Hybrid Bicycles - I need opinions about this BIKE! Please!

I'm totally new into this, I plan to buy an hybrid bike for small trips, road and off-road so I decide to buy an hybrid bike. I was looking in amazon a bike that i really like and is so cheap.. but is a fixie bike but with flip flop hub that means I can make it freewheel. I don't care abut the speeds, 1 speed is fine for me. The problem is that I'm not sure if this is what I'm looking for.. Because it doesn't look like hybrid but even less as road or mountain so would you think this will work as an hybrid? It use the same 700c tires and generally i think may work for me but let me know.. This is the bike:

http://www.amazon.com/Takara-Sugiyama-Fixie-Wheels-Frame/dp/B0060PI5VA/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1330733755&sr=8-7

Or just search in amazon: Takara Sugiyama bike (there is only one)

So what do you think? My only alternative option for a price below 250 is WalMart bikes.

Are you ok to put it together yourself?

The other reason I wouldn't recommend it is because it's fixed gear which I wouldn't recommend for beginners.

So you're buying a single speed/fixie as opposed to buying a hybrid...

Well if you're going to buy a single speed, then get this one, instead:

www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_504148_-1_202650_10000_202339 (http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_504148_-1_202650_10000_202339)

This is the Hounder. It sells for only about $225.

- Slim

PS.

If you're going to opt for a single-speed over a hybrid, then you shouldn't have any challenging hills or inclines.

Where are you located?

I don't know much about bikes but it looks like a cheap knock-off. If your limit is only $250 bucks, you could find a decent bike on craigslist. I got my trek 6700 from there and took it to the LBS for some upgrades and I'm happy with it. You say 1 speed is fine but once you ride the bike on paved or off road trails...you'll wish you had more speeds and a better bike. I'm sure you'll find someone on craigslist around your price range.

I don't know much about bikes but it looks like a cheap knock-off. If your limit is only $250 bucks, you could find a decent bike on craigslist. I got my trek 6700 from there and took it to the LBS for some upgrades and I'm happy with it. You say 1 speed is fine but once you ride the bike on paved or off road trails...you'll wish you had more speeds and a better bike. I'm sure you'll find someone on craigslist around your price range.

+1 ^ This ^ Is a much better idea, I think! :thumb:

Thanks a lot for your advice. Yes I may opt for single-speed but this use flip flop hub so i can use it as freewheel instead of fixie. I live in San Diego, Ca.

I saw this beautiful bike on craiglist.. i think is very cheap for the brand what do you think

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/bik/2871863828.html

I recently bought a Trek 7200 that the previous owner bought new last year and never rode it due to an unrelated knee injury. The price......... $200. I love craigslist!!!

I saw this beautiful bike on craiglist.. i think is very cheap for the brand what do you think

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/bik/2871863828.html

It makes a lot more sense than a fixie in San Diego. I'd go for something without a suspension fork and with 700c wheels myself.

+1 to what Dunbar said. Suspension adds to the cost of a bike and with your limited budget, you'll be able to get a better bike without suspension. That CL bike looks more like a cruiser. VERY upright riding position. Is that what you are looking for?

So you mean this is not an hybrid bike? This will not work for me if I'm looking for something versatile like road and offroad?

So you mean this is not an hybrid bike? This will not work for me if I'm looking for something versatile like road and off road?

Do yourself a favor and decide what type of riding your are going to do ... :thumb:
If you still want a fixed gear bike, then take a look on-line ... lots of great options:

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/trackbikes.htm

Singlespeed / Fixed Gear Track Dawes SST $269

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/images/sst_blu_600.jpg

what do you guys think about this one?

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/bik/2863719850.html

A good choice for a hybrid. I'm a bit concerned that someone 5'11" claims to fit a 51cm bike; I would think a 56 would be better. Bikepedia lists the sizes in inches and I think the seller didn't measure it properly. If the bike is near by, go take a look at it, looking for obvious sides of damage as well as rubber tires in good shape. According to bikepedia the bike sold for $549. If it's in excellent condition, $300 might be a fair price. I could not find one for sale on ebay.

51cm would be a 20" frame which should fit somebody 5'11" as long as they don't have really long legs. Hybrid sizing doesn't really compare directly to road bike sizing or else I'd agree with a1penguin. I'd personally go for the FX series but that 7300 is a fine choice. That 7300 has a small suspension fork but it won't sap too much energy on paved roads. That 7300 is setup a little more for comfort and light off-road use whereas the FX series is more performance oriented and strictly road riding.

Good call Dunbar; I've been to the LBS hunting for a road bike. 51 and 52 cm fit 5'7". The hybrid has more relaxed geometry. My FX is 17.5" and I had to raise the seat. Someone 5'11" would probably want a 20", depending on body geometry.

Thanks guys! Now I'm between the Trek and this one:

http://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=09Vienna

A friend sell it for me for $375 but in like new condition. I guess $75 more for something that may be better is a good deal. Let me know, thanks