountain bike and there's definitely a different feel mentally and physically. It was also kinda easy to change between them. Especially, if you have a separate brake lever and shifter for each handlebar. 

I've never owned or ridden a road bike. That's why I was curious and wanted to try it out. Luckily, I found a cheap drop bar and other accessories that I bought to set it up. I definitely learned a lot and there are many good videos on youtube that you can learn from.



Schwinn Phocus Adult Road Bike, Aluminum Frame, Flat and Drop Bar Options, Multiple Speed Drivetrain, Carbon Fiber Fork, 700c Wheels, Multiple Colors

Since I've never used a drop bar, at first it does feel weird. I even thought that I set it up all wrong. One thing to note is that I'm not a tall fellow. In fact, when I check out the road bike (thinking of buying one) there never seems to sell a 24inch tire size.

Although, I notice a road bike seat is supposedly much higher set up. A guy on one video said that the seat and the drop bar are much better at the same level. To avoid back and neck pain. That's one thing I'm afraid of. And, I actually did have slight back and neck pain when using the drop bar.



RXL SL [US Stock] Full Carbon Fiber Road Bike Handlebar Racing Handle Bike Bend to Inside Light 400/420/440mm

I decided to buy a new and much shorter bike stem because it seems the back and neck pain is caused by the drop bar being too far in front. And, my err..rather short hands have to stretch out to hold them. There's actually a debate on which is better. A longer or shorter bike stem.

I would say, it depends on you. If it feels good using a shorter bike stem then use it. If not, get a longer one. In spite of the drop bar setup problem, it actually feels nice using them. I always feel like I need and want to go faster. I don't have that kind of feeling when using the normal handlebar.



Teyssor Mountain Bike Flat Handlebar 31.8mm Aluminium Alloy MTB Handlebars 720mm 780mm

I do feel having better control of the bike when using a handlebar. I always use the footpath when riding and there are a lot of stops and weaving through people. Maybe, I'm too used to using a handlebar but if I see a clear path I'll go down on the drop bar and just shoot for speed.

The need for speed is really exhilarating. The other day, I used a different route going home from my sis house and it really felt great. I think I reach my house a little faster when using a drop bar than a straight bar. But, I didn't time myself, didn't bring my speedometer.



Mongoose Status Mountain Bike, Men's and Women's, Aluminum Frame, Multiple Colors

One thing I notice and it seems true is that my hands get numbs when using the handlebar. But, I didn't have that problem when using a drop bar. It's because I keep changing my grips. You can use different parts of the drop bar to hold.

Check out my mountain road bike? below:

Now, I've changed back to my normal handlebar but part of me misses the drop bar and the need for speed. The feeling is not the same and even before I tried using the drop bar when on a straight clear path I always feel like going down and forward to speed.

I might one day get a road bike if I found one that suits my height. Though, I've heard of smaller pro cyclists. Like I've said, I ride mostly on the pathway and it's kinda a hassle having to stand at the traffic light. That's why I tried the drop bar on my 24inch tire mountain bike. Which is best for me.

What do you guys think?

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#cycling #cyclinglife #mountainbike #roadbike


P.S. Schwinn Phocus Adult Road Bike, Aluminum Frame, Flat and Drop Bar Options, Multiple Speed Drivetrain, Carbon Fiber Fork, 700c Wheels, Multiple Colors