Best Hybrid for Commuting?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Denver
Posts: 5
Bikes: Yeti ASX, soon to buy a hybrid for commuting
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Best Hybrid for Commuting?
Hey guys,
I'm trying to decide between these bikes:
Windsor $500 - Save Up to 60% Off Shimano Disc Brake Flat Bar Wide Tire Hybrid Bikes | Fixie | Windsor Bikes - The Hour | Save up to 60% off Hybrid and Shimano bicycles
OR
Marin Fairfax $500 - Marin Fairfax SC4 2013
OR
Motobecane $700 - Save up to 60% off new Hybrid Bikes Motobecane Cafe Sprint
OR
Cannondale Badboy $700 - Cannondale Bad Boy 9 Bike - 2014 at REI.com
something else??
I'm looking for an aluminum frame, carbon fork, disc brakes and some gears for hills all in a hybrid flatbar bike (leaning towards road) budget of $500 or there-abouts. I'll be commuting 6miles round trip mostly on roads, cutting through a few grassy areas and climbing a few hills.
Does one stand out as the obvious winner? Or do you have a better suggestion? I'm leaning towards the fairfax right now, but any help would be greatly appreciated!
I'm trying to decide between these bikes:
Windsor $500 - Save Up to 60% Off Shimano Disc Brake Flat Bar Wide Tire Hybrid Bikes | Fixie | Windsor Bikes - The Hour | Save up to 60% off Hybrid and Shimano bicycles
OR
Marin Fairfax $500 - Marin Fairfax SC4 2013
OR
Motobecane $700 - Save up to 60% off new Hybrid Bikes Motobecane Cafe Sprint
OR
Cannondale Badboy $700 - Cannondale Bad Boy 9 Bike - 2014 at REI.com
something else??
I'm looking for an aluminum frame, carbon fork, disc brakes and some gears for hills all in a hybrid flatbar bike (leaning towards road) budget of $500 or there-abouts. I'll be commuting 6miles round trip mostly on roads, cutting through a few grassy areas and climbing a few hills.
Does one stand out as the obvious winner? Or do you have a better suggestion? I'm leaning towards the fairfax right now, but any help would be greatly appreciated!
#2
Banned.
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,535
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Though, I'm somewhat partial to the Bad Boy 9, the Marin Fairfax does have a lot going for it!
Of course, I'd limit my choices to only those I could test ride, before finally pulling the trigger.
Most times, it's hard to beat REI...
You might also want to consider the Fuji Absolute 1.3 and 1.4 at Performance. They're "Fitness" bikes...
Find Bikes, Cycling Clothing, Bike Parts & Bike Shoes Or Your Local Bike Store at Performance.
* No assembly required with Performance + you get to test ride, first!
Of course, I'd limit my choices to only those I could test ride, before finally pulling the trigger.
Most times, it's hard to beat REI...
You might also want to consider the Fuji Absolute 1.3 and 1.4 at Performance. They're "Fitness" bikes...
Find Bikes, Cycling Clothing, Bike Parts & Bike Shoes Or Your Local Bike Store at Performance.
* No assembly required with Performance + you get to test ride, first!
Last edited by WestPablo; 06-02-14 at 10:16 AM.
#3
Banned
You should do some test rides first. .
that may be hard to get for that money .. which is most important the spec list or the money on the table?
BikesDirect requires the competent mechanic to be You..
I'm looking for an aluminum frame, carbon fork, disc brakes and some gears for hills all in a hybrid flatbar bike (leaning towards road) budget of $500 or there-abouts.
BikesDirect requires the competent mechanic to be You..
Last edited by fietsbob; 06-02-14 at 10:30 AM.
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Denver
Posts: 5
Bikes: Yeti ASX, soon to buy a hybrid for commuting
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
thanks a lot guys! riding it in person is pretty nice, just not sure where I can find a marin fairfax around denver, but i'll call around.
I'm definitely more concerned about it being a great ride and good components than the price, although i'd obviously like the best deal possible.
I'd probably take a BD bike into a local shop to get put together and tuned.
Thanks again!
I'm definitely more concerned about it being a great ride and good components than the price, although i'd obviously like the best deal possible.
I'd probably take a BD bike into a local shop to get put together and tuned.
Thanks again!
