Commuting - Hybrid Decision, HELP!

Got bit by the biking bug over a year ago. Scared to ride much in FL traffic (don't get me started) but I'm a big fan of paved trails (we have several great "rail trails near me) on my '98 Trek 7500. I usually ride 2 to 3 times a week, 24-30 miles at a time, av. around 12-14MPH, but want to start doing more riding and going farther. I'd like to travel and do some other trails in FL, tour around back roads... speed is not a big issue, comfort and staying power are. I'm 36, female, and around 5'11" is that matters.

Sooo... I have a lovely $650 Xmas Gift Certif. to my LBS burning a hole in my pocket tonight, (THANK YOU mom & dad!) my Husband's getting my old bike, and I'm trying to decide on whether to get a new 7500, or consider the 7500FX as a step closer to a road bike. I also wondered about the 7700 and whether it'd be worth the extra $$. I've loved my 7500, I want something that is good quality and will hold up on long rides and various surfaces, but I want something that is zippy and responsive enough to let me go farther and longer in my rides. So basically, I'm looking for advice. I'm going to post this in Recreation too, any advice would be welcome.

Thanks! K :D

You might want to take a look at some cross-bikes. But you cant go wrong with the Trek Hybrids either I prefer the FX models.

Got bit by the biking bug over a year ago. Scared to ride much in FL traffic (don't get me started) but I'm a big fan of paved trails (we have several great "rail trails near me) on my '98 Trek 7500. I usually ride 2 to 3 times a week, 24-30 miles at a time, av. around 12-14MPH, but want to start doing more riding and going farther. I'd like to travel and do some other trails in FL, tour around back roads... speed is not a big issue, comfort and staying power are. I'm 36, female, and around 5'11" is that matters.

Sooo... I have a lovely $650 Xmas Gift Certif. to my LBS burning a hole in my pocket tonight, (THANK YOU mom & dad!) my Husband's getting my old bike, and I'm trying to decide on whether to get a new 7500, or consider the 7500FX as a step closer to a road bike. I also wondered about the 7700 and whether it'd be worth the extra $$. I've loved my 7500, I want something that is good quality and will hold up on long rides and various surfaces, but I want something that is zippy and responsive enough to let me go farther and longer in my rides. So basically, I'm looking for advice. I'm going to post this in Recreation too, any advice would be welcome.

Thanks! K :D

I think you would like the Trek 7.5 FX. It has a rigid fork, versus the suspension fork on your 7500 and I believe the 2006 comes in a Woman Specific Geometry (WSD) model as well. Other hybrid/flat-bar road bikes in your price range that you might consider:

Raleigh Route 1 or Route 24 (my GF has a Route 1 and loves it)
Jamis Coda Sport (I highly recommend steel frames)
Kona Dew Deluxe
Fuji Absolute 2 or 3
Giant FCR 3
Specialized Sirrus
Bianchi Strada (beautiful bike, but I think it lists at $800)

Do you like having a flat handle bar or a drop bar like a road bike?
I'd recommend a road bike type touring or cyclocross bike that can handle larger tires for commuting or trails.

Stay clear from hybrids ... big expensive mistake.

Stay clear from hybrids ... big expensive mistake.
Why is a Hybrid a mistake. They fit a particular need that road bikes and MTBs don't fill. I really like mine when I'm not riding my MTB.

Hybrids can swing from very close to the MTB end of the spectrum (Specialized Crossroads) to the almost road end of the spectrum (Sirrus) and everywhere in between. Now that cyclocross bikes are becoming popular there's even more options. Don't forget full blown touring bikes too which make great all-around commuter/recreation/fitness bikes.

Hybrids can swing from very close to the MTB end of the spectrum (Specialized Crossroads) to the almost road end of the spectrum (Sirrus) and everywhere in between. Now that cyclocross bikes are becoming popular there's even more options. Don't forget full blown touring bikes too which make great all-around commuter/recreation/fitness bikes.

and don't forget that we now have yet another class of bikes - flat-bar road bikes.

