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JimDiGriz
384Mb of RAM
Age: 104
Joined: 18 Dec 2003
Posts: 488
Location: Wilmington, DE
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I am looking to replace my near 20 year hybrid bike. I mostly ride on the road but like the upright seating of the hybrid. I plan to ride on the road and a newly created network of walking and biking trails in the area. In addition I need to ride in the dirt for short stretches that connect some of the paved trails.
Here are the bikes I am looking at in my price range.
2010 or 2011 Trek 7.1 FX
2010 Cannondale Quick 6 fitness bike
I looked at the Trek Navigator 1.0, this is classified as a comfort bike. I did not like it at all, it looked like an unholy cross between a Cruiser and a hybrid.
Let me know if you know of other choices in this range.
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nHurD
192Mb of RAM
Age: 28
Joined: 11 Dec 2005
Posts: 219
Location: Langhorne, PA
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JimDiGriz
384Mb of RAM
Age: 104
Joined: 18 Dec 2003
Posts: 488
Location: Wilmington, DE
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I really did not want to spend more than a couple hundred bucks. A little looking showed me i need to be closer to $400 just to get into the game.
My best season I managed to get over 1000 miles but for the most part it was maybe 500 or 600 a year.
I don't expect to get even close to those numbers now. I'll be lucky to break 300 or 400 a year.
Just giving the numbers so you know how much use the bike will really see.
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nHurD
192Mb of RAM
Age: 28
Joined: 11 Dec 2005
Posts: 219
Location: Langhorne, PA
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Here's what I'd recommend:
Test Rides
Ask the shop if it would be possible to either take the bike out on a test ride, or even better, if you can demo it for a weekend. Any half decent shop should let you do this without any problems. I would highly recommend doing this to make sure that you like how the bike handles and feels. When I was shopping for my bikes, I must've test ridden at least 20 models before making my purchase
Look at the price points
Whenever you buy a bike, make sure you're getting more bang for your buck. See what components are being offered along with the bike. For instance, a lot of the "more popular" branded bikes are selling a bike at $400, but only offer 7 speed drive trains, whereas the others are selling at the same point, but offer one extra gear.
If you can afford it, go a little out of your price range
This may seem stupid, but if you can, I would recommend this. In the end, you'll get a better bike with more reliable components and a better feel overall that will last a lot longer than something that's bottom of the barrel. I went a little out of my price range when I bought my road bike, and was glad I did.
If all else fails
Ask the guys at the shop for their advice. They don't work for commission, and will be more than happy to make sure that you have a decent bike in your price range. If they're not willing to help you out, find a different bike shop. AND DON'T BUY A BIKE AT A BIG BRAND STORE (ie, Walmart, Target). Those bikes suck worse than a Dyson.
Take care of your bike(after purchase)
Neglecting your bike is like neglecting a loved one, in my opinion. Make sure you regularly maintain your bike: Clean the chain, cassette, and chain rings if it gets dirty. By doing this, you'll drastically extend the life of the bike, and find that it will shift much more reliably. AND DON'T USE WD-40. It's a de-greaser, not a lubricant. Also, don't leave your bike outside. IF YOU DO, I WILL FIND YOU!
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JimDiGriz
384Mb of RAM
Age: 104
Joined: 18 Dec 2003
Posts: 488
Location: Wilmington, DE
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Looking has been interesting. You can't comparison shop as the brands don't overlap between shops.
All of the bikes you recommend had flat bar steering, this took me aback. But after looking again that mostly what appears to be out there.
The shop closest to my house carries, Jamis, ibis, fuju, Haro, Niner, Kutoa, Van Dessel and Santacruz.
Bike Like carries more basic brands like Trek.
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nHurD
192Mb of RAM
Age: 28
Joined: 11 Dec 2005
Posts: 219
Location: Langhorne, PA
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You could always get a mountain bike, instead of a hybrid. It would open your range of possibilities up significantly. (I have a Santa Cruz Chameleon mountain bike and love it!)
I will say that Jamis is a solid brand that provides a great value for the money you pay. I nearly bought a Jamis, but was offered a better deal through a guy that sold me a European brand at cost, and I couldn't pass up the offer.
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JimDiGriz
384Mb of RAM
Age: 104
Joined: 18 Dec 2003
Posts: 488
Location: Wilmington, DE
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I saw that EMS carried Scott and a few other brands.
The Scott Sporster P6: is on sale at EMS this week for $320.00. Seems like an exceptional deal.
I am not sure about EMS as it's not really a bike store. I would like to go with the store closes to my house just to make things easy.
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nHurD
192Mb of RAM
Age: 28
Joined: 11 Dec 2005
Posts: 219
Location: Langhorne, PA
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You can buy the Scott and still have it serviced at your local bike shop (LBS).
Although EMS and REI are big chain stores, they still hire decent bike mechanics for their bike departments.
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