mbologna

Hi all. I'm generally a lurker here, but have finally decided to start commuting. I live about 4-5 miles from the office. My commute will be fairly hilly and in a high traffic area (from Rosslyn in Northern Virginia into DC). I have a pretty nice road bike I use for triathlon training (Klein Q Pro Carbon), but do not want to use it for commuting.

Ideally, I am looking for something that can handle a commute, including rough roads and a towpath with small, fairly packed gravel, maybe taking a curb or two. I can also see adding onto the commute sometimes to get a few extra miles in, and would also like to use this bike for quick trips to the grocery, short errands, etc. I've looked at the Trek 7.3fx and the Gary Fisher Marlin. To me the MTB shifted a little better, and I liked the idea of the suspension. The downsides were being a little more forward, and not sure about getting fenders on it. The Trek seemed to be a little more comfortable, but the shifting wasn't as smooth (marginal difference). It also seemed like it could handle curbs, though the LBS indicated the wheels may not hold up if you go over too many. And obviously, it wasn't as smooth over potholes as the MTB.

Any experience with these bikes, or suggestions for other options? Ideally, I'd like to spend in the $400-500 range, figuring I'll need to get another set of clipless pedals, panniers, fenders, lights, etc. I'm getting a little overwhelmed with trying to find the right bike for the task.

Thanks!
Mark

jk__74

I purchased a 7.3FX for my 10 mile each way commute, consisting of paved city streets and a smooth blacktop MUP. I've been amazed with this bike - it's nearly as fast on my commute as when I take my road bike and yet I can also take dirt/gravel paths like I was riding a mtn bike. Overall I am very happy - the 32s roll fast and the bike feels very solid and stable. I run the hybrid size Planet Bike fenders to keep the bike (and me) clean on wet days. No regrets ... I was nervous about the solid alloy fork, but the tires help soak up much of the vibration that I was nervous about.

mbologna

Thanks for the quick response! I was also a little concerned about the straight fork. Any experience with hopping curbs? Does it hold up well to that sort of thing? I don't plan on serious off-road stuff, but I do want something that I can bang around a little more than my racing bike.

bikertrash

If you liked the suspension on the mtb, maybe the trek 7300 would work. I have been riding one for years and for the way I ride I'm sure that suspension fork has saved my front wheel. The suspension seatpost took a little getting used to, but I don't think I'd want to ride without one now.

dynaryder

From the bikes you listed,I'm guessing you're shopping at Revolution in Clarendon? The Georgetown shop at Key Bridge has much better staff,FYI. Personally,I prefer Bike Pro next door and Bike Rack at 14th & Q.

Are you going to commute in all weather(including snow)? If so I'd suggest disc brakes. Trek,GF,and Giant all make MTB/hybrids close to your price range with discs. Fenders shouldn't be a problem with Planet Bike Speed-Ez or Hardcores. The Speed-Ez use rubber straps for mounting,and the Hardcores have independant struts to get around discs.

mbologna

You're correct that I was shopping at Revolution in Clarendon. I'd not had a good experience there in the past, but went back because it is so convenient. I did find an excellent salesperson there named Carey, but I'm not against trying the shops in Georgetown. Is it possible to park over there? Also, I know nothing about disc brakes. What is the advantage?

I do intend to commute through most weather conditions. Does that impact the decision to go with a hybrid versus MTB, or is it mostly the brake issue? What do you ride, and how far is your commute?

Thanks,
mark

jk__74

Sorry - not a curb hopper myself, although my 7.3 seems pretty able to take me anywhere I need to go, light trail-wise.

dynaryder

Parking in Georgetown? Good luck,unless you pay to park in the mall. Best bet is to ride your other bike and lock up out front,or just walk. The Georgetown shops are right at the DC end of the Key Bridge.

Discs totally rock,every bike in my fleet has them. They work in rain and snow,are easier to adjust and change pads,the pads last way longer,they don't wear your rims,and don't care how true your rims are. In the real world,the only disadvantage is mounting racks and fenders,but there are products made for disc bikes and a little MacGuyvering goes a long way.

My commute is a touch over 4mi,all hills,and I ride in all weather. I wouldn't use a road bike for it because I've got too many steep hills,and there's times when fat tires come in handy. My Novara Safari sees the most commuting time.

As for hybrids vs MTB,it depends on what you're looking at. Giant's Sedonas are basically a street version of their Iguana MTB,whereas there's a world of difference between a Specialized Sirrus and a Stumpjumper. For the kind of riding you're talking about,price range,and given what's available at local shops,for hybrids I'd suggest Giant's Sedona and Cypress series,Trek's Sohos(price is a little more but they're worth it),Swobo Otis,or Specialized Globe. Any MTB will do,just swap the knobbies for slicks(save the knobbies for winter),and locking front suspension will help in climbing hills.

mijome07

Check out this Specialized hybrid
https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=21925

dynaryder

I have one of those. But the '08's are like $170 more,which is more than the OP was looking to spend.

mbologna

So I've just spent the last several days combing through 100 pages or so of older posts on this forum. Tomorrow, I will go test ride several bikes again at a Trek LBS, and will probably also take a look at a Specialized dealer. The more I read, the more I think the Trek may be the ticket though. I've convinced myself to stay away from the suspension fork for what I need, and am now wondering about the advantages of disc brakes versus traditional brakes. Any thoughts? On a bike in the range of the Trek 7.3fx, are the disc brakes of decent quality? Is it difficult to find a good pannier rack for a bike with disc brakes?

Thanks!
mark

dynaryder

Low end Tektro discs suck,but most others are ok. I'll take a set of Hayes MX-2's over any rim brake any day. Racks aren't a prob;Axiom makes several models and I believe Topeak and Planet Bike do as well. A little Googling should give you your choices.