#5
Senior Member
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Denver
Posts: 5
Bikes: Yeti ASX, soon to buy a hybrid for commuting
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
So I'm waiting for REI to build a Marin Fairfax SC4 for me to try out. In the mean time I've narrowed it down to 4 "better" options I believe:
$500 Marin Fairfax SC4 - Marin Fairfax SC4 2013
$550 Jamis Coda Sport - JAMIS BICYCLES
$750 Specialized Sirrus Elite - Specialized Bicycle Components
$700 Cannondale Quick 4 - QUICK 4 - QUICK - Recreation - Recreation & Urban - Bikes - 2013
Which seems the best? Are all these brands about the same for hybrids? Does one have inferior components like brakes or derailleurs?
It sounds like disc brakes are not necessary for me as its pretty dry in Denver. I'm mostly concerned with the quality of the ride between aluminum frame and people say the Jamis steel frame makes for a better ride. I do like to ride fast and pretty aggressive, climbing hills as fast as possible, so I'm still leaning more towards aluminum with a carbon fork for a little less weight and more power, but does anyone have a recommendation?
$500 Marin Fairfax SC4 - Marin Fairfax SC4 2013
$550 Jamis Coda Sport - JAMIS BICYCLES
$750 Specialized Sirrus Elite - Specialized Bicycle Components
$700 Cannondale Quick 4 - QUICK 4 - QUICK - Recreation - Recreation & Urban - Bikes - 2013
Which seems the best? Are all these brands about the same for hybrids? Does one have inferior components like brakes or derailleurs?
It sounds like disc brakes are not necessary for me as its pretty dry in Denver. I'm mostly concerned with the quality of the ride between aluminum frame and people say the Jamis steel frame makes for a better ride. I do like to ride fast and pretty aggressive, climbing hills as fast as possible, so I'm still leaning more towards aluminum with a carbon fork for a little less weight and more power, but does anyone have a recommendation?
#8
Banned.
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,535
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
So I'm waiting for REI to build a Marin Fairfax SC4 for me to try out. In the mean time I've narrowed it down to 4 "better" options I believe:
$500 Marin Fairfax SC4 - Marin Fairfax SC4 2013
$550 Jamis Coda Sport - JAMIS BICYCLES
$750 Specialized Sirrus Elite - Specialized Bicycle Components
$700 Cannondale Quick 4 - QUICK 4 - QUICK - Recreation - Recreation & Urban - Bikes - 2013
Which seems the best? Are all these brands about the same for hybrids? Does one have inferior components like brakes or derailleurs?
It sounds like disc brakes are not necessary for me as its pretty dry in Denver. I'm mostly concerned with the quality of the ride between aluminum frame and people say the Jamis steel frame makes for a better ride. I do like to ride fast and pretty aggressive, climbing hills as fast as possible, so I'm still leaning more towards aluminum with a carbon fork for a little less weight and more power, but does anyone have a recommendation?
$500 Marin Fairfax SC4 - Marin Fairfax SC4 2013
$550 Jamis Coda Sport - JAMIS BICYCLES
$750 Specialized Sirrus Elite - Specialized Bicycle Components
$700 Cannondale Quick 4 - QUICK 4 - QUICK - Recreation - Recreation & Urban - Bikes - 2013
Which seems the best? Are all these brands about the same for hybrids? Does one have inferior components like brakes or derailleurs?
It sounds like disc brakes are not necessary for me as its pretty dry in Denver. I'm mostly concerned with the quality of the ride between aluminum frame and people say the Jamis steel frame makes for a better ride. I do like to ride fast and pretty aggressive, climbing hills as fast as possible, so I'm still leaning more towards aluminum with a carbon fork for a little less weight and more power, but does anyone have a recommendation?
I'm sorry, but none of those bikes can come close to the Fairfax in terms of cost and value...
A carbon fiber fork with Alvio/Altus mix for only $500. That's just too crazy cool!
Preferences:
1) Marin Fairfax
2) Jamis Coda Comp
3) Cannondale Quick 4
4) Sirrus Elite
Last edited by WestPablo; 06-04-14 at 06:43 PM.
#9
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Denver
Posts: 5
Bikes: Yeti ASX, soon to buy a hybrid for commuting
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Oh! good point I see that now. Thanks for the ranking!! No LBS seems to stock the comp, only the sport.... so I''ll just test ride the sport and pretend it has a carbon fork that seems like the biggest difference between the two codas
The fairfax does seem like the best buy! I just keep going back and forth between Jamis v Marin, steel v aluminum, carbon fork v normal......
I WILL ride both tomorrow and make a final decision!
The other thing (probably irrelevant) is I could ride the coda sport out of the door but the fairfax I'll test ride at REI and then order online and take it into a LBS for assembly. Not sure if i'll get the same level of service bringing in a box of parts as opposed to buying a new bike from my LBS but I'm thinking that should not be a consideration in my purchase, right?