Stay clear from hybrids ... big expensive mistake.
I have a hybrid with thousands of miles on it. It wasn't terribly expensive, and it served me well. Never really fell in love with it, but it put up with a LOT of abuse in traffic, on the bike trail, and rougher off-roadish trails near state park campgrounds. Could you please elaborate on your position?

I much prefer drop bars for just about every type of riding. I'm voting cyclocross/touring here.

Thanks for the advice guys, I looked at the Trek Touring model (and drooled), problem is it's almost twice what the 7500 is in cost. I don't think I can swing that right now. It's a shame since I think it's closest to what I might want. As for the drop vs. flat bars. I've been riding all this time on my 7500, so I'm pretty comfortable with the flat bar, but was thinking adding areo bars to whatever I get might give me more options.(?)

I can't agree about Hybrids being a mistake, the comfort and ruggedness of my 7500 is what GOT me into cycling. I guess the biggest problem is that I'm maybe ready for a $1200 touring bike but only have $650 to spend :(

I appreciate the other models suggested, I'll do some research... I've only owned Treks (as does my family) so I know I really like em. Obviously, despite my wish to go out today and get my bike, I need to do some real thinking!

I had a couple of bikes in mind when I decided to get a new one. I visited 3 different bike shops, looked around, tried a few and ended up buying a bike I would never have considered before trying different ones.
Take your time and choose intelligently.

Stay clear from hybrids ... big expensive mistake.

Bahhh!
I've toured/commuted/trailed/adventurized over 8000 miles on my Giant Cypress!

http://img346.imageshack.us/img346/1387/1225058gq.jpg

http://img346.imageshack.us/img346/1516/1225059al.jpg

and don't forget that we now have yet another class of bikes - flat-bar road bikes.

Not to be confused with -flat-tire road bikes. :)

I have a Jamis Coda Comp. I looked up the geometry of my bike compared to 'road bikes' and they are the same. The components are mountian bike but they work very well. I put moustache handlebars on my bike instead of a flat bar and I feel like I will not use drop bars any more. I like the positions and the feel of them. I can get as aero as I want. I changed the rear cassette on my bike to a 12-23 and put 25 mm road tires on it. I just did 30 miles today and averaged 17 miles per hour.

There is a certain snobbery that goes with the road bike crowd and if you like your bike with flat bars just use it and let them sniff at you. Look at the geometry of the bike you want, decide what type of riding you want to do with it and set it up and enjoy it. You can do about whatever you want (except impress the poseurs) with many set-ups and they work quite well.

I'll vote for a hybrid. In my case I'd either need one hybrid or two separate bikes. This time of year I need 35mm Nokian studs, MINIMUM, plus fenders to make the commute. I don't think I can mount those on a road bike. During the summer, I tried the commute on a 26" fat tire bike once, I'd never keep it up on those. So having a bike with the clearance to mount studs and fenders when I need it, or go to 28mm tires and 80+PSI is very nice.
The fact is, if I had to have two bikes, especially to start with, I wouldn't have any. Maybe someday I'll be able to buy another bike, but if I started right out of the gate and bought two bikes in one year, I would NOT have fared well.

I've got over 4000 miles in < 2 years on my Giant hybrid, and I'm still perfectly happy with it. I haven't done more than hose the gunk off it and lube the chain, apart from rebuilding the rear wheel which I screwed up due to beating on the bike. If I lost my bike I'd probably buy another hybrid.

Not to be confused with -flat-tire road bikes. :)

Which roadies seem to be caught on a lot! :p

Thanks for the advice guys, I looked at the Trek Touring model (and drooled), problem is it's almost twice what the 7500 is in cost. I don't think I can swing that right now. It's a shame since I think it's closest to what I might want. As for the drop vs. flat bars. I've been riding all this time on my 7500, so I'm pretty comfortable with the flat bar, but was thinking adding areo bars to whatever I get might give me more options.(?)

I can't agree about Hybrids being a mistake, the comfort and ruggedness of my 7500 is what GOT me into cycling. I guess the biggest problem is that I'm maybe ready for a $1200 touring bike but only have $650 to spend :(

I appreciate the other models suggested, I'll do some research... I've only owned Treks (as does my family) so I know I really like em. Obviously, despite my wish to go out today and get my bike, I need to do some real thinking!


