Recreational & Family - help me on getting my first bike!

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cowhornz
07-03-07, 09:24 PM
i'm 19 and i just learned how to ride a week ago :) i'm mostly going to be riding in nyc street pavement, sidewalks (heard that was illegal), and bridges. i learned how to ride on a bmx bike, and it was boring after i reached max speed and it didn't feel fast enough. i'm leaning towards getting a hybrid.. because i'm thinking they have more stability and comfort than regular road bikes, while still being able to reach pretty nice speeds? i'd like to keep the price of the bike under $300. i heard the trek 7100 and giant cypress st were good choices. i'm 5' 10" and would like to know the size of the bike i should get. i might like to take it with me to college in buffalo where there's a lot of snow and wondering if a hybrid would be able to survive those conditions. any input would be appreciated, thanks!

Sportsman9
07-04-07, 02:25 AM
The Trek 7100 sounds like a good choice. See if you can find a shop that'll let you test-ride one, and also a 7.2 FX (a bit over your ideal price maybe).

They have significantly different rides -- I did a test and prefer the 7000 series; but a lot of people go the other way. Also try and test a Giant if you can -- but different shops carry different brands.

You can probably fit either a 17.5 inch frame or a 20. You want at least an inch of clearance over the bar when you're standing with feet on the ground. Since the saddle height is adjustable, either of those bikes should get you seated into the right position. You would be raising the 17.5's saddle moreso than the 20, so the geometry will be a little different.
enzed
07-04-07, 02:37 AM
Hi, welcome to the cycling community.
Just commenting about the trek 7100 bike. My main ride is a 7100fx and it has served me. I use my mine for commuting, shopping trips, light touring etc. . It's not the lightest bike around but it gets me where I want to go.

I'd try to get the fx model, if at all possible. Front suspension is not necessary unless you're going off road alot. I'm around 5 feet 6/7 & I ride a 17.5 inch bike. So maybe you'll be better off with 20 inch model. The best idea would be to try both sizes and decide then.

Happy riding.