Hybrid Bicycles - $400-$500 Bike for College and Beyond

So after doing some research on bikes to buy for college, I came across the KHS Urban Xpress with these specs (http://campusbikeshop.com/product/specs/khs-urban-xpress-78397-1.htm), Marin Kentfield FS (http://www.marinbikes.com/2011/bike_specs.php?serialnum=1581&Kentfield_FS), and the Trek 7.2 FX (http://www.trekbikes.com/ca/en/bikes/town/fitness/fx/7_2_fx).
Prices for each are $419.99, ~$500, and ~$550, respectively.

From what I've read, supposedly the Trek blows everything else out of the water. However, I am at the dilemma concerning stability and component quality. As the 7.2 has an aluminum frame (no rocky areas for me), it may not hold up as long as a chromoly for the ~10 years I plan to use it. Moreover, to subjugate this, I also was considering the 7.1 ($470) which has degraded front and rear derailleurs, along with a reduction to 7-speed. HOWEVER, the components of the 7.2 is higher quality, and nudging me towards it.

Again, as I will be using this for college and getting around the surrounding area, I don't plan to be going up hills or doing wheely tricks (for all those bmx'ers out there :lol:).
Thank you for your time and consideration and any help would be greatly appreciated. Recommendations on other bikes also welcomed.
Oh, and first post. :o

well, one thing I can tell you from experience sending two kids to college, is bikes get stolen. Now, maybe they didn't do a good job of securing the bikes. But it happens, so you may want to consider how much you spend. I suggest something from Diamondback. They make very decent affordable bikes. I have this bike, and you can find similar at Performance Bike shops for around $300-400.00. It's the Insight 2. The Insight 1 can be found for around the price I mention. Right now, Nashbar has the Insight 3 with better components and carbon fiber fork for around $450.00 on sale.
217575

Or you could go with something a little more versatile like the Specialized Crosstrail.

Or you could go with something a little more versatile like the Specialized Crosstrail.

:thumb:

Love my Crosstrail Sport...
Once I give in & buy some thinner/faster tires and bar end grips (probably for Spring) I'm sure I'll love it even more. Great all-around bike.

I was stuck between my current GT Tachyon and a Specialized Cirrus - The 2011 Cirrus is in your price range and is a very nice bike - you should look into it, here's a link for an idea but I'm sure you could find it at a local shop for less. The shop down the street from work has them for $470 - I only chose my GT because it had much better components and rode much nicer but brandwise I like Specialized

http://www.bikeparts.com/search_results.asp?id=BPCK100210

http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2010&Brand=Specialized&Model=Sirrus&Type=bike

Thanks everyone. I went with the Diamondback Insight 3, and it just arrived at home yesterday! I won't be setting it up yet, but when I do, I'm sure it will be great! By the way, I intend to get some Pitlocks with the bike. How would I go about finding my Front and Rear skewer lengths? Thanks!

For college, all those bikes will stick out a little. Get a good lock.

I like my 7.2 FX. Relatively light and versatile.

Thanks everyone. I went with the Diamondback Insight 3, and it just arrived at home yesterday!

So did you get the Insight from Nashbar? It was a great price. That's where I got mine as well. Easy to setup. But buying a bike unassembled, I found to appreciate what a LBS does for you. I needed to go over every spoke. There were loose spokes. Do the "pluck" test to get a start on finding those loose spokes. After I got them close, then I started the real truing process. I also tuned the front and back derailures. But all in all. I'd do it again. I enjoyed the assembly and tuning process. Let us know how it goes. And for sure, post a pic when done.

So did you get the Insight from Nashbar? It was a great price. That's where I got mine as well. Easy to setup. But buying a bike unassembled, I found to appreciate what a LBS does for you. I needed to go over every spoke. There were loose spokes. Do the "pluck" test to get a start on finding those loose spokes. After I got them close, then I started the real truing process. I also tuned the front and back derailures. But all in all. I'd do it again. I enjoyed the assembly and tuning process. Let us know how it goes. And for sure, post a pic when done.

Yes, I got the Insight 3 from Nashbar, for the great price of ~$450 (includes shipping and taxes). I've finished setting up the bike, but haven't trued the wheels yet. I have tuned the rear derailleur and brakes (somewhat). So far, I intend to tune the front derailleur, fix up the brakes a bit (any help in getting the wire to pull each side equally?) and true the wheels. If there's anything else I should tune/look out for, please let me know!

Oh and to lock this bad boy up, I got myself a BikeRegistry Saddle Leash and Kryptonite New York 3000 U-Lock. Pitlocks (Front, rear, seat, and ahead skewers) are on their way. Thieves would think twice about stealing my bike on campus. :D

(any help in getting the wire to pull each side equally?)

Yes, you have to have enough slack in the cable as it runs from the front to the back. I mean the entire cable housing. Grab the cable where it is routed under the top tube and pull it forward/backward based on what you need. Too tight and it will pull one way, too much slack, and it pushes the other was.
You got a great bike at a great price. You're going to love that bike. Don't forget pix :)
Good luck with it.