alphachivp

I have my eye on a few different hybrid bikes-primarily for riding to restaurants in my home town of Old Town Alexandria and occasional trail rides into DC. Nothing extreme.

I prefer a lighter bike since I'm a smaller woman. Easy to maintain is key since I'm not the most handy person. Disc brakes preferred. I'll be mostly on pavement around town, but our area is historical with some brick roads/sidewalks so a smoother ride over those surfaces would be nice. The specs on these bikes is like a foreign language because I'm not a biker, so any top 2 recommendations with explanations would be much appreciated!

I am deciding between the following options in the $500-$600 range:

Trek 7.2 FX WSD
Trek 7.2 FX WSD - Women's - Spokes Etc. Bicycles

Specialized Vita Disc
Specialized Vita Disc - Women's - Spokes Etc. Bicycles

Specialized Ariel Disc
Specialized Ariel Disc - Women's - Spokes Etc. Bicycles

Brooklyn Bike Roebling
Commuter Bike | Roebling Hybrid Bike by Brooklyn Bicycle Co.

Giant Alight City
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us...y/22226/83988/

mickw

I would go to a couple local dealers and get a feel for them.
All the bikes on your list would be fine , although I like the Alight City best.
My reasoning is that it's all done , all goodies are mounted , wet streets are covered with the fenders.
A rear rack bag and lock , you're done , nicely equipped.
The Ariel Disc would be good if you have hand or wrist numbness problems or rougher surfaces to ride.
If you like a particular dealer better , go with their brand and explain your needs clearly and get it fit for you.
Ride a couple different bikes , one might be a natural fit , and that's the bike for you.
Mick

alphachivp

Thank you for the input! I have only tried the Trek 7.2 and Specialized Vita Disc thus far. Couldn't tell much of a difference between those, so I'll see where I can try out the others.

RobbiRobbi

Ok, ignore this if you don't want to hear a recommendation for something not listed I have the Jamis Coda Sport (cheap/basic model of the Coda line) I got about three years ago for $500 and I love it. I'm mentioning it because I'm also a small woman and I really like the fit and proportions of this bike (the women's model, but there isn't a large difference.) It's reasonably light, at my last two apartments I had to carry it up a flight of stairs and it wasn't a problem. I use it for getting around town, rough pavement included, and sometime recreational rides on mostly paved trails with a little dirt/gravel. No disc brakes though.

alphachivp

Thank you! I am open to other suggestions-those are just what I've found so far. The weight/easy handling is definitely a consideration. I will check it out!

travbikeman

Just an FYI, if you want more of a bike for a good price, check out Performance Bikes! There's one not far from Old Town Alexandria: Near Springfield Town Center. It appears to be close to the Home Depot and Best Buy.

Examples of what they appear to have in stock:

Fuji Silhouette 1.7 Disc Women's Flat Bar Road Bike - 2015

Diamondback Calico Street Hybrid Bike -- 2016 Performance Exclusive

Diamondback Clarity Elite Women's Bike - 2015 - Performance Exclusive

They have wider variety of bikes for you to find what you like or don't like. Happy shopping!

alphachivp

Thank you for the tip! They do have some great deals based on your links.