Fifty Plus (50+) - New to forum-buying hybrids

Hi, my wife needs a bike (she was using her daughter's). We have looked in a few lbs's which seem to carry various brands. We want to spend about $400 to $500. We were thinking of a hybrid with front and post suspensions and 700cc tires (is that the right terminology?) We mainly ride around in the streets on Long Island or to a nearby park (all paved) not really hiily. We ride for an hour or a little longer. I have an old Raleigh 10 speed and am thinking of also getting a hybrid for the more upright seating position. My wife liked the Giant Cypress; she thought the Trek 7200 (or 7100) would be a nice bike for me. We intend to ride these (although these bike shops won't allow much of a test). We also saw a GT Nomad which looked fine. Some of the shops like Specialized and Cannondale. If we are in the above price range does it matter which we choose? Are they all close as far as components etc? Thanks for your help.

I think that the difference between bike shops exceeds the differences between brands of bikes. I'm thinking that if you can find a bike shop where the people speak your "language" and do a good job of answering your questions it will be a better shop to work with for service too.

I agree that the choice of a bike shop could be more important than which brand of bike you choose.

Since you plan to ride on paved streets and paths, is there any particular reason you want your bikes to have suspension forks and seat posts? There are hybrids without them in your price range. Less weight. Less complexity. Possibly better components.

Whatever you choose to buy, enjoy the ride.:ride:

Thanks for your opinions. The roads out here get pretty beat up especially after the winter. Have hit some bumps that rocked my arms or butt. I'm in decent shape as is my wife but thought something more comfortable (even if heavier) might be nice.

I second the concept of no front suspension.

Did you go to Brands they have a large selection.

Here is a good bike for you

http://brandscycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?LibId=47736

Thanks for your opinions. The roads out here get pretty beat up especially after the winter. Have hit some bumps that rocked my arms or butt. I'm in decent shape as is my wife but thought something more comfortable (even if heavier) might be nice.

Understood that you want something that will help soak up the bumps of irregular pavement. Many people seem to be happy with bikes like the Trek 7200 while others find the suspension components help less than they expected. The choice is yours and I'm sure you will enjoy whatever you choose.

If you are interested in trying a non-suspended hybrid bike, just to see how it feels, I would suggest something with wider tires than the Sirrus posted previously. The Vienna 2 (http://brandscycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?LibId=47888) would do nicely for the kind of roads you have described.

I have a 2006 Giant OCR2 road bike, a 2006 Giant FCR2 hybrid fitness bike and a 2007 Giant Cypress set up as a commuter with fenders and rack. The Cypress is the only one of these with a suspension fork and seat post. The Cypress is my favorite ride because I can ride it on grass, gravel trails and pavement, all with the same ease. It was the least expensive at about $375 compared to $850 for the road and hybrid bikes. Yes the Cypress is heavier by about 5 lbs. Seems silly to me to worry about 5 lbs on the bike when my Buddha Belly is easily about 35 lbs of excess load. The OCR and the FCR have Shimano 105 and SRAM 07 components which are far higher grade than the Cypress, but I've never had a problem with any of these; they all shift well to me.

By the way, that Vienna2 is a fine looking ride with similar tires to the Cypress.

I know people rant about suspension forks being heavy and complicated and all that, but I like mine. Now rear suspension on a $100 Wal-box bikelike thing; that's a whole nuther story, but I don't think any of your better brands sold at LBSs shoud be even remotely compared to those.

Understood that you want something that will help soak up the bumps of irregular pavement. Many people seem to be happy with bikes like the Trek 7200 while others find the suspension components help less than they expected. The choice is yours and I'm sure you will enjoy whatever you choose.

If you are interested in trying a non-suspended hybrid bike, just to see how it feels, I would suggest something with wider tires than the Sirrus posted previously. The Vienna 2 (http://brandscycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?LibId=47888) would do nicely for the kind of roads you have described.



