Hatred

If this is true, then would you say that is is worth it to get an FX 7.4 disc at $880 or just get an FX 7.2 disc at $600?
I guess my main concern is that if I am going to go for the FX 7.4 disc is it actually a better decision to look into a more purpose built bike? At that price point you aren't far off from something like the Crossrip Comp.

Wanderer

I'm a proponent of buying the best you can, when you can.

I believe the 7.4 Disc is a better bike, and a better buy, than the 7.2, at their price points.

When you add in the Roam and DS, they are a completely different animal, as they are different types. If you don't NEED a suspension, you are better off without one.

MHO, for what it's worth. If it were me, the 7.4 disc would be hanging in my garage right now.

Hatred

I can understand that train of thought and am very much of the same mind set.

How ever at $880 before tax, am I not better off looking at something just a little higher in price that is even better purpose built?
For instance $880 for the FX is on the upper end of the scale for that series of bikes, however it is the entry point for something like the Crossrip. Or even the Specialized Sirrus Elite (I guess even the specialized dealers are out of the Sirrus Sport making room for the 2016 models.)

Hatred

Ok so I have decided to either get the Trek 7.4 disc or the Sirrus Elite. On Monday I am gonna no to take a look at a Jamis Coda elite.

The Trek comes in at $880
The Sirrus comes in at $990
The Coda comes in at $800

Is there any outstanding differences to be aware of between these bikes before making a purchase?
They all look pretty similar in specs. I haven't gotten to ride the Jami's yet, they need to build it. I also don't know much about that brand of bike.

Thanks.

Wanderer

To me, the Trek and Sirrus ride completely different. I'd buy the Elite, because Specialized bikes fit me better. And, I like the way they handle.

If money isn't an object in your choice - nobody was ever sorry they bought the better one!

Good luck, and let us know what you decide, and why.

Hatred

Well price is somewhat of an object, I started this venture looking to only spend $500, but with the more research I have done I was more comfortable moving that up to $700. There isn't much at the $700 price range, so it gets bumped up to the $800-$1,000 range.

The Sirrus I rode was the Sirrus Comp which is a step up from the Elite, but I absolutely hated how it shifted thru the gears, it even missed gears twice. Which to me just shouldn't be happening on a $1,200 bike that is brand new.

Just not sure I am ready to break the $1,000 threshold on a bike.

Will definately let you know what route I go, I am getting my bike on friday come hell or high water.

Thanks for all the help.

MRT2

Yes.

Hatred

Found this site with the specs for the Jamis Coda Elite

2014 Jamis Coda Elite - Components and Reviews

Having never heard of this brand or bike I had to do some digging.

ColonelSanders

One of the guys on this forum sold both his Sirrus Expert Carbon & Giant Fast Road SLR, after trying out and buying the Jamis Coda Elite.

Definitely worth a test ride.

a1penguin

Jamis bikes are steel (chromoly). I don't think I've seen that model mentioned, but you could try a google search for reviews: "site:bikeforums.net jamis coda". I would stay away from any bike with a suspension fork. The FX 7.2 and 7.4 seem to be popular choices on this forum.

Slow Bro

I love my Coda For $800 it would be a steal of a bike. Here in Toronto the 2014 Coda Elite sold for $1300 last year. It rides smoother then both the FX and Sirrus imo. When I test rode a $1200 Sirrus last summer I didn't really like the feel of the bike. There was a bit too much road feedback for my taste. It was fast but I could feel every little rock, crack, small hole that I rode over. The ride was a bit too jarring for me. The Coda's steel frame absorbs the road's imperfections better imo. It's great on bad city streets. I can go on a 20 mile ride with no problem. It's really comfortable. The bike shifts great and the brakes work really well.

Plus I love the fact that I have never seen another Coda Elite during my travels here. Kind of a rare bike here in Toronto.

Don't get me wrong. I loved the looks of the Sirrus Elite Disc (I still think for looks alone it is the best looking hybrid) but here that bike is $1500.+ tax $1695. That's over $800 more then what my Coda cost me and again, love the 520 steel frame more.

My advice is to take a Coda Elite on a long test ride before you make your decision. If after you don't like the ride then at least you can rule it out. Good luck. I do not think you could go wrong with either pick. They are all sweet bikes.

Wanderer

A shifting problem on modern bikes, is usually traceable to poor adjustment, or bent equipment. Easily resolved.

MRT2

OK, here is the thing. For the sort of bike you are talking about, a sturdy, versatile bike, you can find a decent, if somewhat entry level bike for around $500 retail. $800 gets you a better bike, and $1,200 gets you a better bike, and so on, up to, IMO, about $1,800. (if you are talking dual suspension mountain bikes, or road race bikes, obviously you can spend a lot more for better performance).

So you need to decide on your budget and stay within it.

RickGr4

As my wonderful mom has always said, ya gotta pee or get off the pot.

There are no miracles here. There is not one bike greatly better than another unless you jump prices ranges (as MRT2 just suggested). To make things worse, you will not find all of these bikes you are considering in the size you need on display and ready to ride at your LBS. Also, even though there are many extremely experienced bike riders out there, the chance that you will run into someone that has ridden all of the bikes you are considering and is slim and none.

You need to use the process of elimination to narrow your choices on paper. Narrow it down to two or three bikes and then try to ride them. Make sure your LBS has the right bike in the right size and have them take an extra minute to adjust it to you. Then do your test rides.