The fairfax does seem like the best buy! I just keep going back and forth between Jamis v Marin, steel v aluminum, carbon fork v normal......
I WILL ride both tomorrow and make a final decision!
The other thing (probably irrelevant) is I could ride the coda sport out of the door but the fairfax I'll test ride at REI and then order online and take it into a LBS for assembly. Not sure if i'll get the same level of service bringing in a box of parts as opposed to buying a new bike from my LBS but I'm thinking that should not be a consideration in my purchase, right?
#10
Banned.
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,535
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Oh! good point I see that now. Thanks for the ranking!! No LBS seems to stock the comp, only the sport.... so I''ll just test ride the sport and pretend it has a carbon fork that seems like the biggest difference between the two codas
The fairfax does seem like the best buy! I just keep going back and forth between Jamis v Marin, steel v aluminum, carbon fork v normal......
I WILL ride both tomorrow and make a final decision!
The other thing (probably irrelevant) is I could ride the coda sport out of the door but the fairfax I'll test ride at REI and then order online and take it into a LBS for assembly. Not sure if i'll get the same level of service bringing in a box of parts as opposed to buying a new bike from my LBS but I'm thinking that should not be a consideration in my purchase, right?
The fairfax does seem like the best buy! I just keep going back and forth between Jamis v Marin, steel v aluminum, carbon fork v normal......
I WILL ride both tomorrow and make a final decision!
The other thing (probably irrelevant) is I could ride the coda sport out of the door but the fairfax I'll test ride at REI and then order online and take it into a LBS for assembly. Not sure if i'll get the same level of service bringing in a box of parts as opposed to buying a new bike from my LBS but I'm thinking that should not be a consideration in my purchase, right?
www.bikesdirect.com/instructionhelp.htm
Make certain that the brakes work perfectly, before taking it to the LBS. Also, make certain that the pedals have been installed properly...
It's so nice when relatives buy bicycles for their loved ones...
If you have a bicycle co-op nearby, then just go there for everything...
Last edited by WestPablo; 06-04-14 at 07:25 PM.
#11
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Denver
Posts: 5
Bikes: Yeti ASX, soon to buy a hybrid for commuting
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks yea I'll check that video.
steel v aluminum frame for a commuter hybrid? anyone feel strongly one way or the other?
steel v aluminum frame for a commuter hybrid? anyone feel strongly one way or the other?
#12
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Lakeland Fl.
Posts: 20
Bikes: Marin, Stenson - Trek, Jetta
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well the picture in my mind of commuting in Denver,
Quite a few hills, just thinking.
better check out the gears these bikes got.
Id pick the Marin, although im partial too Marin's anyways...
Quite a few hills, just thinking.
better check out the gears these bikes got.
Id pick the Marin, although im partial too Marin's anyways...
#13
Banned.
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,535
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Don't get the Coda Sport!
Either get the Coda Comp, or the Marin Fairfax. If you've got the bucks, then get the Coda Elite.
If not, then you just can't beat that Fairfax deal!
Steel rides better and will last a lifetime...
You'll only buy one steel Coda Commuter in your life. If you're young, you might very well go thru three or more aluminum framed commuters...
Either get the Coda Comp, or the Marin Fairfax. If you've got the bucks, then get the Coda Elite.
If not, then you just can't beat that Fairfax deal!
Steel rides better and will last a lifetime...
You'll only buy one steel Coda Commuter in your life. If you're young, you might very well go thru three or more aluminum framed commuters...
Last edited by WestPablo; 06-04-14 at 07:41 PM.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Highlands Ranch, CO
Posts: 1,221
Bikes: '13 Diamondback Hybrid Commuter, '17 Spec Roubaix Di2, '17 Spec Camber 29'er, '19 CDale Topstone Gravel
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 590 Post(s)
Liked 445 Times
in
260 Posts
I'm leaning towards this commuter from Breezer for the reliability of the IGH Breezer Bikes - Beltway - Bike Overview
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
how long is the commute? no bike shops nearby?
#16
Banned
Pick Your favorite bike shop first, Then Buy a bike from them .. brands are less important since they have Asia making all of them.
Like one component over another , the shop can change it for you for a reasonable price..
they are replaceable.
Like one component over another , the shop can change it for you for a reasonable price..
they are replaceable.
