u/Icaonn

Hi. Basically, what the title says.

I live in Canada, and I use my bike for commuting in Toronto. Since I've graduated and found work, I have more of a budget to work with and the capacity to save up to get something truly nice. I'm going to likely "retire" the Roam to full camping/trail duty, so if anyone has more city-coded reccomendations I would love to hear them :)

It has been a wonderful bike so far, especially for the $750 CAN I got it for then. Took it through the city, across curbs, on MTB trails (it is really steady, surprisingly), gravel, etc. Would like something that can do similar, with more focus on road and paved areas.

Important things

• Budget is like $3k to $5k (basically what I'm saving on the side this summer)
• The back cargo rack has to fit (groceries need to go somewhere)
• Not too harsh when jumping curbs... (I will miss the Roam's front shocks lmao. Tested my friend's Kona and it felt like an absolute nope)
• Would like it to be lighter than the Roam (I mean, when you hit 40km-60km weekend rides I kinda don't notice, but taking it up staircases I sure do T-T)
• no preference for straight handles or drop handles
• will not speed wobble or kill me in light snow/slush or mud, etc.
• hydraulic brakes
• 700mm wheels would be nice so I can swap in wheels I currently have (I keep a fatter winter wheel set for safety and swap them out a

I have been looking at the Trek Checkpoint series but I'm kind new to this lollll. I picked the Roam because it "felt right" at the bike shop and didn't look back haha. I would like to hear your stories and learn. Any similar tech specs would be nice because then I'll know how to repair them xD

Thanks!

Alright imma be upfront with this I did lessons as a kid, but I haven't since I moved for university. I'm visiting right now since I graduated and parents are making a trip out to Alberta to see some relatives and they've signed up for some trail rides with friends there.

The issue is we live in Ontario rn and these people have never been on a horse before. I convinced dad to book a weekend beginner workshop before going (like the trail is several hours and located in Banff; I need them to know a little bit what they're getting into....... for the horse's sake T-T) and then he was like "I'll book for you too since you clearly love horses :D"

Which is lovely of him the real issue is I'm 5'5 220lbs -- which isn't an issue with sports like distance swimming, archery or triathalon (which are my usual), but *is* an issue with horses and I'd rather be conscious and decline if that's too much. Parent's weights should be fine I think it's 5'2 at 135-140lbs for mom and 5'9 at 170lbs for dad, both likewise atheltic people.

The other thing is gearing them. Mom's got boots and leggings that'll work; I'll probably make dad buy some because he thought sneakers and shorts would be fine (insert clown emoji) as well as fitted jeans he can tuck into his boots. The barn has helmets; we'll likely be doing western given their end goal is out in the rockies haha.

And lastly, what is some advice you guys have? We're an immigrant family and I'm the only one familiar with horses; the concept of riding them or even having them around is completely alien to my parents since they're from south Asia. We're buddhist by culture so wellfare of the animals is on my mind, too. I know a lot of lesson horses get uninformed riders that treat them poorly and I refuse to let my parents trip into that niche by accident.

I'm sure the barn will handle instruction just fine, but what can I do to make sure my parents are set up for success when they go? Thanks <3

Edit: thank you everyone for soothing my anxiety <3