MRT2 is right when he says stick to a budget. You do not want to test drive a Ferrari unless you can seriously afford one. When I bought my Giant Fastroad, I did NOT test ride the carbon version because I had no intention of spending the extra money so I decided not to tease myself. I am very happy with my purchase...

Hatred

I do have it narrowed down to 2-3 bikes, I will not be able to test ride one of them until tomorrow as the LBS had to put together the right size bike, because I told them I wasn't interested in riding a bike that was too small for me.
So depending on how the Coda rides I could get that, or end up getting the Trek FX 7.4 disc that I had another store order for me.

Thanks for the input.


I agree and understand your point. However being ignorant to what I needed to accomplish the task at hand, I think I might have had unrealistic expectations on what I needed to spend.
The last bike I bought was around 2002 and what you could get for your money then was a lot different.

So my budget has adjusted up some, but still in a comfortable range.

Thanks for the input.

Hatred

I personally like to gather as much information as I can and be informed before I make a purchase I will regret 10 minutes later.

I also like to get the right thing the first time, rather than have to go back and get something that better suits the job/need.

If that means it takes me another week of research than so be it.

RickGr4

No offense Hatred but I have worked around retail and consumer electronics my entire working career. People can and will buy what ever they want to buy and they can do it in a fashion that suits them. HOWEVER I also believe there is such a thing as "over shopping". With all due respect, I think there is a chance you could be over shopping this... Or you are trying to have this forum tell you EXACTLY which bike to buy when at some point you need to decide that for yourself.

Also, you could research this over and over and over again and there will always be a chance you bought the wrong bike. You won't know until you put miles on it. Add to that, you can never make a decision about a new bike in "10 minutes". I have had my new bike for three weeks now and I am still tweaking the fit...

Hatred

I completely agree, with you. I told the man at the LBS last night that I was starting to reach information overload.
I am not asking for anyone to tell me what to buy, but I am asking for input from people that have expirence with riding these style of bike or for this purpose as I have none.

After tomorrows ride, I will be able to make my decision and until I, as you said "put miles on it" won't know if I will be completely happy or regret my decision.

Luckily most of the Bike shops in my area allow you to ride the bike for as long as you want on your test ride. For instance I took the Sirrus out for 3 hours yesterday in the rain. They also all have pretty good return/exchange policies.
I would just prefer to not have to do that tho.

I understand that nothing mass produced is going to fit my unique needs, but I sure can get as close as possible and then modify from there.

Again, thanks for your input. As I said I am coming at this from a place of ignorance and just want to make sure I have the information I dont know to look for answered.

ColonelSanders

Considering how close we are to 2016 models being available, if you decide on the Trek FX 7.4 Disc, you really should wait for the 2016 model, as it will be virtually impossible that it won't be a much improved colour.

Hatred

I would really love to do that, but commitments I made mean I need to have a bike before July 1. I agree on the Trek FX 7.4 Disc it's not the worst color in the world, but I'm not a huge fan of it either.

Hatred

Ok so after some BS at the LBS, I get there and the guy tells me good news bad news.

We don't have the Coda Elite in your size, sorry about that. Instead I got this brand new 2016 Felt Verza 30, I knock it down to $850 for my screw up.

Test road it, it was nice. But god damn that color is atrosious!

Come back after that and just asked to ride a Chromoly frame for comparison since I have ridden nothing but Aluminum. So I went out on just a standard 2015 Coda, I really like the ride of the frame and did really notice a difference in shock absorbtion.

So after I get back from riding that, he says " so how did you like that?" I told him I actually really liked it. He says, "ya you really need to ride them back to back to notice the difference." Well since you like that, I think you might like this, he says. He point up to the bikes hanging from the ceiling.

The bike was hanging with all of the sold bike, with a receipt on it. Someone had the bike brought over to purchase, but ended up buying a different bike. So there it sat.

I took it out for a spin, I really like the feel of it and it fit really well without any adjustments.

I will be picking up the bike on friday. I will post some pics of it if anyone cares.

Thank you everyone for all of your help, it was greatly appreciated!

RickGr4

Sounds good. Glad you made a decision you sound comfortable with. I have a 2002 Jamis Tangier and it has been a really good bike for me. Even though I just bought a new Giant Fastroad, I still ride the Jamis regularly.

I am thinking about posting a "how to shop for a new bike" thread and your experience will be helpful...

ColonelSanders

So did you get the Coda Comp or the Coda Sport?

Hatred

I got the 2014 Coda Elite

DelsFan

Wow! I've overanalyzed also, but have learned enough to know it wouldn't take but a second to realize the value of a last year's model bike with a Chromoly frame, carbon front fork, and hydraulic (not mechanical) disc brakes. And I'm sure, since it is their "top range" Coda bike, the wheels and other components should be more than satisfactory rather than introductory... Again, wow!

After having spent portions of three days on this forum, I was just going to list the features my "dream" hybrid would have - but maybe the Coda Elite is "it". And I'm like you; I was hoping to spend $500 on a used bike or $700 on a new bike - but I'll come closer to spending $900 on a bike that is fabulous as opposed to wasting $700 on a bike I don't like and won't ride...

Will look forward to photos! And, there is a Jamis dealer in Nashville, not 30 minutes from where I live. Can I make time to visit tomorrow?