Fifty Plus (50+) - Is there a better value in a steel frame, carbon fork hybrid than KHS Urban Xtreme?

As my earlier posts indicate, I have been looking for a hybrid as a newbie who wants to get back on a bicycle for supplemental exercise (as I am 50, 6'0", 200 pounds, and am in decent shape from having done two to three circuit weight training workouts per week for over 30 years) by exploring in southern California on pavement and light bike trails and light bike baths with a setup that won't need to be altered for different venues.

My research seemed to point toward a steel frame, non-suspension fork for the most comfortable ride and most versatile setup. And I was leaning toward either the Coda Sport (MSRP of $600) or the Coda (MSRP of $475). I didn't want to look at anything much more expensive because I am trying to squeeze this out as a family Christmas gift.

But it has come to my attention that the KHS Urban Xtreme has a steel frame and carbon fork for a seemingly incomparable MSRP of $739. I know that the comparable Coda Comp with steel frame and carbon fork has an MSRP of $800.

Here are the specifications for the KHS Urban Xtreme:

Frame - Reynolds 520 DB CrMo tubing w/curved seatstays and carrier bosses, Forged Vertical Drop Outs
Fork - Carbon blades w/Alloy steerer
Headset - 1-1/8" Threadless
Rims - Weinmann SP-17 Double wall, CNC sidewalls
Hubs - Front: Formula alloy; Rear: Shimano Cassette
Tires - Kenda Kwest 700x35c, w/K-Shield Anti-puncture
Spokes - 14G Black 32°
Front Derailleur - Shimano FD-453A
Rear Derailleur - Shimano Sora
Shifters - Shimano SL440 Trigger
Chain - KMC Z82
Crankset - Alloy Forged 52/42/30
Bottom Bracket - ISIS spline, Sealed cartridge
Cassette - SRAM PG850 12-26, 8 Speed
Pedals - Dual Sided Mulitfunction, Clipless and Standard
Seatpost - Alloy micro-adjust
Saddle - San Marco Ischia
Handlebar - Alloy Flat
Stem - Alloy 17°, Threadless
Grips - Dual density grips
Brake Levers - Tektro Alloy
Brakes - Shimano M421 V-Brake

Are folks aware of any hybrid bicycle with a steel frame and carbon fork at a better price?

Do folks think that the extra $139 for the carbon fork and other components of the KHS Urban Xtreme are worth it compared to the Coda Sport?

Thanks for you advice and input.

Never heard of this one before, but it looks interesting. The frame & fork look like they would yield a nice ride. Likewise the 700x35 tires would be cushy. They save money here and there on the components, like in using an 8-spd Sora group set and a no-name crankset. But they have to do this to hit this price point with that frame.

Those curved seat stays look interesting too. Like they would soak up the bumps.

I found some reviews on the web, but I'm assuming you have already read those.

It's a bike I would want to test ride if I were looking for a flat bar road bike in the $700 price range.

I like the looks and components of the Coda Comp better for $60 more. How do you feel about the dealers selling the two bikes in your area? That is a bigger issue than a few dollars for comparable bikes.

Yeah, I agree with BD. The Coda Comp has a better overall set of parts. Larger dealer network and a more established reputation.

I've ridden the Comp, it's a well made bike. And I've seen them sold at slight discounts too.