Recreational & Family - Your Advice on Three Bikes

New to cycling, only have three choices of bikes to consider in dollar range. Want a hybrid and prefer to buy from a shop, not a big box store. Have ridden them all but can't tell which is the better quality with the best components. All are $279. The sales help has been no help. HELP!

Your thoughts are appreciated.

1. Trek 7100
2. Raleigh C30
3. Giant Cypress

Thanks in advance.

Doc

I would say in the same price range components and quality are probably very similar, go with the one that fits best and is most comfortable. Easy answer. Now someone might come up with a component or company comparison, but bottom line, you know your price range, and only you can decide fit and comfort!

Welcome, Escape Doc. If you do a search on my name, you'll see that I have had the same question. Hybrid, around $300, 'entry level'. I agree with Ohio Trekker. They'll probably all be similar in quality and reliability. Fit, then which one YOU like the looks of better. As for me, I have seen the Cypress and the 7100 and MY 2 cents worth is that the 7100 [the new 2005 model, but then you may be looking at the 2004 model for $279] asthetically LOOKS better. I've not seen a Raleigh in person yet. I'll go to their web page. . . . . . . . . . . . . okay, I'm back. Looks like it has a nice look as well.

Good luck in your decision!

Doc I am in the same position. I suggest you also look at the Gary Fisher Tiburon. It is a little more $320ish, but may be on sale since the '05's are comming in. It is a hybrid bike as well. Fisher and Trek are made by the same people and have virtutally the same set up. I think the Trek has more road style wheels if I remember correctly.

The important thing is how the bike feels to you. If it doesn't feel good you won't ride.

all 3 are probably good choices i had a Raleigh C30
not sure what year, maybe 2001 just don't remember it worked fine for me and i'd say i rode it on some trails that were rougher than it was meant for. sold it to a co-worker a few months back, no idea how much he uses it, but havent heard any complaints, so i'm guessing it works fine.
to repeat what everyone else said :) pick the one you like best, or maybe the one from the shop you liked best and enjoy :)

The frames were likely made in the same (or similar) Chinese factory, the components are similar. Which fits best? Which turns you on?

Pick the prettiest.

Well, I made my decision. I re-rode all three and found that I did not like the cables running along the top of the top tube on the Trek when I strattled the bike. Regarding the Releigh, on close inspection, the weld job on the frame did not seem as "polished" plus the fact that on the front derailler shifter, there were no detents between the three gears which led to plenty of chain rubbing. The Giant had the best crafted frame and a "light" ride. The color is black, the only dissapointment on the Giant but definitely stands out. I came across a Specialized Crossroads Sport that would have taken the prize but did not care for the rise handlebars and was more expensive. The quality though on the Specialized looked awesome however.

So tomorrow, my family and I are off for our first "ride"!!!

Doc

Well, I made my decision. I re-rode all three and found that I did not like the cables running along the top of the top tube on the Trek when I strattled the bike. Regarding the Releigh, on close inspection, the weld job on the frame did not seem as "polished" plus the fact that on the front derailler shifter, there were no detents between the three gears which led to plenty of chain rubbing. The Giant had the best crafted frame and a "light" ride. The color is black, the only dissapointment on the Giant but definitely stands out. I came across a Specialized Crossroads Sport that would have taken the prize but did not care for the rise handlebars and was more expensive. The quality though on the Specialized looked awesome however.

So tomorrow, my family and I are off for our first "ride"!!!

Doc

Cool!

Be sure to tell us how your ride was.

Take it a bit easy if this is your first time for awhile. Say like 10 miles to start.

Don't be surprised if you have sore muscles and a sore bottom. It takes a couple of weeks to get your body used to this new animal!

Have fun. :D

Grats on the new ride :)

DID YOU GAT A REPLY AND CAN YOU LET ME KNOW IF THE CYPRESS IS AN AUTOMATIC SHIFTER, PLEASE LET ME KNOW BOB BOYLE BOB!23@ADELPHIA.net
New to cycling, only have three choices of bikes to consider in dollar range. Want a hybrid and prefer to buy from a shop, not a big box store. Have ridden them all but can't tell which is the better quality with the best components. All are $279. The sales help has been no help. HELP!

Your thoughts are appreciated.

1. Trek 7100
2. Raleigh C30
3. Giant Cypress

Thanks in advance.

Doc

Glad you got the one you wanted doc. I just Purchased the Raleigh C30. Had to wait for it to come in. My first bike in 25 years, (I had a Schwinn in the 60's/70's, when they were still good).
Don't think I've seen the Giant brand, and my LBS didn't sell Trek (though I have looked at them on the net), but I love my bike. I've had it 3 days, and did about 12 miles on it today. I know I'll feel it tomorrow.

As I said to all who asked the same question, I have the trek 7100 and I don't think the others compare to it, great bike, ride on and you will love it

Tony