The 7.5 FX is a good choice and has many of the characteristics of a touring bike - longer wheelbase, chainstay lengths, fender & rack mounts, etc. I used to have a 7200FX that served me fine for commuting, touring and rec riding. In fact, I regret getting rid of it, since it would have cost me a lot less to keep it as my winter bike than the one I just bought. :(

Stay clear from hybrids ... big expensive mistake.
Expensive???Compared to a road bike?? I bought a Fuji hybrid over a year ago, and I love it. It is only a mistake if you really want a road bike, and buy a hybrid. But, if you dont want a road bike, a hybrid or a comfort bike is exactly what some of use want.

Buy one of each. :)
I have a junky xmart MTB that I am doing a little bit of work on. The plan is to use that for the short form of my commute (3 miles vs 18 miles).
I bought a hybrid for my commute and hauling my child trailer. I love it. However, I am now looking into some type drop handle bike. I would like a faster bike to ride the entire distance to work (35 miles) quicker.

Expensive is a trike. But it's the most fun I've ever had.

$650 is a lot of money for a Christmas gift! Take your time and don't let the money burn a hole in your pocket. Savor the shopping and get the best bike you can.

(Love those snowy bike photos. Nice bike!)

Stay clear from hybrids ... big expensive mistake.
Have you ever owned a Hybrid? Or rode one for more than a few minutes?

Bahhh!
I've toured/commuted/trailed/adventurized over 8000 miles on my Giant Cypress!

http://img346.imageshack.us/img346/1387/1225058gq.jpg

http://img346.imageshack.us/img346/1516/1225059al.jpg

what set of fenders are those? ? I too have a cypress for commuting and i like the fit of those.

and if im not mistaken, isn't your model the lx?
if so shouldn't it have disc brakes, or did you take them off for the sake of mounting fenders and racks?

Which roadies seem to be caught on a lot! :p

:lol:

what set of fenders are those? ? I too have a cypress for commuting and i like the fit of those.

I run Zefals on my Cypress, with homemade mudflaps.

Here's a pic. The rear fender got ripped away when I mismounted a pannier bag a few months ago and it caught in the spokes. Ow. Anyway IMHO the mud flap should come down to where if you draw a tangent from the wheel bottom to the bottom of the flap (while riding, with the wind blowing it up a bit) you won't get wet shoes. It needs to be wide as well.

http://www.hauntedfrog.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=2702&g2_serialNumber=3

My boyfriend has been riding 7500 FX for over four years now and loves it. I love it too actually... I would've traded bikes with him any time, but he prefers 7500 FX to my Marin San Anselmo... smart boy. :)

If hybrids are your thing, then 7500 FX might just be your ride. It's a sweet little thing for sure.

As for 7700 FX, I heard this year the sales of this model went through the roof. An LBS mechanic for whom I have much respect said that it's definitely worth the extra money invested in it. But this is just one opinion, and can't be entirely objective. I'd ride both models and see if I can feel any difference, and whether that difference is worth my extra money.

I've loved my 7500, I want something that is good quality and will hold up on long rides and various surfaces, but I want something that is zippy and responsive enough to let me go farther and longer in my rides. If you want responsive, you don't want front suspension, that's for sure. Although you ride will get bumpier without it.

Is there a way you can test a bike w/o front suspension on the type of trail you'll be riding?

If you want responsive, you don't want front suspension, that's for sure. Although you ride will get bumpier without it.

I have a Giant Cypress, I thought for sure I wanted front suspension. However, I recently discovered that due to my inattention (I never lubed it all last winter) it had frozen solid, and had probably been so for months. I never noticed. So for me anyway it's extra weight for nothing.

Carbon forks are an alternative, they give some "suspension". Personally I think I'll be going all-steel next bike. Probably a LHT built for commuting.

You already have a hybrid in a trek 7500. And your originally stated goal was more responsivness and longer rides.

I started with a hybrid, and it served its purpose, it got me hooked. But my personal comfort limit on a hybrid is about 90 min and at 2 hours im definatley looking for an end.

