Hybrid Bicycles - Jamis Citizen 2 Opinions

Hitting 50 and looking to get back into biking. I've tried many many bikes in the last month. It was tough settling on the right mix of comfort and speed in a hybrid. Right now I'm fixated on the Jamis Citizen 2. It was very comfortable and still had some speed to it. I expect to ride when I can, about town, for 2-3 hours at a clip. Any owners out there have any input. I'd appreciate the advice

53 here and back to biking after 15+ years. Have been at it for three months now and own a silver Citizen 2 (http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/street/citizen/images/enlarged/09_citizen2_sle.jpg). Had to wait over six weeks for the LBS to get me the 20.5" frame which I needed; let me use the 18.5" they had in stock in the meantime. Love the bike now, as the smaller frame was rather painful on my shoulders. I ride, on average, 90 to 120 minutes five times per week -- roughly 25 to 35 km per ride -- and for now, the Citizen 2 is all the bike I need. Did put some bar ends (specialized carbon) on it for different grip positions, other than that, as I said, as long as you get the right frame I find it an excellent back-to-cycling choice: comfortable, steady ride from the 700 x 38c wheels, good saddle/suspension combo and fast enough for now.

Caveat emptor: if all goes as planned (mostly meaning barring any age-induced injuries) I do plan to upgrade within a year's time. Old I am, but the competitive juices still flow even if they are mostly against myself. But if it helps, I am very happy with the choice I made for the time being.

Good luck.

Thanks for the response. You put my mind at ease. It appears we're in the same boat and came up with the same result. I'm 5'10" and tried the large bike at 20.5". It felt a bit large. I'm waiting for an 18.5 to be assembled so I can try it, and make sure I pick the right size. The wait will be weeks. In the meantime the last 20.5 was sold.

Quite welcome. And yes, I found that the right fit made a world of difference. I'm 6'3" -- though apparently shrinking :) -- so the 18.5", although very smooth overall was simply too tight for my natural riding posture. Have been on the 20.5" for just two weeks now, but the difference has been amazing to me. No after-ride pain in the shoulder blades at all, which means my time in the saddle has become quite pleasant. Looks like you've already covered that angle well, so no worries.

Very good re-entry bike and certainly no buyer's remorse. In fact, more than a few people complemented my ride and one gentleman in particular that I got to talking to, tried the 18.5" and after I explained to him I was waiting for the proper size and was returning that one, went and bought it for himself the very next day I got the right one. Nope, no commission for moi from the LBS :( .

BTW, you might want to invest on a good cycle 'puter from the start -- bought a cheapo at first only to find out it wasn't even slightly water-proof. Replaced it with the Strada wireless (http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/408) and love it.