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07-09-07, 11:13 AM
Hello!
I'm an overweight, 31-year-old, who is looking to get into recreational cycling as another way to increase my overall activity level. I've always bought mountain bikes before, but since I want to actually stick to exercising this way and get some enjoyment out of it, I want this time to buy something more comfortable. I also want something with good components so I don't have to pay for pricey upgrades in the future. My price range is $400 (+/- $100).
I've spent some time looking at comfort-leaning hybrids and roady-leaning hybrids. I can't really decide between the two; individual models sway me one way or the other. For example, both the GT Legato 4.0 and the GT Nomad Ltd seemed appealing to me (I liked the Nomad a little more, perhaps), even though they're at different ends of the hybrid spectrum. I do like an upright position more than the roady hunched-over position, I guess.
Anyway, I ran into a Raleigh Passage 5.5 at another LBS, and I think I'm hooked. It's gorgeous:
http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?deptid=7&itemid=334
has excellent derailleurs (Deore), Tektro disc brakes, Shimano lever shifters, an upright seating position, and a beautiful red color. The LBS is offering the 2007 to me for $420, which seems like a good price (down from the regular $495).
Is there any reason I shouldn't buy this bike, or buy another bike? Should I trade off and get the Passage 5.0 for more comfort (front suspension), but give up the Deore componentry (no idea if I can get one at the same discounted price), even though I don't like the 5.0's blue to the 5.5's red? Should I not obsess over components and just get a cheaper bike?
I'd appreciate any thoughts, opinions or advice you folks have.
I'm an overweight, 31-year-old, who is looking to get into recreational cycling as another way to increase my overall activity level. I've always bought mountain bikes before, but since I want to actually stick to exercising this way and get some enjoyment out of it, I want this time to buy something more comfortable. I also want something with good components so I don't have to pay for pricey upgrades in the future. My price range is $400 (+/- $100).
I've spent some time looking at comfort-leaning hybrids and roady-leaning hybrids. I can't really decide between the two; individual models sway me one way or the other. For example, both the GT Legato 4.0 and the GT Nomad Ltd seemed appealing to me (I liked the Nomad a little more, perhaps), even though they're at different ends of the hybrid spectrum. I do like an upright position more than the roady hunched-over position, I guess.
Anyway, I ran into a Raleigh Passage 5.5 at another LBS, and I think I'm hooked. It's gorgeous:
http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?deptid=7&itemid=334
has excellent derailleurs (Deore), Tektro disc brakes, Shimano lever shifters, an upright seating position, and a beautiful red color. The LBS is offering the 2007 to me for $420, which seems like a good price (down from the regular $495).
Is there any reason I shouldn't buy this bike, or buy another bike? Should I trade off and get the Passage 5.0 for more comfort (front suspension), but give up the Deore componentry (no idea if I can get one at the same discounted price), even though I don't like the 5.0's blue to the 5.5's red? Should I not obsess over components and just get a cheaper bike?
I'd appreciate any thoughts, opinions or advice you folks have.