My understanding is that he plans to ride on the road and not trails. The 700's will give you much less rolling resistance. I did a bike tour with a friend that had the larger tires and the difference was so noticeable that after the ride he purchased a new bike. I think if you ride the bike you will see a big difference with a bike that is lighter and 700 tires. If you plan to do off road riding on dirt trails then you should consider larger tires but in that case you probably want a mountain tire. My wife just got a new bike with 700's and she first thought that the 700's were to thin but after a ride she could see and feel the benefit and is very happy with her new bike.

I ride on Long Island and think that a front suspension will not give you the soft ride you are looking for. A front suspension adds weight and takes away power when you pedal. If you have the budget get a bike with a carbon front fork. http://brandscycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?LibId=50832 http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/road/2268/32199/
If you really want a front suspension here is low cost option http://www.target.com/Men%E2%80%99s-Schwinn-700C-Trail-Hybrid/dp/B000KZ1G7Q/qid=1245925545/ref=br_1_11/190-3096102-0372445?ie=UTF8&node=1197318&frombrowse=1&rh=&page=1.

My understanding is that he plans to ride on the road and not trails. The 700's will give you much less rolling resistance.

But since he was leaning toward suspension, I figured a slightly wider tire would offer a smoother ride than the Sirrus with 700x28 tires. The Vienna does have 700's (700x35) and a more upright position and meets his budget.

I bought the Mrs. a Trek FX 7.5 in the WSD (women specific) version 3 or 4 years ago. Lots of miles on it by now in all kinds of places, week tours in Europe, rough roads here, riverside and canal side paths in UK. She'd recommend it.

We deliberately chose the non-suspension bike, but with a carbon fork which takes the sting out of most uneven asphalt surfaces and a Thudbuster seat post for bigger bangs! And despite having fairly light, low spoke count wheels, it's stood up to all kinds of rough riding with no maintenance issues at all.

Fast at high tyre pressures, comfy at lower (about 75 psi) if we know that the surfaces are going to be rough.

I hope you get something that you're equally pleased with

I'd recommend the Cypress, but since I have one of those I'm possibly biased. Buy the bikes you'll ride, not one name over another.

But since he was leaning toward suspension, I figured a slightly wider tire would offer a smoother ride than the Sirrus with 700x28 tires. The Vienna does have 700's (700x35) and a more upright position and meets his budget.

The wider tire might be better however a slightly bent position is much better. You put more strain on your back sitting up right and produce much more wind resistance.

The wider tire might be better however a slightly bent position is much better. You put more strain on your back sitting up right and produce much more wind resistance.

I agree, but again, I was responding to the preferences stated by the OP (with the exception of suspension), not my own. The Vienna is more upright than the Sirrus, but not as bolt upright as a comfort bike. My wife rides a 2008 Globe which is essentially the same bike with a less swoopy styled frame. Her position is markedly more forward leaning than on her previous cruiser but more upright than I would prefer.

I agree, but again, I was responding to the preferences stated by the OP (with the exception of suspension), not my own. The Vienna is more upright than the Sirrus, but not as bolt upright as a comfort bike. My wife rides a 2008 Globe which is essentially the same bike with a less swoopy styled frame. Her position is markedly more forward leaning than on her previous cruiser but more upright than I would prefer.

I understand they you are responding to the OP just think that some people don't fully understand bikes and trying to help them. A lot of people don't like the concept of a fully bent racing handle bar but something that offer a slight lean is much better than a strait upright position. It a shame that you have up market to get that type bike.

I also find the concept of front suspension is all about marketing. I wish that you could buy a lower bike with a carbon front fork. A bike with a carbon fork and a slight lean (flat handle bars) for $400 would be great.

The thing that is going to decide which bike to get is the rider. And the only way to decide is by opening the wallet and test riding bikes.

Although you may feel that suspension is needed- Do check out the Rigid bikes before you decide. BD has mentioned about wider tyres- and it is surprising how a 700x 28 tyre can feel harsh up against a 35 with less pressure in it.

One word of warning is that a cheap bike will have cheap suspension fitted. You might aswell be riding a Po-Go stick as some of the units fitted to some bikes. They go up and down- wear out quickly and still don't give the smooth ride that you would expect.

