Recreational & Family - Need some help deciding on several bikes.

Hello All,

I am new to this forum and as my subject line describes I would like some info and input on several bikes that I am currently looking at. I would like to purchase one, that would preferably allow me to ride on pavement and on fire/hard packed trails. I'm anticipating head out on the a long tour (NYC to DC over 4 or so days, early next year) and would like to be able to cover this distance with this bike, and of course would like to get some biking in with my family.

These are the choices I have been able to narrow down with my research on line.

Specialized: Crosstrail Elite or Expert (Disc brakes or not? I don't mind going over the $1,000 a bit)

Cannondale: Bad Boy Ultra or Disc (Super Fatty head shock or not. Over blown bike or worth the hype?)

Cannondale: Street (Just had a chance to see this bike. Very similar to the Bad Boy but a bit less expensive. Why?)

Trek: Soho (Will the "C Drive belt sprocket hold up well?)

Trek: Valencia (Why did they drop the S.U.?)

Giant: Seek 1 or 2 (Internal rear drivetrain or not?)

I have ridden the Crosstrail Elite. I enjoyed it. It felt solid and comfortable. I have not had a chance to ride a Cannondale yet. However they seem to be much lighter, although the tires appear to be much slimmer. I like the Borough tires on the Crosstrail. But wonder if I put them on the Cannondales if it will be the same difference. The Bad Boy Ultra is very expensive, while the Street is several hundred dollars cheaper. It appears to be the same bike anyone know why?

I have not seen or ridden any of the Trek bikes or the Giants either. I have a feeling the Trek would not suit me. In other words no trails of any kind. I'm also fearful of destroying the belt drive "chain". The Giant seems to be a great bike, although I can't shake this image of cheapness for whatever unknown reason. How well do the Shimano Alfine internal drivetrains work too?

Over all how do the components on each bike fair against each other. Am I getting ripped off purchasing one over the other? I've read several complaints on the components Cannondale puts on the Bad Boys. Other than that I know nothing else. Please enlighten me. Thank you in advance for your advice.

Sergio.

I would like some info and input on several bikes that I am currently looking at. I would like to purchase one, that would preferably allow me to ride on pavement and on fire/hard packed trails.
Any of the bikes listed will work well for your riding. Do they fit? Are you comfortable on any of them? Test ride the bikes you are seriously considering.
Would you buy a car without a test ride? Would you buy a pair of pants without trying them on?


I'm anticipating head out on the a long tour (NYC to DC over 4 or so days, early next year) and would like to be able to cover this distance with this bike...
The folks in the Touring forum (farther down in the BikeForums listing) can answer questions about bike touring.

You're going to be hard pressed to find one bike that will suit all of your riding criteria. On the other hand, that's the best reason for owning more than one. :)

If you're going to be spending the majority of your time riding on pavement and hard pack trails I'd recommend avoiding bikes with suspension components and fat tires that usually aren't necessary and will bog you down. Something designed more for road use will get you farther faster and with less effort. You'll surely notice the difference on your NY to DC ride.

My road bike stays on pavement, however I often ride on a combination of both paved and limestone trails. My choice for that is my Kona PhD fitted with 700 x 28 Continental Contact tires since it's more versatile while still being fast. My Stumpjumper mostly collects dust now.

Of the bikes you mentioned I'd choose the Bad Boy Disc. Head back to the stores and take another look at Specialized Sirrus and Trek FX series bikes too.

Thank you for the advise. I've ridden a few bikes since posting my original message. I was able to get on an 7.5 FX, a 7.3 FX and a 7500 series all from Trek. A Bad Boy Disc and a Street both from Cannondale. A Crosstrail from Specialized, also a Sedona by Giant. I enjoyed all of them. However the 7500, and it seems these type of "comfort" bikes do not feel quite right for me. I enjoyed the FX series, as a matter of fact I am looking to try the FCR by Giant, the Quick by Cannondale, and the Sirrus by Specialized. From what I understand Cannondale replaced the Road Warrior series with a more well rounded Quick series.

The person I spoke with at the LBS said I looked like a natural and very comfortable on the FX. The Sirrus Series seems to be very expensive at the top of the line with nothing in the middle and then some models on the low end. I am not very well informed about the Quick, but it appears to be in line with the Sirrus. Trek seems to have the most choise in this catagory. For now I am still a bit confused. I have gotten the Bad Boy out of my head. The Crosstrail is still on the list. But I definitely want to check out the "fitness" or flat bar bikes and ask more questions before I make a final decision. Thank you For all your advise and support.

Sergio

Sounds like you have a good plan working for you. One thing's for sure - by researching and test riding a variety of bikes you're more likely to find the one that suits you best and leaves you with no buyer's remorse afterward.

Hello fine people. I just wanted to thank everyone who responded with their opinions and suggestions. After a long arduous process of learning about components, reading specs, and testing riding Specialized bikes, Trek bikes, Giant bikes, and Cannondale bikes I am happy to report that I recently purchased a 2008 Cannondale F3. It was not in my original repertoire of bikes, but I really enjoyed the test ride, and found it to be very comparable to the Bad Boy Ultra. With the only real difference being the tire size.

Of course I got it at the "LBS" and they took care of me wonderfully. Thanks again.