Recs for a speedy & lightweight hybrid for less than $550

[tinamars]

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

[st0ut]

The Trek FX series was on my short list.

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

[RonH]

Jamis Coda

[DieselDan]

Raleigh Cadent FT1
http://www.raleighusa.com/wp-content/uploads/post-images/R08_CadentFT1-M-white-MD.jpg

[Tom Bombadil]

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

[tinamars]

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.

[Praxis]

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.

[MENEGRANDE]

Cannondale Adventure Series

[badgermac]

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.