Hybrid Bicycles - Trek 820 vs 7000 vs Giant Sedona ST

Hi all,
I am a newb on a $300 budget and I'm looking for a bike for commuting to town (on pavement) and occasionally light trail riding (nothing serious, just mulch bike paths). I visited several LBSs in my area today and two bikes fit my price range, the Giant Sedona ST and Trek 820 (or for $30 more, the Trek 7000).

Between the Giant and Trek 820, I really loved the feel of the 820. I didn't get a chance to test ride the 7000, but I will try on Monday. I am leaning heavily towards the 820 but I am open to the 7000 if it has enough benefits to warrant spending $30 more. My only concern with the 7000 is that it might not be as durable as the 820, but I could be completely wrong there.

Any advice?

What about the Trek Navigator? It seems like it would be the best all around bike for what you want.

I tried the Nav but I didn't like the feel when peddling. It felt too "loose" even at the highest gear.

Also what about the FX 7.1, alliant, or pdx. Those are more commuter/pavement friendly.

Those may be quite a bit over my budget right now. Any suggestions for a $300 rigid fork hybrid? Kona Smoke maybe?

Try it - Kona makes nice bikes......

Try it - Kona makes nice bikes......

+1. I've got an older Smoke- 26" wheels instead of the current 29er/700c. Hasn't let me down yet, but I haven't been riding as much as I should.:o

No LBS here has one but I can special order. They want $400 for the 2010 model. Have asked them to check with Kona if there are any 09's left. I've also put an advert in craigslist.

Is it possible to switch out the 29er tires for something thicker, if I ever wanted to?

Those may be quite a bit over my budget right now. Any suggestions for a $300 rigid fork hybrid? Kona Smoke maybe?

26" mtn bike tires: wider, lower pressure for a comfortable, cushy ride and good cornering.

700c: narrower, higher pressure tire for slight speed advantage but not as comfortable. 29" diameter so it can roll over stuff well (to somewhat compensate for its narrowness). larger diameter but just as light (since not as wide) so probably a little faster.

i agree with rivendell that even a tire as wide as 40 mm is no problem if the tread is slick. i'd rather have the comfort of a cushy ride (less wrist pain too) and the confidence of wider tires to go over potholes, bumps, tree pieces on the road, etc. i won't take anything less than 35 mm but that's me personally. i don't notice a speed decrease (engine counts) but i feel much more comfortable and secure and less likely to trip over something.

i suggest 700c x 40 mm which has the speed and diameter of 700 c but the comfort of 26" mtn wheels. i would aim for a wheelset that has a diameter of 17 - 19 mm to give you range of 28-40 mm tires.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire_sizing.html

the 820 will be a tad slower and noticeably heavier than the hybrid bikes. i personally don't emphasize speed too much (although you are commuting) unless you are on a tight schedule. any bike is going to be slow next to a car imo.

hey that kona smoke doesn't look bad at all...$400 seems to be a bit much asking price imo...should be a bit cheaper

http://www.bikesale.com/2010-kona-smoke.aspx

Assuming that the 820 didn't change much over the years... I have a 1996 Trek 850 with slick 1.25" 100psi road tires. It is a bullet proof bike, quite a commuter and a very nimble bike on top of it all.

I think if I remember correctly the 850 weighs in at 26 or 27 pounds ... not that it matters. The frame is Cro-Moly, the rear dropouts are 135mm which lends itself to upgrades beyond 7 speed if you ever feel the need.

I didn't see the price on the 820 in your post ... but you can pick them up on CL for $100.00... all day long. In fact the 800,820,850 are on CL all the time in my area.

Don't know much about the others.

You can always go used via CL....

Having said that, my wife's bike is a Trek 820 circa 2007. It's a steel bike. Comfortable, solid and just plain works.

Trek 820 or a Giant Boulder. Both are steel frame entry level bikes. I ended up with the Giant Boulder cause it was the steel one in stock in my size at LBS.

Went with the Kona, thanks guys :)