The upright seated position means all your weight is always on your butt. With drop bars, a lot of your weight gets carried by your arms and shoulders. So 3 and 4 hour rides become much more comfortable. And yes im sure many will respond saying they do centuries on a hybrid. Everythign is possible, but a properly fitted drop bar bike will be more comfortable over long rides.

Also, my wrists become aching at the 2 hour mark. On my hybrid i added bar ends which give another hand position and is better, but doesnt compare with the multiple positions of a drop bar.

The only reason id id suggest staying with a flatbar/hybrid over a drop bar bike as you progress farther into cycling is if your physicaly unable to be comfortable with drop bars. Some people who are overly large, bad backs, poor flexibility etc prefer flat bars.

I now use a cyclocross bike and find it perfect for my needs. I commute 50k a day on it, can do dirt trails, and can keep up with a group of roadies.

I use a Kona 'Jake the Snake' but its a higher end cyclocross. A Kona Jake should be close to the price range your after. http://www.konaworld.com/shopping_cart/FrontEnd/Products/product_detail.aspx?productid=351&parentid=253

i too think a hybrid is a mistake (but probably not such an expensive one) ;)

WHAT CAN'T A CROSSBIKE DO THAT A HYBRID CAN?

i'd buy a crossbike! fast if you want it to be; comfy if you deck it out that way instead...

7500FX... you won't regret it. I know i didn't. of course... it got me hooked on road, hence the new addition of a Trek 1000 and the sale of my mtn bike. :D

i think you should try them out at the LBS... two bikes seem to be just alike with ride qualities... go with the color you like the most. :) why not?


good luck!!

Thanks so much guys for all your help! (I also loved the "snow bike" pics! :) ) Finally after much thinking, researching and reading all the great responses here... went and had a long confab with my LBS fitting guy. He suggested that, since I'd still have my 7500, that the FX was just too close and I should, with the amount I've been riding, go a little further down the road to Road bikes.

I did a bunch of test riding, and I ended up with a Trek 1000c '05. It was in my budget, and it has the carbon fork and a little suspension on the seat, so I get a comfy ride on a road bike. :) I've had it out every day since, and WOW! I'm in love! :) I see a big diff in hitting the overpasses on the trail and going into the wind from my 7500. And I am AMAZED at how comfy it is! I will go farther now with this bike. And hey, my husband may be "getting" my 7500 so we now both have bikes, but truth is, I'm the cycler in the family, so I always have my 7500 for rougher trails. Thank you all again for your help, I think I was really ready for a road bike, but was just scared to make the jump, afraid I'd be uncomfortable on it and have a new bike I didn't want to ride. With your advice, I am loving my new bike and can't wait to get out and on it every day!! :)
Kitty

Look at the Jamis Aurora. A nice touring bike for about 650...

I see a big diff in hitting the overpasses on the trail and going into the wind from my 7500. And I am AMAZED at how comfy it is!

Congrats. Wait till you start riding in the drops... heh.

If your husband is taller than you, wrap a piece of electrical tape around the seatpost where it enters the seat tube. This will mark where the seat goes for you, so it can be put back to the same position after he rides it.

Just wanted to echo what others have said about hybrids. They are great bikes for commuting as far I'm concerned.

I ride one (a Schwinn Sierra... a bargain at $350 at the LBS) and really enjoy it. Definitely a comfortable ride, but quite a bit faster than the MTB I rode before. (here's a picture of it: http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=1813033&postcount=649)

I have a Giant OCR 3 that I love BUT if my ride is one hour or less I always find myself on my "old" Giant Innova hybrid. I love the ride but it my also have something to do with the fact I don't have to "top off" the tires every ride. I think a hybrid will always be in my stable.............Sam

iWHAT CAN'T A CROSSBIKE DO THAT A HYBRID CAN?

i'd buy a crossbike! fast if you want it to be; comfy if you deck it out that way instead...

How about "cost $300?" (what I paid for my Giant Cypress) Every time I look at cross bikes, they're close to $1000 if not over.

Put it another way; what does a cross give me that justifies costing 3x what I paid for my hybrid? Does it go 3x as fast? Do I have 3x as much fun? Will I look 1/3 as dorky? Somehow I doubt it. The hybrid is doing everything I want out of a bike, has > 4000 miles on it so far (at about 1.5 years old) and has given me no trouble.

