freakmod

Hi, I'm new here

I've been riding cheap mountain bikes in the city all my life but have now realized that a hybrid bike would suit me much better for my commuting needs (mainly for going shopping, through the city, on slightly bumpy small-town terrain, sometimes in the rain). I want to be able to bike on the sidewalk as well as on the street, and it seems a hybrid would do me well.

I phoned a number of bike shops and here are the models available for me to choose from:

Brodie Dynamo
Trek Soho 1
Norco Axia, BFR, Malahat, Vermont
Rocky Mountain Whistler 10
Miele Toscana

I just want to know which of these would be considered higher-end bikes and which are considered lower-end bikes? Price-wise I don't care between either of these, I just want to choose one that will last me a long time without lots of maintenance needed.

Are there any in this list I should avoid? Are any of these bikes clearly better than the other(s)?

Thanks!

d2create

I've only even heard of one of those... the trek.

I suggest you go to your local bike shops and look in person and test ride to see what feels good before you do anything else.

taliesin

I'm familiar with the Soho, which is a decent bike. Not familiar with that model of Rocky Mountain, but I've been impressed with the quality and price of their road bikes.

You also might want to check out the Jamis Coda and/or the Specialized Sirrus.

freakmod

Thank you! It looks like I'll be looking at the Rocky Mountain and the Soho then.. going to head down to the bike shops today!

I'm guessing Norco isn't a very well-known brand then? The shops seem to have a lot of them.

Aeneas

Where are you located? Many of those brands are not common in the US.

freakmod

Hey, I'm located in BC Canada.

uke

+1. I don't know if Jamis has dealers near you in Canada, but if the store you visit stocks them, do check out the Coda. I ride it daily, and it's never failed me.

bikinpolitico

I agree with d2create. If you are looking for a quality hybrid, any good LBS will have several to choose from. My experience is that there is not much difference between the hyrbids from the major bike manufacturers so I'd go with which ever one you like best.

You might also want to read my bike picker article here about what features to look for in a good transportation bike: https://austinbikeblog.org/?p=38

InTheRain

I know that Rocky Mountain is a Canadien manufacturer. I believe that Norco is also. Rocky Mountain makes great bicyles. I drove to Canada to get my Rocky Mountain bicycle from "Bikes on the Drive" in Vancouver, BC. I am elated with this bicycle! Mine is the Rocky Mountain Sherpa 30 - it's a touring bike but has made an excellent commuter.

Torrilin

To an extent, you can judge a bike's quality by price. An "import" (like a Dutch built bike in the US, or an American bike in Canada) might be more expensive than a comparable "local" bike, but otherwise, a bike is a bike is a bike. A more expensive bike usually has better quality (and more expensive) parts hanging off the frame.

Figuring out which bike is best for *you* is another story. Bike shops tend to make a big deal out of which components are on which bike. For actually riding, what matters isn't so much the components as how well the bike fits your body's proportions and how you like to ride. I'm happiest when I'm fairly upright in a kind of "sit up and beg" posture. My partner is happiest streeeeeeeeetched out and down low on a road bike. We have pretty similar proportions, but *very* different taste in terms of how we ride.

The biggest deal in terms of finding the right bike is getting in a lot of test rides. If the bike starts to hurt in less than 5 miles, it's a problem, and that particular bike is not a good choice. Another size in the same bike might work better, or a different brand or model might. If you know your normal rides will be more than 5 miles, try to do even longer tests.

crhilton

After a certain price point you pay for performance and not quality. To some extent that performance comes from increased quality, but sometimes last-ability may be sacrificed for things such as weight (although you don't start seeing much of that until you look at several thousand dollar bikes)

I'm sure Torrilin has no intention to mislead you but I want to clarify: A $500 bike will be a fine high quality machine. It will be serviceable and of sound design. But it won't ride like a $1,000 bike will. So I recommend not riding the $1,000 bike if you don't want to spend that much .

freakmod

Hey, thank you for all your replies!

I visited the bike shops in my town and tested their hybrid bikes. From my short tests, the choice seems to boil down to two bikes:

Specialized Globe City 6.1
Originally $1100 but they're selling it at a discount: $770
https://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/product/eol-07specializedglobecity61(55cm).aspx?&id=2595



Rocky Mountain Whistler 10
$620
https://www.bikes.com/main+en+01_102+...tml?BIKE=187#2



I took both of these for a quick spin, and they both felt like driving a Porsche compared to my clunky $200 mountain bikes I've been using all these years. The only thing which bothered me about the City 6.1 was that it had no front suspension, and this made sidewalks rather jolting and bumpy! The Whistler 10 has suspension. From my ignorant view, the City 6.1 'seemed' like the better bike, especially considering that normally it runs for almost twice as much as the Rocky Mountain.

