Hybrid Narrowed Down
 

Ready to hit the road with first purchase of a hybrid. I have a group of ladies who are riding about 7-10 miles 4 times a week...(My age is 50 and I'm 5'2 so size matters). I've narrowed my selection down to these 4 but i just don't know which one to go with. Diamondback Insight 1, Fuji Absolute 3.0, Trek 7.2 or 7100.

My friend rides a road bike so speed is an issue if I am to make any attempt to keep up with her for the short distance. And yes, I have queried this forum and others and that is why I have limited my search to these bikes mentioned, I started out with about 15.

Need help from the pros out there and don't confuse me with other choices unless you just think this is a bad grouping.

Thanks, mvic

The Trek 7.2 FX is designed for paved roads and light trails - like hard-packed dirt and the gravel-lane sort. The 7100 is more of a mountain-bike with suspension seatposts and forks. For a group who are riding mostly, I'm guessing here, on actual roads I'd vote for the 7.5 FX and the Fuji Absolute 3.0. But I'd want to hear from owners of both. Look for reviews on the net.

If they have nice, fast hybrid bicycles - they may well be increasing their riding. Who knows? Maybe they'll strike out for Alaska. :D :eek: :D

The FX series have lower handle bar than the 7000 series,which are more at upright position,if comfort is the key,7000 series is the way to go.

Yeah, but she said her friend rides a road bike, so unless her friend is slower than a herd of turtles, the upright position of the 7100 is going to make it much harder to keep up. I'd be between the Fuji and the Trek FX depending on which felt better on a test ride.

Mvic, is there a reason you're looking flat bar hybrid instead of a road bike with drop handlebars?

I know fit is going to be the key for comfort on bikes- But you can get a few shocks on what does work for you.

I have a lower lumbar region problem and used to ride mountain bikes. Some mornings that only way I could get comfortable was to get on the bike and take the body out for a bit of Vibro massage.

Then 3 years ago I went road. Got back acke and I never used the drops as it was painfull after about 20 seconds. Adjusted the bike and finished up with the bars at the level of the saddle and it got better. Practiced getting into the drops and even that got comfortable. Still do most of the riding on the hoods though and only used the drops downhill- into a headwind- or if I wanted to put on a bit more speed.

Then 1 year after getting the first bike- A giant OCR3- I got a better bike. A full race geometry frame with light bits on it and the LBS set it up with the bars 3" below the saddle. They told me to get out and ride it but I had my doubts. Completely unfounded. That Lower- more stretched out position worked for me.

Still do most of the riding on the hoods- but If I want the "Turbo" to come in- it is down into the drops - till the lungs give out.

If you want to go fast(er) on the road- you do need the ability to be able to get into a more aerodynamic position. That does not necessarily mean a road bike- but Bar ends onto Straight bars will get that faster position. And a more upright position for comfort- does not always work and offers a lot of wind resistance.

I would skip the Trek 7100 and go with a 7200. The gear ratio on the 7100 is not long enough to keep up with a road bike. Test ride the 7100 and 7200 and you will immediately see what I mean. The top gear in the 7100 is just too short in my opinion.

As far as keeping up with a road bike on a hybrid. Unless you are going into bad headwinds or many many hills, you should keep up just fine with your friend unless you are much less of a rider. If you get a hybrid, I would change out the tires to 700X28's. It will increase your average speed by a few mph.

thanks to all...the replies were most helpful. I am still testing and will now actually add a road bike with drop bars to my 'test' mix...

MVIC

I bought a Ritchey Adjustable-Stem awhile back. Thought I'd use it to dial-in a bike I had, then sell it. I was led to conclude that all adjustable stems were: loose, ugly, fell apart, etc. I was very wrong.

The Ritchey is as solid as a one-piece - multi-vaned interior holds it tight together by about 20 - 30 contact points. And is infinitely adjustable. And good-looking. So if you want a higher stem or lower stem, you don't need to toss the bicycle (or put up with one that isn't quite what you wanted all for a higher handlebar) - get a Ritchey Adjustable. Possibly the last stem you'll buy.

And no - I don't own stock in the Ritchey Company.

Bike manufacturers now often produce 2 lines of road bikes - the "racy" bike, and the "endurance" or "comfort" road bike. From what you wrote I would suggest trying out the endurance road bike - more comfortable ride, more upright handlebars.

For Specialized, it's the Sequoia:
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...=39270&eid=117

http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/...char_sil_d.jpg

I think the Dolce is the women's model:
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...=38454&eid=117

I test rode a Sequoia recently and I was very impressed. It was very comfortable and also had the cross top brakes in case you ride with your hands on top of the bars. It also felt like a quick bike considering it was a comfort model.

I had the 7.2fx for about a month and I love it. My final choices were 7.2fx and Specialized Sirrus. Since getting the bike I have been riding every chance I get and every trip gets longer and rides faster. I never knew cycling could be so much fun! I agree with changing to 28c tires (vs. 35c stock) for a little more speed. I'm in the process of doing that right now. Between the 7100, 7200, 7.1fx, and 7.2fx - I think the 7.2fx gives the best bang for the buck. However, given the added costs of switching to 28c tires, picking up the Sirrus seems like it might have been a better idea since it came with 28c stock tires - that is if you don't mind twist shifters. Overall - VERY happy with the 7.2fx so far.

I was recently trying to decide between the 7100 and 7.2fx. I ended up with the 7100 because it felt more comfortable, although YMMV. That said, the 7.2 did feel faster. Now that I have a whole month of biking experience, I am considering a real road bike.