I would suggest before you decide- that you try the Specialised Sirrus as this is one of the bikes that a lot here have been pleased with. Or as you are looking at Giants- The Giant FCR is another that I would recommend.

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=38461

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/road/2268/32201/

Thanks for the suggestions. Will try hybrid comfort vs performance hybrid (the macho side of me likes the performance idea). Any reason for suggesting Specialized? Giant and Trek were also mentioned. How's Fuji; thought years ago they were supposed to be pretty good. Any thoughts on Cannondale?

Fuji does not seem to be offered in most LBS any more Cannondale is good.

You will find that a given equipment level the price difference between brands is small.
I would tend to select equipment level, for example a bike with a carbon front fork and then choose the brand based upon fit and weight.

If you go to Brands ask for Ken in the pro shop, he seems very knowledgeable.

Any reason for suggesting Specialized?

Just happens to be the only major brand that my one and only local bike shop carries, so it is the only brand I have a chance to see bikes of various types beyond what I am interested in myself. I am quite sure that several other brands have bikes in their lineups similar to the Specialized bikes I discuss. I would recommend that you get the type of bike you want from a brand carried by the LBS you like best.

Just happens to be the only major brand that my one and only local bike shop carries, so it is the only brand I have a chance to see bikes of various types beyond what I am interested in myself. I am quite sure that several other brands have bikes in their lineups similar to the Specialized bikes I discuss. I would recommend that you get the type of bike you want from a brand carried by the LBS you like best.

:thumb: I agree

Bikes typically have third party components (gears, shifters, brakes and wheels) the design of the frame ( which is made by Giant in a number of cases) is the major difference and you pick the frame that fits you best. The weight of the frame is also a major consideration. The higher end models (of the same brand) tend to have lighter frames even thought they are both made of Alum.

Just happens to be the only major brand that my one and only local bike shop carries, so it is the only brand I have a chance to see bikes of various types beyond what I am interested in myself. I am quite sure that several other brands have bikes in their lineups similar to the Specialized bikes I discuss. I would recommend that you get the type of bike you want from a brand carried by the LBS you like best.

In many cases- you will find the LBS that will treat you right- and then buy the bike. And the bike will be one of the brands that they carry.

It is not until you get into the sport that you start to think about the bike you ride. Any of the "Big" names will do a bike that will suit you- with the spec. you want but initially at a price that is higher than you want.

Thanks for the info to all. Hopefully tomw (Sat) if the weather is OK we'll try a few. We'll try to figure out comfort vs non comfort. Although all yoursuggestions sound good, the Vienna 2 (wider tires seat post with susp) sound like a nice compromise. Any thoughts on Trek 7.1 FX. Thought these were more in our $$$ range. (Along with Giant Cypress and Trek 7100 in comfort hybrid)..

I still really like my Jamis Coda Elite. Though maybe a little above the desired price range. It has been totally trouble free and a joy to ride. Steel frame, carbon fork and disc brakes all seem the right choice to me. Though I run 28's on it, there is plenty of room for wider. The entry level Coda's also get nice reviews. If you get a chance, you might want to look into one of those.

Thanks for the info to all. Hopefully tomw (Sat) if the weather is OK we'll try a few. We'll try to figure out comfort vs non comfort. Although all yoursuggestions sound good, the Vienna 2 (wider tires seat post with susp) sound like a nice compromise. Any thoughts on Trek 7.1 FX. Thought these were more in our $$$ range. (Along with Giant Cypress and Trek 7100 in comfort hybrid)..

The 7.1FX looks like a very similar bike to the Vienna. The 7.2FX looks to be a closer match to the Vienna 2 with its 8 speed rear drivetrain. FWIW, my wife has asked me to replace the suspension seat post on her Globe with a rigid one. She doesn't like how high the seat is when she first gets on the bike before the post compresses to riding height.

