Recreational & Family - So confused. Need Help. Which Bike?

Just getting back into biking. For many years have been riding a Schwin Criss Cross Hybrid. One of first out there. Never really like bike. Very bent over. Always felt unstable.

I really want to get into top shape. Now 51. I am so confused as to which way to turn. Want to ride 3-4 times per week. @ 1 hours a day. 10-15 miles if possible. I live in Southeast Florida. Roads are flat but wet at times. I am looking for comfort & quality. Don't want to sit so bent over. Back isn't getting better with age. Occasional wet roads.

I have looked at Giant Cypress, Trek 7100 & 7200, Raleigh 3.0 & 4.0 Detour, Cannondale Adventure 3 & Marin ?

All bike with front & rear suspension. All hybrids. Can any one tell me which is the better all around bike? Which would last & give best performance or should I be looking at something else?

This has become quite frustrating. Akk bike road well. Cannondale had best seat comfort.

Bending over has all but eliminated my back pain.. The stretching and exercise will be good for the back.
Going down on the drop bars has helped remove my large stomach.

I'd say give some thought to whether or not you really need suspension components or if that just sounds like something good to have. If you're on flat, smooth roads then suspension components won't make much difference other than to add extra weight (and probably cost) to the bike.

Anyway, of the bikes you mentioned I'd look closer at considering the Giant, Cannondale or Marin bikes. If you can, try test riding and comparing them to their non-suspension stablemates and see what you think.

You want to get fit. In that case, you'll have to pedal vigorously to get some exercise. It doesn't matter what top speed you hit, as long as you put in the effort. However, upright hyrbrids are very bad for vigorous effort because the position your body is in barely engages your rear muscles, making your thighs do all the work. Also, you put most of your weight on the seat instead of taking some on your arms. So, after an hour of hard riding your thighs are wasted and your butt is sore. Its not good.

Also, you say the seat comfort on the Cannondale is the best. That seat will chaffe the skin off your thighs after an hour of serious riding.

You need to look at whats comfortable after an hour of riding, not 5 minutes of pedalling @ 10 mph. Realize, bike designer aren't sadists, they design thing for their intended function. They don't make these horrible "bent over" bikes to be mean, but because they are comfortable for riding at effort for significant distances.

And if you don't want to believe me, then get a recumbent.

So, what are your main goals?: fitness, recreation, commuting, utility? Many people start off on comfort hybrids until they get into better shape, then switch bikes to suit their main goal. Trek Navigators, Giant Sedona/Cypress, etc. are popular for that. I ride a Giant Suede 7 speed with very upright seating and pedals forward. It suits me because I'm not in a hurry but want to stay fit. Suspension can get you into shape faster because it's heavy and soaks up some of your power. Bikes with upright seating can be Electra Townie, Trek Pure, KHS Smoothie or Green, etc. Some have racks, fenders and baskets for shopping/errand purposes.

All of the possibilities are exciting but confusing, true. Just keep test riding until you find the one.

So what are you saying then. What should I be looking for?

My main goals are fitness & recreation. Just road Specialized Cross. Very comfortable.

After you have ridden many bikes, pick the one that feels the best. Specialized Cross would be great. Specialized Hardrock are often recommended over in the Clydesdale forum for new riders because they hold up well. You have to decide what feels the best for you.