Good Overall Road/Commuter/Light Trail Bike?

[Wobbly1]

Hi All,

I am a noob looking to get back into cycling after a very long absence. Mainly interested in riding for fitness, recreation and commuting, with some (very) light trail riding. I am looking at hybrid and flat bar road bikes in the $800 range and have come across this bike from Gary Fisher.

http://www.fisherbikes.com/bikes/full_specs.asp?series=fastcity&bike=Mendota

Although the msrp is $940, a LBS has quoted me $799. Any thoughts on this bike as compared to a Trek 7.5 FX Disc, Specialized Sirrus Comp, etc.. Also, what is your opinion of SRAM components as compared to Shimano?

p.s. I know there are better deals out there online, but I am looking to give my $$ to a local and hope to establish a good relationship for future service and purchases.

[HardyWeinberg]

What leapt out at me from the description of the Mendota was the very sane set of chainrings (48/38/28) paired with the aggressive cassette (11/26). If it had an 11/32 cassette (which would require a different rear derailer) I would think it would be perfect re-entry bike.

As is, if you don't have a ton of topography to deal with, I'm sure it will be great anyway. Even if you do have a ton of topography, it will still be great, and you'll get some big leg muscles. And 28/26 is still a better low gear than a lot of racer-y bikes allow.

In general I haven't really heard much about sram or shimano being better than the other, except that everyone I know who has an opinion prefers sram chains. Not sure if that's just the smartlink, or if other factors come into play as well.

[Sci-Fi]

The Trek 7.5 FX Disc is cheaper, pricewise, but is all shimano derailleurs. Pretty much even or some would say "near clones" of each other, BUT the Mendota has a carbon fork which will give you a better ride. For some, a carbon fork is worth the extra money spent esp on an aluminum frame. For the $40 difference, I would get the Fisher (plus your LBS is giving you a nice discount). Test ride both of them and then decide. Both should be plenty fast on the flats and have enough gearing to tackle whatever hills you may encounter.

[metabike]

SRAM components are excellent. The X-7 RD that is spec'd on the bike you are looking at is 3rd from the top in their hierarchy (X-0 and X-9 are ahead of it). SRAM technology "trickles down" so the X-7 you'll get is probably equal to last years X-9. Dump the Deore FD for an X-Gen and you will be in heaven!

That's a nice looking bike, I'd go for it if I was you.