How about "cost $300?" (what I paid for my Giant Cypress) Every time I look at cross bikes, they're close to $1000 if not over.

Put it another way; what does a cross give me that justifies costing 3x what I paid for my hybrid? Does it go 3x as fast? Do I have 3x as much fun? Will I look 1/3 as dorky? Somehow I doubt it. The hybrid is doing everything I want out of a bike, has > 4000 miles on it so far (at about 1.5 years old) and has given me no trouble.

TOUCHE...

i guess my surly crosscheck is close to a grand. but i use it as a roadbike so i don't have to spend a thousand on one of those. i COULD also ride light trails on it. it also builds up into a much lighter bike if you care about that sort of thing.

i am just saying if your a cyclist (not just a commuter) a cyclecross bike can do many things a hybrid can't, and can also be mutated into something that commutes even better then a hybrid.

is that worth the price difference to ya? your choice. but the price difference is the best argument i heard so far!

Why limit yourself to one bike that tries to do it all? Several bikes will assure that you have plenty of choices for your riding pleasure. And you don't have to buy new bikes all the time. There are plenty previously-enjoyed bikes around that you can customize to your liking.

i am just saying if your a cyclist (not just a commuter) a cyclecross bike can do many things a hybrid can't, and can also be mutated into something that commutes even better then a hybrid.

is that worth the price difference to ya? your choice. but the price difference is the best argument i heard so far!

I actually am considering buying a bike that may cost $1000 or so. But I'm not going to spend $1000 on a compromise bike. I'd rather have two bikes, a $300 commuter and a $1000 nice bike.

If your husband is taller than you, wrap a piece of electrical tape around the seatpost where it enters the seat tube. This will mark where the seat goes for you, so it can be put back to the same position after he rides it.

Actually, we're about the same height, but I have longer legs than my husband, he'll probably have to be the one to lower the seat, but we'll use the tape trick for sure, thanks!

I think having both bikes is good, more range. And in the long run, perhaps a cross or touring, but I think this 1000c will be prefect for me for the next few years. :)

Have you ever owned a Hybrid? Or rode one for more than a few minutes?


I've got a hybrid I've put a bunch of miles on. I'll be riding it from LA to San Diego soon. Some people here might be trying to steer people towards what they want, not what a buyer needs. I calculated what I wanted. I do not have a mountain in my back yard, so did not need a new MTB. I am riding on a flat, paved road and maybe sometime might take the path by the beach so I wouldn't need any suspension. Road bike or cyclecross, didn't see a need for the bars right now, I just take a 20 mile ride daily, maybe i'll get a road bike next year. I bought a quality Ti hybrid, I didn't want a low end bike.

I have been happy with my bike, and given the chance I'd buy the same bike again. Next year I might get a road bike for long distance rides. Theres a guy on the board with the same bike as mine that converted his to road bars and brake/shifters.

http://home.pacbell.net/pneil/ti.airborne.jpg

Thanks for the advice guys, I looked at the Trek Touring model (and drooled), problem is it's almost twice what the 7500 is in cost. I don't think I can swing that right now. It's a shame since I think it's closest to what I might want. As for the drop vs. flat bars. I've been riding all this time on my 7500, so I'm pretty comfortable with the flat bar, but was thinking adding areo bars to whatever I get might give me more options.(?)

I can't agree about Hybrids being a mistake, the comfort and ruggedness of my 7500 is what GOT me into cycling. I guess the biggest problem is that I'm maybe ready for a $1200 touring bike but only have $650 to spend :(

I appreciate the other models suggested, I'll do some research... I've only owned Treks (as does my family) so I know I really like em. Obviously, despite my wish to go out today and get my bike, I need to do some real thinking!

See if you can find a Fuji Touring. Similar to the Trek (steel frame, relaxed geometry, strong wheels, etc) but much less. I bought one for my daughter to do loaded touring on this summer and was very impressed. Not as good a bike as my Cannondale but a good value and solid bike.

