mbdaug

I'm looking to buy a new hybrid/fitness bike. Mostly to be used on city bike trails w/ the family, occasionally a 30 mile ride at the beach, etc. I have a 10 year old Specialized that weighs a ton and I generally don't love (not the smoothest gears, and did I mention it weighs a ton??). Looking to spend under $600.

Stopped by the local bike shop and they showed me a custom built 2014 Trek 7.3 that someone just returned after being owned for a month (it was too small for her) - $488

Alternatively I've been looking at the Ghost Panamao - sold at REI - for $593

Thoughts on these 2 bikes? Specs look similar (except Ghost has disk brakes - are those that much better/necessary for my use/purposes). Perks to REI is that I get 10% back and they have a really liberal return policy. Perks to LBS is it's local, and it's cheaper.

sail

The Ghost has front suspension which you might rather not have for your type riding. I've never wanted disc brakes and prefer rim brake simplicity however it seems most that have disc's love them. I like the Trek, the 7.3 is a nice bike. That it's a good price and a local shop better yet.

If this same shop sold her the too short bike make sure they don't do that to you.