Anna and I each have a very different bike setup—our gear choices couldn't be more diverse, perfectly tailored to suit our individual riding styles. Selecting a bike is such a personal journey, influenced by where you ride, your environment, and your unique preferences. We're excited to share our bike choices and the reasoning behind them. Hopefully, our experiences can serve as valuable data points for anyone considering a new ride.
At the start of our Parisian journey, we made a big decision to sell Anna's trusty Trek bike before our move. It was a gem in terms of condition but not worth lugging across continents, considering the uncertainties of our new life in France. After settling into our new home and uncovering the local bike routes, we resolved that it was time for Anna to have a new ride here. While the market offers interesting used options, I opted to get her a brand-new bike. Decathlon, a haven for entry-level cyclists, had an array of fantastic choices, all under the 1,000 euro mark. Their selection spanned everything from city cruisers to rugged mountain bikes (known as VTT in France). We settled on a road bike for Anna, but with a twist—flat bars, maintaining familiarity while delivering the efficiency of a road bike. This combo offered the best of both worlds: the speed of a road bike paired with the comfort of familiar braking and shifting mechanisms. Interestingly, I noticed the same model available with drop bars, presenting an intriguing alternative.
Just a heads-up, starting this year in 2024, Decathlon is upping its game by sponsoring a team for the Tour de France, promising a whole new lineup of top-tier options. On a different note, one of the subtle perks of Anna's bike is its understated elegance—it's a stylish ride without drawing too much attention, a major advantage for navigating Parisian streets. Its inconspicuous appearance is a strategic move; it doesn't scream luxury, reducing the risk of attracting the wrong kind of attention—those eyeing high-end bikes for potential theft. While Paris might not be any worse than major US cities in terms of bike theft, it's undeniably a concern here. Many of our friends in the city have fallen victim to bike theft or parts pilfered. If your bike is going to be out of sight, a sturdy U-lock becomes an absolute necessity!
My bike takes a different approach compared to Anna's—it's far from discreet, standing out notably due to its sheer size. A top-tier endurance road bike, the BMC Roadmachine 01 four. When it comes to riding in Paris or frankly anywhere, opting for a road bike with tire clearance of at least 32mm is a good rule. Wider tires offer an abundance of comfort and, surprisingly, increased speed due to reduced pressure and rolling resistance—a proven performance booster. In the maze of Parisian roads, these wider tires work wonders, effortlessly gliding over rough terrain, cobblestones, and even light gravel.
Currently, I've settled on 30mm tubeless tires, a sweet spot I've discovered, although I did ride on 32mm ones for several years. Tubeless tires, particularly in Paris, get my vote. When heading out of the city, debris and glass often litter the paths, and having that added puncture protection of sealant while still choosing a fast rolling tire is a total game-changer.
One of the main factors behind choosing my bike was its top-notch quality—a high-end, full carbon frame with integrated cabling and aerodynamic design, all while maintaining standard bars. This was crucial for me, especially when configuring it for ultra events. During these long rides, I utilize aero bars, and having traditional round bars allows for a seamless and safe attachment of them. Admittedly, this setup isn't universally applicable, but for me, the ability to effortlessly switch between these configurations was a key priority. Over the years, I've also curated various bag and accessory setups tailored to different ride types and durations. While I can dive deeper into these setups in another post, one consistent favorite of mine for any ride is the top tube bag. It's incredibly accessible yet retains aerodynamic efficiency, unlike handlebar bags.
Versatility takes precedence for me here in Paris compared to my time in LA. With limited space, fewer tools, and no garage, storing and swapping parts becomes significantly more challenging. Despite the occasional frustration, I find it to be a fun challenge to maximize efficiency in setup and storage, making every adjustment count.
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