I've got a hybrid I've put a bunch of miles on. I'll be riding it from LA to San Diego soon. Some people here might be trying to steer people towards what they want, not what a buyer needs. I calculated what I wanted. I do not have a mountain in my back yard, so did not need a new MTB. I am riding on a flat, paved road and maybe sometime might take the path by the beach so I wouldn't need any suspension. Road bike or cyclecross, didn't see a need for the bars right now, I just take a 20 mile ride daily, maybe i'll get a road bike next year. I bought a quality Ti hybrid, I didn't want a low end bike.

I have been happy with my bike, and given the chance I'd buy the same bike again. Next year I might get a road bike for long distance rides. Theres a guy on the board with the same bike as mine that converted his to road bars and brake/shifters.


That is a very sweet bike but it's far from what most people invision when they hear hybrid. I would call that bike a flat bar road bike, although it looks like you've got touring gearing (or is that a MTB crankset?). If more people bought bikes like yours they'd probably be happier than if they bought the standard upright riding position, fat cushy seat, front suspension hybrid that most stores sell as hybrids. Bikes like yours make great commuters as well as great touring and even fast-ride road bikes. Drops are nice for fast descents, windy days, and extra long rides where more hand positions are welcomes.

It has Shimano LX MTB cranks/bb derailers and A550 road brakes. It really hauls, i've been up to 37mph on it. On the neighborhood workouts on flats, it gets into the 20's quite easily.

If these components wear out, I might put road stuff on next.

Hi, just been shopping for a hybrid myself and stumbled in here. Some great information.

Been debating between the Trek 7500 and FX. Get the impression the shocks do not really add much to the urban/commuting cycling. Also, looks like more maintence issues.

Also, I am replacing an old Trek which had grip shifters, so I am quite used to them. But I have read several cyclists say they prefer the bar shifters. Is there any material issue or is it just a matter of preference.

The other thing, is the model I am looking at has the flat, 10 pair of spokes. Any experience with durability and maintence? My general reaction is to go for the traditional spoke set.

Really, just looking for a workhorse hybrid. I choose Trek coz I used one for 15 years and never had any problems. But finally this year, it just started to fall apart. So no complaints.

Thanks.

I've got a hybrid I've put a bunch of miles on. I'll be riding it from LA to San Diego soon. Some people here might be trying to steer people towards what they want, not what a buyer needs. I calculated what I wanted. I do not have a mountain in my back yard, so did not need a new MTB. I am riding on a flat, paved road and maybe sometime might take the path by the beach so I wouldn't need any suspension. Road bike or cyclecross, didn't see a need for the bars right now, I just take a 20 mile ride daily, maybe i'll get a road bike next year. I bought a quality Ti hybrid, I didn't want a low end bike.

I have been happy with my bike, and given the chance I'd buy the same bike again. Next year I might get a road bike for long distance rides. Theres a guy on the board with the same bike as mine that converted his to road bars and brake/shifters.

http://home.pacbell.net/pneil/ti.airborne.jpg

No argument here as I will be riding the Katy trail on mine in sept.

Thanks for the info. Nice bike. I chked out Airborne's website. Very interesting to me.

I am in Tokyo, so will have to see if I can find an Airborne shop around here and check them out. But in any event, I think I might convert to grip shifters as well. It is very flat here and no real need to shift often. Might skip the shocks. Only a rare occassion I hit gravel.

See you got the racing style spokes. Evidently no trouble so maybe I will go with them as well.

Really looking forward to getting new bike...so I can start Frankenstiening the old one..

I have SRAM Rocket grip shifters on mine, wasn't so sure when I got them, loving them now. I wish they sold carbon covers for them, X.0's don't work with Shimano. Airborne/Flyte (http://www.flyte1.com) unfortunately doesn't sell these anymore under either name. These were a special order for a bike travel company called Backroads. (http://www.backroads.com/) They just sold the extras off, if there was more i'd buy the wife one or an extra for me. Since you aren't in the US Lugu, you can get other bikes with the Airborne name, they sell under Flyte in the US now.

Lugu you are lucky that you live in Japan, you have this ride (http://www.colnago.co.jp/products/hybrid/inspire/index.html) available to you that we don't see in the US. Theres a few other hybrids on their site too, we get none of them. I'd rock them in a second.