Hybrid Bicycles - Searching for the right bicycle

Spring is just around the corner and a buddy of mine and I are planning on getting back into the habit of bicycling.

Age: 25
Weight: ~190
Height: 6'1''

I do not care so much about upright riding positions or anything like that, although I'm not familiar with long distance rides so therefore I do not know if it would be of importance.

I'm looking for a bike in the sub $500 range that tends mostly to the street, with some off road capabilities just in case we decide to go a more unused route. But pavement, dirt trails, and old railroads are what I'm aiming to focus on.

Easily maintained is also a plus, as I wouldn't prefer to be hanging out at the bike shop when I could be riding.

Below are a few bikes I have narrowed down to, and of course I am open to new suggestions! Thanks in advance!

GT Tachyon 3.0 (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1078914_-1_1586000_20000_400001#ReviewHeader)

GT ZuM (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1060689_-1_1553000_20000_400001#ReviewHeader)

GT Transeo 2.0 (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1083439_-1_1553000_20000_400001#ReviewHeader)

Mongoose Kaldi Double (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1079098_-1_1555500_20000_400307#ReviewHeader)

any suggestions? also if i order one from that site today i get 10% off so that would be nice as well.

The GT Tachyon has road-bike gearing and no suspension. It is the fastest of all of those bikes you listed, and best suited for pavement riding.

The Transeo is closest to a mountain bike, with front suspension, disc brakes, and lower-range gearing.

The Mongoose is a utility bike, with fenders and mounts for a rear rack. It's the kind of bike you use to get groceries even if it's raining.

The GT ZuM is a "utility-ready" bike. No fenders or rack, but it does have eyelets and bolt points for fenders and racks. It's the simplest of all those bikes with no front shifters and rear 8-speed (which does limit your gear range options).

Which one you choose depends on what's important to you. If you like higher road-bike-like speeds, Tachyon. If you want an MTB-like bike, Transeo. If you like utility, the Mongoose or the Zum (if you also like simplicity but don't mind sacrificing gearing range).

Looks like I got the first vote :)

The transeo looks to me like the one that would be suit the type of riding you are describing.

"ha ha" :rolleyes:

Thanks for the input guys, I was kinda leading to the Tachyon but most say the Transeo. I also had discovered the Trek 7.1 FX (http://www.trekbikes.com/ca/en/bikes/bike_path/fx/71fx/) or the Trek 7.2 FX (http://www.trekbikes.com/ca/en/bikes/bike_path/fx/72fx/) with the help of a friend. I'm so torn and as you can see have not bought one yet. I'm not sure but i think the Transeo might just be a little too "mountainous" for me. And if anyone were to choose the Trek's would it be worth spending approximately $100 more to grab the 7.2? I'm going to test ride the 7.1 Wednesday and see how I like it. (I work 12.5 hours on weekdays so getting to the bike shop is a weekend activity only)

And thanks jbc :) I'm assuming you're the one who thinks they're all horrible hahaha... now if you had a suggestion...

I vote for the Trek 7.2 FX. Now you just have to add the Treks to the poll! :thumb: