Recreational & Family - Cruiser or Hybrid? I'm in a quandry.

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jimlikestobike
04-19-07, 10:29 PM
Which bike to chose? What does everyone recommend for this situation. Looking for an all around bike for relatively flat terrain (so maybe less than 18 gears). I would be pulling my kids on their Burley Piccolo once in while (so something stable) and getting out solo for a spin of 15-30 miles sometimes too (so something quick, but not like my carbon road bike quick). I also don't need front suspension - would like to keep the weight down. $$ is not an issue.

I'm looking at the Trek 7.6fx. Compact crank, 28c tires (probably put 32's or 35's on for pulling the Burley), flat bar, single side clipless pedals. Hmmm.

Thanks!

tonphil1960
04-20-07, 02:18 PM
Go for it. I have a 7100 Hybrid and love it. I have 35 tires. Maybe go Hybrid instead of Flatbar??

T
FormerFF
04-21-07, 10:59 AM
I like flat bars for pulling a Piccolo. I use a Cannondale Bad Boy, which is essentially a rigid mountain bike frame set up on road wheels & tires.

Make sure you are 100 % comfortable with your clipless pedals before you start pulling the Piccolo. It took me a dozen or so solo rides (and three falls) before I felt comfortable that I could get out of clipless pedals as quickly as I could get out of toe clips.

rmwun54
04-21-07, 05:25 PM
Touring.
themanfromvan
04-21-07, 06:26 PM
Dude, go for the FX. I bought a Trek 7300 hybrid and am now kicking myself for not taking the FX's more seriously. You may want to try Giant's FCR, too. If by "cruiser" you're thinking something like an Electra Townie, I wouldn't even consider it. I rode one about 7 miles. Yeah, it's plush. But, more than 10 miles on that thing would have been like a death sentence. All I can say is, "TEST RIDE". Try all you can before you buy. Don't rush it. Get what you want the first time !!
jimlikestobike
04-21-07, 06:45 PM
thanks guys! Went and bought the Trek 7.6fx. Swapped the 28c tires for 32c's. It's pretty smooth and light. It gives a more upright riding position than a mountain bike and will be perfect for getting out solo and pulling the Piccolo.

themanformvan - I agree, a cruiser would have been a nightmare for more than a few miles pulling the Piccolo. I test rode a Giant Suede - nice but just for going a few miles solo to the beach or grocery store.