I assume from the postings you must be resonably near Brands and I see they handle Raleigh.
For some reason they are seldom recommended here. I bought a pair for the wife and I last year as I'm an old raleigh fan from the 60's. I bought a Mojave for me and an Eva for the wife. Both are hard tails and well priced. I have added a few mods ,brooks saddles a B-18 for her and a flyer for me ,the sprung saddles I like better than a sprung seat post. I also got some ergo grips and a riser for mine to get the bars over seat height. I also put on continental sport contacts 26x1.6 tires (big improvement for street) probably have a little over 400/450 in each bike but they are set up well for us now. I wouldn't trade the Sure fire type shifters! The improvements in modern bikes is amazing.
Just a thought on onother brand.

I'm about a 20 minute drive from Brand's, might have to go there for the larger selection. Finding thatt smaller shops don't have the model I might want for my wife or for me

At any given price point, I think you get more for your dollar with Giant. They seem to have better quality components, for the same money. Possibly because they make their own bikes, and many others.

But, you gotta ride what you like the best, or, you won't ride at all.

I'm about a 20 minute drive from Brand's, might have to go there for the larger selection. Finding thatt smaller shops don't have the model I might want for my wife or for me

20 minutes is not bad, but if you have closer shops that you like, it might be worth going to the big shop to take a look at the bigger selection and then have your local shop get the bike for you. Or you could buy the bike at the farther away shop and have it serviced at the closer shop. There are many ways to work things out depending on your particular situation.

But be honest about what you are doing. It's not too cool to make a shop put out a lot of effort trying to make a sale when you intend to buy elsewhere. :)

Tried the Specialized Globe Carmel 1 (26 tires) and the Raleigh Route 3.0 (700 tires). My wife and eye both liked the feel of the 700 tires better. Thought the shifting on booth bikes were not so smooth. The bike shop mgr said they would tune/fix that before selling them; but shouldn't they be working OK when we tried em? Would like to try some more hybrids with the 700 tures and perhaps the more performance type mentioned above such as the Vienna 2. This shop had the Sirrus not the Vienna.

If a bike gets taken out several times in one day it might need a bit of adjustment after people that are not used to shifting get done with it. I've seen my LBS take a comment about that, throw it on the stand and adjust the shifting, and they take it out for another ride with great shifting.

Tried the Specialized Globe Carmel 1 (26 tires) and the Raleigh Route 3.0 (700 tires). My wife and eye both liked the feel of the 700 tires better. Thought the shifting on booth bikes were not so smooth. The bike shop mgr said they would tune/fix that before selling them; but shouldn't they be working OK when we tried em? Would like to try some more hybrids with the 700 tures and perhaps the more performance type mentioned above such as the Vienna 2. This shop had the Sirrus not the Vienna.

Did you try the Sirrus?

Didn't try the Sirrus; thought that might be too close (although a step up) to my Raleigh 10 speed. Tomw we will try some others perhaps the sirrus, vienna 2 or trek 7.1 FX (depends what the shop has) will be going to some other lbs, Thanks

Not sure why the bikes didnot shift right, I would ask them to adjust them a take another test ride.

If you want really good shifting you might look at this bike it has a 105 derailer, http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/women/2287/32117/

Good shifting but way out of our price range

You don't need to get high level components to have good shifting. The bikes you rode probably just needed a very minor adjustment to shift well.

Went to Brands in Wantagh LI. The salesperson was very helpful. I rode the Trek 7.1 FX and 7100 (both small sizes, I'm 5'7"). Found both to be impressive. Felt to be in a more comfortable riding position on the 7100. The FX had the rapid fire shifters though. Salesperson thought if I tried the FX in the next size, I wouldn't have to raise the seat as much and might be more comfortable. Will probably try that when I can bring my wife out (she's the one without a bike) later in the week.
Since I have the old Raleigh 10 speed perhaps the 7100 (or 7200) would add some variety and be a bigger change from the FX. Could still use the Raleigh for the faster ride and the 100 for the more leisurely or (if we ever go off-road) ride.

