Recreational & Family - Recs for a speedy & lightweight hybrid for less than $550

Hi all,

I usually ride my road bike for fitness and fun in Brooklyn, NY, but I'd really like to get some exercise when I'm hanging out with my 3yo son. I don't feel comfortable putting a child seat on my road bike, so I'd like to get a hybrid. It has to be as lightweight as possible (I have to climb 3 flights to get to my apartment), but not too expensive. My local dealer wants to sell me a Diamondback Insight, but I'm a bit skeptical about that brand. The other models I've been considering are the Trek FX, Jamis Coda, Scott Sub 30, Specialized Sirrius. Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks!
Tina

The Trek FX series was on my short list.

But i think any of the one you mentioned will suit your need.

Jamis Coda

Raleigh Cadent FT1

Those are all worth checking out. Also the Fuji Absolute 3.0 and Marin Novato.

Thanks everyone for your input. But, my contenders have changed. A friend of mine who works in a great bike shop thinks the Gary Fisher Mendota is the way to go (much more expensive - $879, but he thinks it's a superb bike AND it has disc brakes). The other option would be a step down to the GF Monona. I'm going to try to take these for a spin today and report back.

I would recommend that Diamondback--my wife bought one a couple of weeks ago. She's 5'3" and bought the small. Seems to be a solid performer, good value. Seemed pretty lightweight to me, too--so much that I weighed it: about 26 lbs.

Cannondale Adventure Series

Sirrus is a nice bike, may find some deals on 07s and even perhaps 08s since 09s will be out in a couple months. Check out SPecialized's Globe model as well. Giant makes a couple nice hybrids as well. My wife is on an 08 FCR3 that I rode before I got my road bike. THe FCR series are very nice flat-bar road bike/hybrids.