dpc1192

Alright guys well I went to the Trek store today, and got them to tell me what size and blah blah.

I need a 21 inch bike, and I'm not sure if I want a mountain bike (4300) or more of a hybrid (i liked the su100)

I live in florida so it is very flat, and I'd probably be riding mainly on roads, sidewalks, and the occasional grass and dirt.

Which do you think would be better for me??? Thanks Alot!

NoNaYet

I live in Florida, and I ride a Catrike Road.

markhr

if you're set on trek

https://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike...id=1437000&f=7

alanbikehouston

If your riding will be mostly dirt, gravel, or trails, a mountain bike would probably be the best choice. If your riding is mostly pavement, a hybrid would be fine. Either bike can be used anywhere, with the right tires. Mountain bikes do fine on pavement with light weight slick tires, and a hybrid can do fine on trails with beefy tires with some tread.

dpc1192

i wouldn't want to spend like over 400 really

markhr

if you're happy with second hand then you may get a much better bike by checking your local second hand shops, craig's list or ad pages.

dpc1192

I live in Florida so it is fairly flat..

I'd be riding this bike on the road, grass, and sometimes dirt. Probably not many trails

I'm stuck between a Trek MTB or Hybrid. I don't really like those hybrids where you are sitting almost straight up at all (makes me feel like an granny haha). I'd like to keep it under 400.

Which bikes do you think would be good for my situation??? I liked the 4300, and the su100 looks very cool.

Thanks Alot!!

v1k1ng1001

sounds like you need a hybrid

Stacey

Pat answer: Ride 'em and buy what feels best.

Little_T

Well, I'm not sure about the price-range in the U.S., but here you can't get a single-speed for under 400€ (counting with €~$). Trek has the 7100 FXS hybrid for about 500€ (probably $500 in the U.S.), but you could get a Trek 3700 that seems to be a fair compromise between price and quality for 400€, the 4300 is of course a step up the ladder, but also more expensive. It would seem, that in general hybrids are more expensive than MTB:s.
From your description of usage, I'd recommend a hybrid, but I've always thought that MTB:s are just as versetile and that most hybrids look like granny-bikes, even though I currently ride one (fitness-hybrid).
The 4300 does have front-suspension going for it, so in your shoes, I would go for that one.

Retro Grouch 

I agree with Stacey. You pretty much have to ride them and see how they feel. I suspect that you'll find that the riding position is a little different for the two different kinds of bikes. One or the other will just feel better to you. That's the genre that I'd go with. Don't get too wrapped up with things like tire tread pattern because that's easily changed.

spinnaker

I disagree. Unless you will be riding mountain trails there is no need for a mountain bike or a hybrid for that matter (the type of bikes with front and or rear suspension). If you are riding MUPS (asphalt, limestone, flyash etc.) then get a trail bike. There is really no need for all of that extra weight of the suspension. Plus it is just another thing to give you problems.

Retro Grouch 

So you don't think that you'd notice the weight of suspension during a test ride?

Rickochet

A Trek Navigator would be a nice way to go. Very affordable and pretty decent components too. Trek's warranty is also outstanding.

Stacey

Full suspension hybrids?

Shavit

check the measurements/specs on those bikes ... they are the same thing with different forks, cranks, handlebars, and tires. Those parts are different because riding on the road and on a trail demand different parts even if the frame remains the same.

since you say you will be riding mostly on pavement, i'd say the one with road tires would be the better option. It also happens to be the one without the suspension, so it will be easier to ride on pavement (and cost less to maintain or replace as an added bonus).

ConstantRider

Since it's mostly flat, you should probably consider the SU100 -- you don't really need the super-low gearing of a mountain bike given the terrain you'll be riding. Same goes with the suspension fork.

If brands other than Trek are an option, you might also consider the Kona Dew ($400). It's similar to the SU100 (both have aluminum frames and 48/38/28 cranksets) but it has roadbike wheels (700c) rather than mountain-bike wheels (26").

If you prefer 26" wheels, then the SU100 seems like a pretty good option. I like the silver finish too.

Nicodemus

Screw the MTB. Enjoy a proper, dedicated road ride.

bkaapcke

Forget the mtb. They are for crashing down hillsides on dirt. I didn't see anything about that in your ride description. Sure, they look gnarly, but for your riding, it's the wrong thing. bk

pedalMonger

I lived in FL for a couple years, in an area that was mostly senior citizens (I worked in service orientated business). I was too scared to ride a bicycle or motorcycle there, so many of the drivers were oblivious to what was going on around them, probably because of combination of old age and the drugs they were on.

If you live in an area with a lot of retirees, make sure you have bright lights (there are flashing LEDs on the market now bright enough to be seen during the day) and wear glow-in-the-day clothing!

Anyway thats OT, I would get a hybrid that's on the road bike side of things (700c wheels, etc) Or maybe just get a road bike if you aren't gonna dress it out with fenders and racks, etc, and you don't find the riding position uncomfortable. Hybrid might be good if you are gonna ride on grass sometimes, they usually come with wider tires then road bikes.