Considering I want a reliable and enjoyable bike that will last me a long time for general purpose commuting and some sidewalk/minor trails: Is the City 6.1 an altogether better bike than the Whistler? I see the list of components in each one but it's all voodoo speak to me - I have no clue as to what quality any of these components are. Is the original $1100 pricetag of the City 6.1 just for the included 'gadgets', import price, and name brand? Would it be silly for me to choose the Whistler 10 only for the front suspension but get an overall lower quality bike (if that is the case)?

Should I learn to stay off sidewalks and use the road for biking, and thus not need suspension for the bumpiness?

.. I bet I come off as so absolutely clueless right now ..

BengeBoy 

I took a glance at the spec on both bikes. To me, the Globe City is the higher quality bike.

One really interesting feature on the City is the dynamo hub, which allows you to power lights on the bike without having to worry about batteries, rechargers, etc. If you're really interested in using the bike for commuting that's a really interesting feature. Having handy lights on your bike will allow you to extend the hours you can use your bike...even if you aren't planning to ride in total darkness it can help you remain visible and see better on gray fall or winter Pacific Northwest Days.

Just glancing at the specs the Globe has higher-quality components on it (as indicated by the much higher regular retail). The discount makes it a better deal, if you like it.

Re: suspension...I think you will find that as you ride the roads more you'll get used to not having suspension. Plus, suspension soaks up some energy and isn't as efficient as riding without it on the road.

And, yes, as you get more comfortable with riding safely on the roads you'll get off the sidewalks. In fact it's safer to ride on the roads most places than to be on the sidewalk where you are dealing with pedestrians who might not be expecting you.

lisitsa

At the same time, the number of bikes I've gone through where I went for the discounted NQR bike with higher spec, rather than the cheaper bike thats available in the right size and the right features, I can't even count. Every time I think I've made the wrong decision. Only this last time, I narrowly avoided a bike too small for me that was heavily discounted, to go for a full priced Trek with lower spec, but that is now my one and only favorite bike.

The morale of the story, you seem to prefer suspension. Thats your choice and chances are that feeling will keep niggling you after you invest in the City. In the price range of 400 and above, the components are all within the regular shimano high-quality line up. (Starts with Alivio, Deore and it goes on) They will all work without major quality issues. Its probably not just the suspension though. Bicycles have vastly differing geometries, and the Rocky Mountain is significantly more upright. It also has a suspension seat post. The whole combination of these factors affect your decision.

Torrilin

Sidewalks are meant for pedestrians. It is dangerous to ride on the sidewalk because you're putting pedestrians at risk. It is *also* dangerous to ride on the sidewalk because car and truck drivers can't see you as easily. They don't have a clear view of the sidewalk most of the time, so if there is a driveway or intersection, you can end up in real trouble. It's usually not against the law to ride on sidewalks, but I'd rather walk my bike if the sidewalk is truly the best route. (and in some places it *is* against the law... so if you get hurt while sidewalk riding, you can get ticketed and end up with no standing to get damages)

I would try both bikes for a longer ride, if the shop is amenable. I've had very good luck with my expensive but discounted bike. It was one of my top picks tho, after a lot of research and test riding... and it is the *right* size. It happened to get discounted just before I was ready to buy, so I grabbed it.

d2create

Stay off the sidewalks whenever possible and get the Globe.
That's a pretty sweet bike and set up for commuting pretty good from the start.

no1mad 

If that Globe properly fits you, take it. (I know I would, but I'm not you.)

The suspension fork is generally overkill for a commuter. However, if you plan on doing any fun rides in the dirt (light duty stuff of course), then go w/the Rocky Mt.

taliesin

Get the Globe.

Quickbeam

I agree that the suspension fork is probably overkill for commuting/road riding. Another thing to keep in mind is that suspension forks require maintenance (adjustment, lubrication, eventual seal and spring replacement, etc.) to keep them performing well. Personally I'd way rather have a quality rigid fork on my commuter than a low-end suspension fork. Just my $0.02.

freakmod

After much deliberation, I picked up the Rocky Mountain Whistler 10... my first 'quality' bike! Since my town has very bumpy, cracked, patchy roads, and the bad state of my arms, I think the suspension was necessary for me. Now I just have to learn how to properly ride on the road - are there any books that could teach me how to commute via bike?

