Commuting - Derailleurs o Derailleurs..You are stressing me out!...Which one is better?

So I am extremely stressed out over my bike choice. I have ridden all of the bikes, but now don't know what to choose. Since I am a novice the quality of the Derailleurs..I know not.

So I am choosing between a Coda Sport, Trek 7.3Fx, and a FCR3. All 2008.

$595
The CODA has a rear Shimano Deore and a front Shimano R453-A. w/ Shimano ST-R440.
(I didn't particular like the shifter. I had to press really far in for the shifter to work)

$520
The 7.3x has a rear Shimano Deore and a front Shimano C102. w/ Shimano EF60 8 speed Shifter

$460
The FCR3 has a rear Shimano Altus and a front Shimano R443. W/ a Shimano ST-R221

I would really like to get the FCR3, but I am not too sure if the components suck! So it wouldn't make it worth it. Than I would fall to the 7.3FX mainly because they have lifetime adjustment services where as the CODA LBS has 1 year adjustment services. And it is further from my house, but the other two aren't and I really want to build a relationship w/ the LBS. That is a heavy part of why it is so hard for me to choose.

HELP PLEASE! Are these derailleurs that different? And is it worth the price difference..to get one above the other. Thanks.

The Coda is the superior bicycle.

All of those components should be reasonably durable and should shift the chain around as needed. Front deraillers need more time/pressure to work, rear ones work faster, no matter how good the components are. The rear derailler is only moving the chain 1-3 teeth at a time, but the front may have 10-14 to deal with. Since you don't shift a lot in front, it shouldn't be a big deal.

Thanks for the advice. I just read something about Shimano Altus being really crappy. So that kind of made me take a step back. I guess I would rather save a bit of money and use it on accessories. Well only thing I really need is a rack, a mirror that attaches to my helmet, and I want another helmet. Oh and I need a new pump.

Go fro the Coda, it's a steel bike and you won't regret steel.

If the guys at your LBS are cool and treat you with respect, buy one of the bikes from them. They give you free lifetime adjustments anyway so why not? As for the Coda, you said you didn't like the shifter which could probably be improperly adjusted, but still, only 1 year of maintenance and it's far away. Build a relationship with your LBS.

Buy the bike you want. Why can't you build a relationship with your LBS without buying your bike there?

What derraileurs?

Buy the bike you want. Why can't you build a relationship with your LBS without buying your bike there?

I guess I don't know how. I figure if I buy a bike from that place I will have more interaction w/ them if I don't. I would be there for adjustments and possibly extra gear.

The place where the Coda is located is a very busy shop out in Berkeley. Missing Link. I just don't feel that the same relationship can be built out there compared to the LBS closer to my house.

I have now decided not to get the CODA though, because the shifting for the thumb is way way to hard for me to reach. I have short thumbs..and you really have to push in to get it to switch gears. A couple of times..I was half gear and spinning. Not good. I rode that bike close to 20 minutes and kept practicing getting the hang of switching gears...it wasn't working.


So now I am down to the FX and the FCR3.

.... I just read something about Shimano Altus being really crappy. So that kind of made me take a step back.....I would by the bike most comfortable riding. It is unlikely that the rear derailleur is going to fail, whether it is altus or deore. I had an old mountain bike with Altus derailleurs that I rode for more than 10 years. If you take care of the bike (either one of them), it will last a long time.

The Altus is lower end then the Deore, but how did it shift? If it shifted good enough to suit you, buy it.
If it wears out, you can upgrade later.
Get the bike that feels more like it's part of you. The "attachments" are secondary and can be changed.

HELP PLEASE! Are these derailleurs that different? And is it worth the price difference..to get one above the other. Thanks.

Quit stressing over derailleurs... there's absolutely no point in it. Pick:

- the bike that feels the best
- the bike that looks the best
- the bike from the nicest shop
- the bike your girlfriend likes
- just don't worry about overanalyzing them to death.

I personally like the look of the Jamis the best.
The Trek is almost certainly going to have the best resale value.

With a very few exceptions, hybrids are priced according to what they're "worth". One that costs $100 more will typically have a little bit more money spread around the components. It's almost impossible to quantify $100 though, especially when it's been spread across components. You kinda just have to trust that the value is there and pay what you're comfortable paying.

Remember... bikes wear out and "better" components can be purchased to replace them when they do. Some would point to the Coda frame as a longer-term investment - something you might want to upgrade. While I agree to an extent, I'd also say that since you don't really know what you want right now, the likelihood of you buying that perfect bike the first time out is slim. If you keep riding, and have any of that US consumerism in you, you'll be shopping for another bike at some point in the future anyway.

