Hybrid Bicycles - Best Fitness Hybrid for > $500

I have been looking into some of the entry level fitness hybrid bikes for the last month. I'd like to stay under $500. I looked at buying used, but that doesn't look like it will be an option for me because of my size. I am 5' 4.5" & weigh 145 lbs.

So after looking at the LBS, I think I have narrowed it down to 2 bikes. The Trek 7.1 FX & the Specialized Sirrus (links below). What are your thoughts on these bikes? Pros? Cons? What is the best fitness hybrid for under $500?

Specialized Sirrus (http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=52891&scid=1002&scname=Transport%2FFitness)

Trek 7.1 FX (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/fitness/fx/7_1_fx/#)


:ride:

Which one do you like better? Which one feels like a better fit? There are differences between the two, but really it comes down to what feels the most comfortable to you, and that you'll like to ride.

(I ride a Specialized Vita-- the sister to the Sirrus-- and I'm quite happy. My previous was an old Trek. Both quality brands.)

Breezer Greenway (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1097450_-1_20000__400307)

Breezer Greenway (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1097450_-1_20000__400307)
Not bad. I haven't heard of Breezer. I like the price, but I'd rather buy from a store. Most LBS in my area offer free tune-ups/adjustments for the first year after purchase.

What is the best fitness hybrid for under $500?


Ah, then you mean "Best fitness hybrid for < $500"

;)

Ah, then you mean "Best fitness hybrid for < $500"
Thanks. I noticed that after I posted... Oops! :bang:

Either one of those are fantastic machines, which will serve you well; so it would boil down to what fits you the best.

If you go with Trek get the 7.2 FX. If I remember correctly, nice upgrades for not a whole lot of extra $. You will love it.

Not bad. I haven't heard of Breezer. I like the price, but I'd rather buy from a store. Most LBS in my area offer free tune-ups/adjustments for the first year after purchase.

From Wikipedia "Joe Breeze (born 1953) is a bicycle designer and bicycling advocate. He was an early pioneer in the development of modern mountain bicycles, and is widely considered to be one of its inventors, along with other pioneers, including Tom Ritchey, Charlie Kelly, Charlie Cunningham, and Gary Fisher. Breeze is credited as having built the first special purpose mountain bike frames - the Breezer Series I."

Breezers are not made by Joe in a garage in Mill Valley anymore, I'm pretty sure of that :D, but they still are great bikes. I'd much prefer a Breezer over a comparably priced Trek or Specialized.

Mike Sinyard was the first to make (in Taiwan) and import mass produced, affordable mountain bikes. Before that mountain bikes were exotic custom machines hand built by guys like Ritchey, Fischer, and Breeze.

The bike Sinyard produced was the Specialized Stumpjumper. There's one in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's collection.

Taking your bike to the shop for adjustments and tune-ups is inconvenient. Learn to do it yourself at home and save yourself the trip.

If you go with Trek get the 7.2 FX. If I remember correctly, nice upgrades for not a whole lot of extra $. You will love it.
What is the difference between the 7.1 FX and the 7.2 FX? The 7.2 FX is $100 more at my LBS.

The Sirrus and 7.1 FX specs are pretty much the same. Frame materials and components are too similar to draw any big differentiation. If your LBS has them priced comparably, then it would come down to which one fits you better. Test ride both and see which one you like better. If you are looking for other options, I picked up a Diamondback Insight 2 for my wife recently and she loves it so far. Specs are an upgrade from the Sirrus and 7.1 FX (All Alivio, Avid brakes, etc.), and priced the same.

http://www.rei.com/product/820690/diamondback-insight-2-hybrid-bike-2011-special-buy

i tend to think the sirrus line is nicer than the FX line. little things like the shape of the pedals to align the knees better in the sirrus just make it a more thoughtful design. just my .02

Trek website is where I got this from. Pretty good upgrades for an extra $80
$549
Upgrades from 7.1 FX
8 speed
Puncture-resistant Bontrager H2 Plus tires
Shimano Alivio rear derailleur
Bontrager inForm H1 saddle
Alpha Gold Aluminum frame
Bontrager aluminum Low Riser handlebar

You might want to look at the Jamis line of Hybrids, great quality for your price

www.jamisbikes.com

UPDATE: After a month and a half of research, I got a 2012 Trek 7.2 fx. I love this bike! The upgrades over the 7.1 fx that I was looking at are definitely worth spending the extra $80. I have been riding it for a week and already put 70+ miles on the bike. Good bye gym membership, and thank you all for your input.

Grats. Post some pictures!!!