Northeast - Need a bike

I need some guidance please - I'm new to biking and want to make an educated purchase. I live in northern New Jersey(not far from Teaneck) plan to ride locally and to NYC (Central/Prospect Parks, Riverside Drive, Westside Hyway). Will ride 2-4 times a week. Week day mornings before work and weekends. Looking for a hybrid(?) because I'd like to do light trial riding also. Want to spend no more than $1,200. Looked at a Cannondale Road Warrior last year but purchase wasn't made. What type of bike (road, mountain, other), brands and models should I be looking at?

Look at TREK - especially the 7.3 FX Hybrid. Quality all the way around. Weighs 20lbs. Excellent rider. Made of aluminum. Prices go from about $350 to about $700 depending on the gears etc. I got the 24 speed and a few accessories (carrier and small seat pouch) and mine was $680.00. Hope that helps.

Thanks, I'll check out the Trek. Do you know anything about Specialized?

Save some money for accessories you'll need -- lights, rack, fenders, pump, tools, and more.

For your own safety, you have to be visible -- that's why lights (blinkies)

Fenders -- after riding just a mile on wet surface (even AFTER RAIN) -- your back and your pants/legs will be wet.

Rack -- yes, you can carry your stuff in your backpack, but that will make your back soaked in sweat. Sometimes might cause pain in your sholders.

Tools -- you'll need to adjust your bike (saddle highth or tilt) in the middle of your trip. And you'll have to be ready to fix your flat tire.

The Cannondale Road Warrior that you looked at and apparently liked is a nice bike. You don't necessarily need fenders if you aren't going to ride in all kinds of weather, as you would if you decided to commute every day, rain or shine.

Specialized, Trek, Cannondale, Giant are all about the same in quality. You won't go wrong with any of them. Get the one that you feel the most comfortable on and meets your price.

I would look at a cyclocross bike as an option since you'll get the option of doing trail riding but also have the option of putting slimmer tires on it for use on the road, plus get a more aero fit than you would on a hybrid with flat handle bars that keeps you in an upright position.

I've had a hybrid and it was a very nice versatile and sturdy ride. If I was buying new today in that vein, tho, I;d get a cyclocross.


In the end you should test ride as many types as you can yourself.