What derraileurs?

+1

Which dérailleur is only important if you work for Shimano. They're not that big of a deal, besides those are all mountain bike dérailleurs anyway.

You need a bike whose frame fits you well, whose shifters you like (you'll be using them, a lot), and a bike which looks so damned slick you just want to ride it. And, since this is the commuters forum: Eyelets, eyelets, eyelets.

Here's my advice; now it may seem like it's the unpopular advice. Ff you truly care about the environment and saving money, then my advice is the best advice.

Save all those hundreds of dollars, go to a few thrift stores, yard sales, flea markets, and craigslist. Find a bike that you like and meet your needs, spend a few bucks, and be happy. Yes it may need work, but a new bike needs work too. Yes it wont have a warranty, but everybody can repair a bike; it isnt rocket science. Yes it may not be the lightest, most bling out ride on the block, but if you truly want that then safe up more money and buy a Ferrari.

Quit stressing over derailleurs... there's absolutely no point in it. Pick:

- the bike that feels the best
- the bike that looks the best
- the bike from the nicest shop
- the bike your girlfriend likes
- just don't worry about overanalyzing them to death.

I personally like the look of the Jamis the best.
The Trek is almost certainly going to have the best resale value.

With a very few exceptions, hybrids are priced according to what they're "worth". One that costs $100 more will typically have a little bit more money spread around the components. It's almost impossible to quantify $100 though, especially when it's been spread across components. You kinda just have to trust that the value is there and pay what you're comfortable paying.

Remember... bikes wear out and "better" components can be purchased to replace them when they do. Some would point to the Coda frame as a longer-term investment - something you might want to upgrade. While I agree to an extent, I'd also say that since you don't really know what you want right now, the likelihood of you buying that perfect bike the first time out is slim. If you keep riding, and have any of that US consumerism in you, you'll be shopping for another bike at some point in the future anyway.


Bless you bless you bless you. This has put me soo at peace. Now w/ the points you have laid out besides the GF part because I am a heterosexual female. lol....I know exactly how to choose my bike. I was really kind of stress...trying to make sure I got the most bang for my buck..that I was actually making a sound purchase.

I just went and bought some updated gear for this new bike I don't have. New helmet..new lock..and some handle bar extensions..lol. But, still no bike because couldn't decide.

Well it will all be over tomorrow. Thanks!

I don't know if my experience will help or not, but here goes.
I spent more money on a bike (Trek 7.5fx) to get better components in particular the Tiagra rear derraileur.
I compared some of the similar bikes from other manufacturers and came to what I thought was a well thought out educated decision.
Well, after a front derraileur that wouldn't stay adjusted and a spectacular failure of the rear I have upgraded to a MUCH better component set (XT in the front and Ultegra in the rear).
If I could do it again, I would buy the lower priced model and spend the extra money on XT or better components.
Just to let you know almost 1000 miles later I have had 0 problems with the new components.

Here's my advice; now it may seem like it's the unpopular advice. Ff you truly care about the environment and saving money, then my advice is the best advice.

Save all those hundreds of dollars, go to a few thrift stores, yard sales, flea markets, and craigslist. Find a bike that you like and meet your needs, spend a few bucks, and be happy. Yes it may need work, but a new bike needs work too. Yes it wont have a warranty, but everybody can repair a bike; it isnt rocket science. Yes it may not be the lightest, most bling out ride on the block, but if you truly want that then safe up more money and buy a Ferrari.


Thanks for the advice. I already tried this method and to my great dismay it did not work for me at all. Spending $600 on a bike was not at the top of my list. It has just come to this as a last resort in some ways.

I did it....I finally bought my COMMUTER! :yay: :yay: YAY!

I took the advice..went back to both of the bike stores rode the bikes..and it was sooooo easy to choose. I had been so caught up in the components and cost, I lost sight of what was really important. How did the bike feel when I RODE IT!


Soon as I got on the final two models back to back today it was SOOO CLEAR!