I don't have a car and have never driven one so I feel completely lost on the road! It also doesn't help that my town is full of people who seem to drive very aggressively, street race, etc.

Thank you all for your expert advice, your comments were all extremely helpful for me when looking at all the choices and deciding on my bike. Now I'll save up so that I can one day get a cyclocross bike and do some short tours! This forum has spoiled me!

dwr1961

How to ride on the road... That's a big subject. I've commuted for ten years in both urban and rural settings and have taught my three kids (now all in high school) how to ride and survive in traffic. Here are a few very basic rules:

1. Wear a helmet and gloves - always. Also, anything that makes you more visible to drivers (bright clothing, lights) is good.

2. Ride With traffic, not against. Stay in the right portion of the lane, but don't hug the gutter. Don't weave in and out of cars parked at the curb. Keep a straight, steady and predictable course in the road.

3. Obey stop signs and lights. Signal your intentions. Keep your head up and stay aware.

4. Try to ride loose and relaxed - tensing your arms and shoulders can make you weave exactly when you don't want to.

5. If a situation seems dangerous to you, remember that discretion is the better part of valor - get off and walk. In time you may find that a certain road isn't so bad - then again your first impression might be right.

6. Most drivers don't want to kill you - really...


Good luck on your new adventure. Be sure and let us know how you and you new Rocky Mountain make out!

DWR

sinner

I would have gotten the globe

bikinpolitico

The LA Bicycle Coalition put together a great video on riding in traffic. They use video on actual streets to roll play different situations. I put a YouTube version of the video up on my site if you want to watch it: https://austinbikeblog.org/?p=480

Torrilin

Laws vary from location to location. I *think* Canada's rules are fairly similar to those in the US, but you might want to check with your province's department of transportation. Here in the US, the dept. of transportation often has a web page or even a manual for cyclists, covering the rules of the road. Even if they don't have anything special for cyclists, the manual for new drivers is still helpful.

Local bike advocacy groups can also be quite helpful. They may offer classes in road riding or bike maintenance, and they often have material on the rules of the road. And they'll *know* about the gotchas in your area's laws. For example, in Wisconsin, it is illegal to ride on the sidewalk, unless a city ordinance allows it... and Madison has such an ordinance, but if you're in an area where the sidewalk touches the buildings, it is still against the law. Talk about confusing!

freakmod

Wow, that is great information! Thanks a lot guys! This forum has such a good community and a wealth of knowledge. I'm hooked! I watched those videos and am now inspired to learn and use the road when cycling. No more sidewalks for me.

With that said, I've been thinking hard about my new bicycle now that I've tasted what a "real" bike feels like. I have this nagging suspicion that my bike is of the lower-end type (not sure if this is true?) I'm someone who likes to buy once and buy high quality the first time. I still have a last chance tomorrow to possibly give the Whistler 10 back, spend even 2x more money and get a higher-end bike. I'd like to know if a higher end bike could result in easier biking and a nicer riding experience?

The few higher end choices that I'm now considering:

Gary Fisher Kaitai ($900 with all attachments)
This has suspension which is a nice feature, disc brakes. Is this a much better bike than the Whistler 10?

Specialized Globe City 6.1 ($770 with all attachments, reduced from $1100)
This is a nice decked out bike, very comfortable, regular breaks, no suspension - but since I'll be biking on roads...

Norco CCX1 ($1400, but needs attachments extra) or other Cyclocross
I saw this cyclocross bike in the shop, and i 'might' be willing to spend the extra money to get this (or another cyclocross bike) if it would be a huge improvement in quality over the hybrids and let me do things like experiment with biking 100-200 km short trips to other cities in a year or two, without having to buy a dedicated bike for it.

Basically - is it worth spending the money on something more expensive so I don't feel like I have the 'cheapo' bike and regret it for the next 5 years? Will these bikes help me be more of a vehicle and bike at a decent pace without having to switch into my hardest gears in the middle of the city to keep from slowing down traffic? Am I being silly and is the difference a very minor one between what I've got and the next few hundred dollars up? The reason I'm still undecided is that I've read on the net that hybrids are 'crappy' bikes and that there are supposedly better options. So I'd like either a better hybrid or a cyclocross which everyone seems to rave about.

Tomorrow morning I have to make my final decision!

If I do go with a more expensive bike, I'd be using a U-lock to lock the wheel to my bike and a snake lock to tie it to the bike lock/lamppost, when going shopping etc. Again, the roads here are low quality, cracked, with many potholes because of the damage from the hard winters.