#17
DancesWithSUVs
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Griffin Cycle Bethesda,MD
Posts: 6,983
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I have a new avatar for you:
First,the frame isn't the only thing that determines how a bike rides. The fork also makes a huge difference(both material and design),as well as the wheels and tires. Ride a C'dale CAAD;the rear seatstays are designed to be compliant,and combined with a carbon fork they ride just fine,even with skinny road bike tires.
As for durability,every bike I've used for polo has had an alloy frame,and I've had no issues. My Safari was used for polo for about 8 months,the rest of it's life it's been my main commuter,bad weather bike,and my grocery getter. Zero issues with the frame. And with the cromo fork and 2" tires,it rides nice and smooth.
BTW,I've known two folks who broke their steel forks from regular street riding,as well as a friend whose steel frame cracked at the headtube. And it wasn't that long ago that Salsa had a recall on some of their steel forks.
__________________
C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
#18
Lost at sea...
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Western PA
Posts: 935
Bikes: Schwinn Paramount (match), Trek 520, random bits and pieces...
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
It's not really a steel vs. aluminum thing... it's the way the tubes are made, put together, the bike geometry, etc.
My first commuter was a Kona Dew Deluxe. It served me well until I started riding 50+ miles more frequently and then it became quite uncomfortable. Personally, I'd rather have the steel Jamis Coda but I've gotten to a point where all of my bikes are now steel save that Kona I mentioned which is now just a back up for friends and sometimes a winter bike. That said, Marin makes good bikes. I owned one for a couple of months before dumping it because I wanted a different style. My best friend had one for years until it was stolen.
#19
Banned.
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,535
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I have a new avatar for you:
First,the frame isn't the only thing that determines how a bike rides. The fork also makes a huge difference(both material and design),as well as the wheels and tires. Ride a C'dale CAAD;the rear seatstays are designed to be compliant,and combined with a carbon fork they ride just fine,even with skinny road bike tires.
As for durability,every bike I've used for polo has had an alloy frame,and I've had no issues. My Safari was used for polo for about 8 months,the rest of it's life it's been my main commuter,bad weather bike,and my grocery getter. Zero issues with the frame. And with the cromo fork and 2" tires,it rides nice and smooth.
BTW,I've known two folks who broke their steel forks from regular street riding,as well as a friend whose steel frame cracked at the headtube. And it wasn't that long ago that Salsa had a recall on some of their steel forks.
What a very nice gesture, my friend!
BTW- I've belonged to two road clubs and one touring club. When I was born, there was no such thing as an aluminum bicycle. Since then, they've come a long way. However, aluminum is still aluminum. As such, it suffers from fatigue issues. I own a 1974 Schwinn Continental and a 2011 Raleigh Record Ace. Both are chromoly steel road bikes. They both ride like magic carpets! I've ridden club members' aluminum framed road bikes. I must say, I'm not impressed!
My experience has been just the opposite of yours. Most aluminum bikes that actually get regularly ridden, never make it past 12 years or so...
Last edited by WestPablo; 06-06-14 at 05:29 PM.
#20
Full Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Malden, MA.
Posts: 403
Bikes: 2009 Masi, 2014 Specialized Crossroads 1975 Schwinn Unicycle
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Anybody Trek Allant? I always admired the Jamis Coda's family, Steel frame. Maybe you compare the store over the bikes it sells.
I'd consider the use, horses for courses. Like Question A)) City Style. All road, fight traffic everywhere, few locking public spots..etc. Or Question B)) More a "Relaxed" city riding style. Where you got bike lanes, separate bike paths. But still fighting traffic. Here , things are going that way around Boston, Cambridge Brookline. I had a short commute down a brook path 30+ years ago. A year later was a suburb to an urban, not tourist dense urban area. That trip had a 200 FT elevation change, over 10, or 11 miles. But with cellular phones,, and todays electronics, i'd rather ride over being on a bus. Chris
I'd consider the use, horses for courses. Like Question A)) City Style. All road, fight traffic everywhere, few locking public spots..etc. Or Question B)) More a "Relaxed" city riding style. Where you got bike lanes, separate bike paths. But still fighting traffic. Here , things are going that way around Boston, Cambridge Brookline. I had a short commute down a brook path 30+ years ago. A year later was a suburb to an urban, not tourist dense urban area. That trip had a 200 FT elevation change, over 10, or 11 miles. But with cellular phones,, and todays electronics, i'd rather ride over being on a bus. Chris
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bikeguy102
Road Cycling
2
07-15-19 10:42 AM
KC_Crunch
Hybrid Bicycles
28
09-22-15 03:50 PM
emazzuca
Hybrid Bicycles
17
05-07-13 07:33 PM