[thenobleone]

Hello, I am new. The last bike that I owned was a Iron horse AT 200. I want to get started again in riding. My brother has gotten in it and so do I. I have been trying to do research into what bike to buy. Since my brother and I are going to ride together I was trying to look for something comparable. He has the trek 7.3FX. He loves it. I am looking at these bikes.

http://www.bike-alog.com/BikePedia/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2006&Brand=Specialized&Model=Crossroads+XC+Comp&Type=bike
http://thebicycleconnection.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=481
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/road/1244/29286/
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/lifestyle/1268/29333/
http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/artemis
http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/wingra
http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/advance

Any suggestions on what I should guy and why would be appreciated. If you do not like these bikes please suggest anything. I am not looking ot spend more than 700. Lower if possible. Thanks for you time

[The BikeForums Team]

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[slagjumper]

Go to a few bike shops and ride a few bikes. Get a sense for what makes you feel comfortable. Get a feel for how much weight is on you handlebars and note how that makes you feel in your hands and shoulders. Shocks on the front are likely a waste unless you will be flying off of curbs, or routinly ride on rough surfaces.

[Tom Bombadil]

+1

There is really no way we can know what kind of bike is best for you. There are several different types of bikes available in the $400 - $700 range, and within each type are many variations.

Complicating things is the very real possibility that the bike that feels best to you now, may not be the best bike for you a year from now if you go out and ride it a lot and get into better condition.

It can be a lot of fun to try them out and most bike shops are very helpful.

In the end make sure you get one that fits you well. Some people buy the bike with the best price and try to make it fit.

[AndrewP]

Look for the most helpful bike shop then buy the model they sell. Of the ones you listed I like the Giant FCR3 the best, because I like the look of the curved forks. The forks are chromoly which is better than hi-tensile steel. The tires dont matter because it is easy and cheap to change to ones that are either lighter, fatter, faster or more punture proof. Allow for spending $100 or more on accessories (pump, emergy repair kit, under seat bag, water bottle & cage, lock, computer)