I bought my bike immediately. I than headed out to Performance Bike and REI to pick up some extra gear. The gear that I bought for my old comfort bike..just seemed sooo absolete when it came to providing gear for my knew bike. So I went and spent an extra $300 bucks. lol

Here is what I bought


New Helmet: Specialized Air Force 3
Heart Rate Monitor: CatEye MSC-HR10 ( I wanto be able to do some fitness rides and track calories burned etc. Make sure I am training in my Target Heart Rate)
Helmet Mirror: I'm always turning my head. I will keep turning my head too. Tried it and it isn't working that well.
Extra Tubes
Topeak Rack (Sold my old one, it connected to the seat post)
Ascent Mega Floor Air Pump: Needed a pump w/ more power to get to 110psi
Bicycle Cover- May have to store outside...hope not. Will lock up sooo tight
Bottle Cage
Bottle


I'm soooo excited. Looking forward to commuting and having a great time on some of the paved road trials here in the bay area.

Get yourself a good frame pump, multi-tool(topeak mini is good), chain tool and METAL tire levers. The plastic ones are worthless. Topeak Road Morph w/guage from http://www.bikeisland.com is 30.00US w/no shipping. Even if you don't know how to use the chain tool get one anyway, because someone may stop to help you that does. Another online store w/no shipping is http://www.brandscycle.com There's a 50.00 minumum w/brandscycle, but not w/bikeisland. They both are very efficient in getting your product(s) to you. Happy commuting! :thumb:

Get yourself a good frame pump, multi-tool(topeak mini is good), chain tool and METAL tire levers. The plastic ones are worthless. Topeak Road Morph w/guage from http://www.bikeisland.com is 30.00US w/no shipping. Even if you don't know how to use the chain tool get one anyway, because someone may stop to help you that does. Another online store w/no shipping is http://www.brandscycle.com There's a 50.00 minumum w/brandscycle, but not w/bikeisland. They both are very efficient in getting your product(s) to you. Happy commuting! :thumb:

Thanks for your advice. I need to get a better frame pump for sure. I have a multi tool. I have no clue what a chain tool is....lol. I haven't seen any Metal Tire levers..but I'll be on the lock out for some.

get a surly cross check. it's about $930 but worth it. or a surly long haul trucker if you don't mind it weight 4 lbs more. they will save you money in the long run. save up a bit more and get a surly.

So which bike did you get?

Get yourself a good frame pump, multi-tool(topeak mini is good), chain tool and METAL tire levers. The plastic ones are worthless. Topeak Road Morph w/guage from http://www.bikeisland.com is 30.00US w/no shipping. Even if you don't know how to use the chain tool get one anyway, because someone may stop to help you that does. Another online store w/no shipping is http://www.brandscycle.com There's a 50.00 minumum w/brandscycle, but not w/bikeisland. They both are very efficient in getting your product(s) to you. Happy commuting! :thumb:

METAL tire levers?!? I haven't used metal levers since 1984. I've got a half dozen sets of old KoolStops. One for each bike and a couple spares. They work well and are really tough.

I bought a Trek 7.3FX. It is sooooo fast. I wouldn't recommend if you ride on jacked up..pot hole infested, bumpy streets though. Sometimes I am going sooo fast and than it comes to a bad part in the road and it is like MANNN! The tires are smooth 32. No tread really...pretty smooth an those huge bumps force me to stop pedaling and just coast through that zone. It could be because I am a novice...but I do what I have to do to prevent falls.

Thanks for your advice. I need to get a better frame pump for sure. I have a multi tool. I have no clue what a chain tool is....lol. I haven't seen any Metal Tire levers..but I'll be on the lock out for some.

The frame pump mentioned is by far the best in the market. And the price w/no shipping is the best deal online. It 'morphs' into a small floor pump. Very handy for roadside flat fixing. A chain tool is...well a chain tool! :p Go to http://www.bikewebsite.com or http://www.sheldonbrown.com and go to the glossary of bicycle terminology. The chain tool will push the rivets out/in that hold the links together. If you snap a chain they're VERY handy to have. Metal tire levers are available at http://www.bikepartsusa.com Put 'Pyramid tire levers' in the site search engine and they'll come up. Makes getting the tire off/on the bike when one has a flat much easier. Have some 'bike geek' friend show you how to use them. Like I said even if you don't know how to use these tools someone who stops to help you in an emergency will, most likely be another cyclist and will appreciate the fact that you have them in your tool-kit. Oh yeah, and get a patch kit, too. Walmart has them for under 2.00.

BTW, my wife carries these articles on her rides and once when a guy stopped to help her he was impressed enough w/her 'emergency kit' he sent along to me his respect for taking the concern to make sure she was outfitted properly for emergencies. He was in a car and didn't have anything with him except a pair of pliers. She'd had a blowout and snapped a chain at the same time. And as before...Happy Commuting! :thumb: