Commuting - New Bike

IM new to this. i went to the shop to buy a new bike and I wanted to spend between 400 and 700 dollars. tHE guy at the shop was so friendly and told me that there wasn't a big diffrance between the trek, Giant or the Specialized. and there wasn't much diffrance between a $400 and a $600 Bike. but he did tell me that the Specialized Crossroad is a great bike. I wanted to ride it for an hour a day and maybe a little longer on the weekend. IM also doing the 5 boro Bike tour in New york city ( about 40 miles ). I didn't want to buy a Road bike because I like to ride on and off the side walk , and the Mountain bike was too small for me ( im 6'2 and 220 pounds). so I went for the Hybird Bike. I like the way it looks and feels. Do you guys think it was worth the money? ( $800 with tax). I trusted the sales man because the store is been around for 90 years and he told me that the trek 7300 or 7200 ( not sure) was a good bike ( that was about $ 300. this is a great site and everyone here seems so cool . Thanks.

Does aNYONE own the Crossroad XC Expert?
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;)

Well it sounds to me like you're getting decent advice from the guy. He's right when he says that there's little difference between brands - as they all should be equipped with about the same components in a given price point. And I think he's on when he says there's not that much difference between a $400 and a $600 dollar bike. For instance; the slightly higher priced model will have a few components one step higher in a given manufacturers line. Most beginners, and a few seasoned cyclists couldn't tell the difference by riding them. Eventually though, the cheaper components will wear out faster. I think it comes down to which bike you're most comfortable on. And this is where a few good, long test rides are important. Ride as many bikes as you can, as long as you can and pick the one which you feel best on. And remember; when choosing between a $400 or $600 bike remember you'll need some cash for accessories - like a helmet, gloves, lock, rack, some sort of trunk or panniers.

Comfort bikes make a fine first bike. They can do just about anything at a casual pace. If the bug bites you hard, you can then choose which direction you might want to invest more money in. Perhaps you'll want to ride fast on the road. Then again, maybe you won't like the street at all and choose to go mountain biking. Of course, lots of riders enjoy both.

Have fun. DanO

Or see if you can test ride a cyclocross bike, it's your do it all terrain type of bike.

rmwun54: what bike is in his price range? I have only seen cross bikes for 1200 and up. Looking for a cross myself.

I owned a 2003 Crossroads Comp. It was a good first bike. I recently replaced it with a cyclocross bike. My new bike is really good for me, better than the Specialized hybrid, but if a salesperson had encouraged me to spend over $1000 I would have walked out. Progressing from a beginning bike as one's riding style gets better defined is a common experience. Enjoy the Crossroads, it may be all you ever need...or you may decide to move on.

I've written a bit about my upgrade experience at the site listed in my signature if you are interested.

The most important thing is to enjoy the riding.

rmwun54: what bike is in his price range? I have only seen cross bikes for 1200 and up. Looking for a cross myself.

I think the Kona Jake is close. Mine was CDN$900. Spec'ed a bit lower than the rest of the cross bikes, but I don't planto race on it...

Doesn't the Jake have a double up front? For me, the problem with true cyclocross bikes is the gearing--a double up front is geared too high for where I live and ride, and my fitness level.

Mine's a tripple up front (2006 model). I think the Jake the Snake is only a double up front, but it's priced up with the other higher end cross bikes...

The OP stated in his opening sentence that he's in the $400 - $700 range. And as everyone should know, he's going to need a couple bills for helmet, rack, trunk - let alone pedals for some of the higher priced suggestions being made.

DanO

Thanks Guys. Specially Dano. :)

Are there any shops that carry Kona? If you like the Crossroads,you'd do better going with a Kona Dew Deluxe:
http://www.konaworld.com/shopping_cart/FrontEnd/Products/product_detail.aspx?productid=347&parentid=253

It'll do everything the Crossroads will do,the rigid fork will be more efficient(but the bike's still pleny comfortable),and you'll save money while getting disc brakes to boot. I have one and it's one of my favorite rides.