Hybrid Bicycles - Purchasing first hybrid...need advice

I've been to several LBS and am thoroughly confused now as this is my first bike purchase. Looking for an entry level (or just above) hybrid for fitness and recreation. Want something lightweight with decent compenents that will last me for several years rather than wanting to upgrade within the first year or so but looking for the best value while trying to stay under $500 or close to it.

I've been shown the Jamis '12 Allegro Sport Femme, Specialized Vita Sport, Giant Escape 2 and the Marin Larkspur CS1. I am 5'2" so most recommend a women's frame.

Any feedback?

Get a bike from the most friendly helpful bike shop.

They will be helpful for quick adjustments and any warranty work.

Welcome! Since I´ve no insight about prices in the US I would firstly focus on help with bike-fit. You´ve been recommended female frames and that means either more relaxed (upright) or/and other measurements according to the femala anatomy (shorter arms). So I gather you´re a she. Theres a variety of bikes and components - be sure to reveal your riding experience and future ambitions in order to stear your LBS in right direction. Good luck!

How about the Trek FX 7.2 fitness bike? It's relatively light-weight, decent components, hybrid seating position, and is slightly less than $500. The FX 7.2 was my first pick when upgrading from a cruiser bike because it was agile and fast. I eventually increased the price because I loved the FX 7.5. And I can tell you the fitness-recreation hybrid is fun. It'll get you out crossing terrain that you didn't want to mess with before. My experience is that my bike allows me greater freedom to ride longer and in more places and terrains than my previous cruiser and mtn. bikes. The same routes now don't feel like torture as they had with my cruiser. And I'm getting out in colder and windier weather to ride. When a bike is slow it may tend to dull your enthusiasm for riding. That's my experience, at least. Good luck and keep us posted!

I have the Escape 1 and so does my gf, and we both love it. Solid bike!

Just got a Cannondale Adventure 5 (2010) model for $460+tax. I live in Arizona. So far I like it a lot. My wife got a Cannondale Quick 6. She has had nothing bad to say about it. We have ~100 miles on them. I use mine for commuting and we ride around town together.

How about the Trek FX 7.2 fitness bike? It's relatively light-weight, decent components, hybrid seating position, and is slightly less than $500. The FX 7.2 was my first pick when upgrading from a cruiser bike because it was agile and fast. I eventually increased the price because I loved the FX 7.5. And I can tell you the fitness-recreation hybrid is fun. It'll get you out crossing terrain that you didn't want to mess with before. My experience is that my bike allows me greater freedom to ride longer and in more places and terrains than my previous cruiser and mtn. bikes. The same routes now don't feel like torture as they had with my cruiser. And I'm getting out in colder and windier weather to ride. When a bike is slow it may tend to dull your enthusiasm for riding. That's my experience, at least. Good luck and keep us posted!


Not sure where you are but the price of a 7.2 FX is $539-$549 plus tax.....

Kims says:


I've been to several LBS and am thoroughly confused now as this is my first
bike purchase. Looking for an entry level (or just above) hybrid for fitness
and recreation. Want something lightweight with decent compenents that will
last me for several years rather than wanting to upgrade within the first year
or so but looking for the best value while trying to stay under $500 or close to
it.





I've been shown the Jamis '12 Allegro Sport Femme, Specialized Vita Sport,
Giant Escape 2 and the Marin Larkspur CS1. I am 5'2" so most recommend a
women's frame.


The Jamis Coda Sport is a better value for the money because it has a steel frame. Though it has a femme frame that has a greater angled top tube, the ride is just as awesome!

-Slim :)

Yeah I think you should look into a Jamis Coda as well. I recently picked up a hybrid for my gf and wanted to grab the Coda but none were in stock so we ended up getting a 2010 Specialized Sirrus, which she is very happy with :) Cheers

I second what Slimrider said. Try out the Jamis Coda.
Ciao

First, for a fitness bike I'd stay away from suspension front forks.
Second, can one really find a Specialized Vita Sport for around $500?
Thirdly, those Specialized, Giant and Marin bikes all have steel forks. A steel or carbon fork is not going to improve the ride of these aluminum frame bikes enough to satisfy most riders. Which suggests getting a steel frame bike.
Finally, if you can save up a little more or find one appropriately discounted, I'd also go with a Jamis Coda Sport Femme.

You are at the extreme size limit for the use of large 700c wheels. Basically, to fit these wheels and medium sizwed cranks into a frame, the designer has to make the frame long. Even if the frame is low, it may still be too long for you.
A much better solution is a bike with 26" MTb wheels. You can fit a good , fast road tyre to this rim. The problem is then finding a bike using MTB wheels that is light, agile and practical.
Terry Susan B (http://www.commuterbikestore.com/terry-susan-b-bike.html) is the best general purpose bike for smaller women and it is rideable by smaller men as well. The are not cheap but they hold their used value much better than other bikes.
The jamis Coda sport femme is a good option with a short Top tube.
To compare size, look at the manufacturers geometry chart for Top Tube or virtual/effective TT. Designers can shorten the TT at either end but generally they shorten at the saddle end and alter the angle of the seat tube. You really have to try one out for size.

I have been looking at two cannandale hybrid bikes but I'm confused on the difference on the components.
Cannondale cx 1 and the cannondale SL 1. Can some explain.
I ride on sidewalks roads and some trails about two or three times a week.