Good shifting but way out of our price range

The one shown is the FCR1- there is a far cheaper model in the FCR3

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/road/2268/32201/

And I have a couple of friends that have bought them. One only bought a few months ago and did the London To Brighton ride two sundays ago -56 miles and He got up Ditchling Beacon (The only hill on the ride) for the first time in 5 attempts. The other rider has had it for 2 years and about 7,000 miles. He commutes on it- including a nasty section that is along a rough trail but it is reasonably flat- and the only repair/upgrade was a new chain at 4,000 miles (Except the saddle that went after the first ride)

Went to Brands in Wantagh LI. The salesperson was very helpful. I rode the Trek 7.1 FX and 7100 (both small sizes, I'm 5'7"). Found both to be impressive. Felt to be in a more comfortable riding position on the 7100. The FX had the rapid fire shifters though. Salesperson thought if I tried the FX in the next size, I wouldn't have to raise the seat as much and might be more comfortable. Will probably try that when I can bring my wife out (she's the one without a bike) later in the week.
Since I have the old Raleigh 10 speed perhaps the 7100 (or 7200) would add some variety and be a bigger change from the FX. Could still use the Raleigh for the faster ride and the 100 for the more leisurely or (if we ever go off-road) ride.

I thought the bike was for your wife?
The FX or the Giant listed above are both better bikes.

Since I have the old Raleigh 10 speed perhaps the 7100 (or 7200) would add some variety and be a bigger change from the FX. Could still use the Raleigh for the faster ride and the 100 for the more leisurely or (if we ever go off-road) ride.

Versatility is a good goal, but I wouldn't count on the 7100 being useful for even mild off-road riding.

Versatility is a good goal, but I wouldn't count on the 7100 being useful for even mild off-road riding.

It was what he was looking for in the first post, front suspension, upright position. A quick test ride does not address ride position.

It was what he was looking for in the first post front suspension, upright position.

Right. But now he introduced the idea of riding it off-road. I've seen someone try that with a 7200 on very easy trails. Not a pretty sight. :eek: Not a good idea. The bike is definitely not built for that.

Right. But now he introduced the idea of riding it off-road. I've seen someone try that with a 7200 on very easy trails. Not a pretty sight. :eek: Not a good idea. The bike is definitely not built for that.

Its just a way to justify buying a cheaper bike that has more features (front suspension).

Right. But now he introduced the idea of riding it off-road. I've seen someone try that with a 7200 on very easy trails. Not a pretty sight. :eek: Not a good idea. The bike is definitely not built for that.

Need to find out if his definition of offroad is unpaved roads and paths.

by off road I really meant some non-paved path in a park-nothing really rough. My wife does need a bike and I (have an old Raleigh 10-speed) would like to get something more comfortable too. The frustrating thing is these test rides are so limited, its like walking around a store with a new pair of shoes. If we aren't speed merchants is the extra weight from a front suspension such a drawback? The FX (no susp) is lighter but I felt I was still leaning forward as on my Raleigh. Like I said earlier the sales guy thought a bigger size would mean I wouldn't have to raise the seat and might be a little more upright.

Was looking online at the Fuji Sunfire 3.0 (I know it has a front susp) and the Giant Tran Send (no susp), any thoughts on these?. Most of these bike model lines if you opt out of the front susp, you get weaker components. Its seems only by switching lines can you opt out of the susp aand get better components for the same relative price aka Trek 7.1 FX vs Trek 7100.

thanks for your help. Bought bikes yesterday. Wife liked the feel of sitting more upright without front suspension. We got her the Trek 7000. Since I have the old Raleigh 10-speed to ride on my own, I bought the Trek 7200 for riding with my wife. Will pick up the bikes later this week, got rack for car too.
Thahks to all again

Enjoy the new bikes, great day for a ride.

Thanks, we are. Did notice as some suggested that the wider more "comfort" saddle is NOT that comfortable. My old Raleigh 10 speed has a narrow saddle that is pretty hard; its not so great but now my smallish butt hurts in new places. I guess if I don't get used to it I can swipe it for a narrow gel saddle. Any suggestions?