DawgPound

Hi everyone, this is my first post so bear with me. Here is my situation. I am new to biking. Two years ago I decided I wanted a bike so I went to Dick's Sporting Goods and bought the cheapest Mountain Bike they had. A Quest Rialto for $149.99. Two years later I realize I am more interested in cycling and am wondering if I should upgrade. I would like a bike for fitness purposes and to take bike rides with my family so after lurking around your forum and doing research, I figure a hybrid bike would be the best match. I would be using the bike on roads and cement bike paths so I don't use the mountain bike for what its intended. I am looking at the $400-$500 range. My question is, would I notice a big difference in the following areas if I were to upgrade to something like a Trek 7.1 or 7.2FX, a Specialized Sirrus, or Cannondale Quick 6 or 5 vs. the bike I have? Would it be worth it to upgrade? I just wanted to get some advice before I took the plunge.

Weight
Drivetrain Performance
Better Components
Speed
Enjoyment
Anything else?

Thanks in advance for your help.

desertdork

When you bought your Quest, was there a choice in bike size? Did the staff at Dick's fit you? What warranty came with the bike? How many free adjustments has Dick's done for you?

Your entire buying experience (and the product itself) should be so drastically different when you buy your Sirrus/FX/Quick from the LBS that the only way it wouldn't be worth it is if you just don't ride your bike enough in the first place.

Edit: Oh, and welcome to BF!

Panthers007

Regards it's being worth it to upgrade: I'd say yes - to take a cheapo MTN bike from "Dicks" and try to make a hybrid - it would cost you more than an upgrade to a Trek 7.2. And it would still leave you with a frame that has tubing that should have been used as plumbing in a gas-station men's room.

DawgPound

Thank you, I am happy to be here. Thanks for your response. No, Dick's didn't do anything for me. The more I rode the bike, the heavier it has felt and the cheaper the components feel also. I look forward to doing it the right way this time and to getting my new ride in the coming weeks.

Midol_Mohawk

Dude, read everything you can on BF and try to test ride as many bikes as you can. Don't be impulsive, you have a bike so take your time and buy something you know fits, feels good, and is in your price range. It can be done! I got my Trek a couple years ago and love it. I take it out all the time to run errands and go to work (when I'm working one of my side jobs). I took it last year on a 150 mile road ride from Plymouth to Provincetown, MA bone stock (regular pedals) and it held up pretty well.

Don't be afraid to ask questions either. The only silly question is the one that remains unasked.

Be careful though, its addicting!

Rhodyman

I upgraded from a 10+ yr. old Fuji mtb that I bought from Sports Authority for around $180 to a Specialized Sirrus Elite. The difference is enormous! The Fuji was purchased just to ride around the n'hood w/ my wife. I picked up the Sirrus from a friend who is really into mtb'ing and rarely rides on the road. I gave him $350 and the bike is in near mint condition! I think it's an '04-05.

I ride 12-15 mile loops 4-5x week and absolutely love the bike!! I will increase the mileage as we get into Spring. Needless the say, the Fuji is collecting dust and will be given to my daughter when she gets old enough to ride it.

Like Mohawk said, watch out, it is absolutely addicting! Test ride a few and you will be hooked! Best of luck.

DawgPound

Thanks everyone for your advice. I know what you mean about this is addicting. I am getting addicted already. I have 11 different bike companies saved in my favorites that I have been researching for the past few months, I have been lurking on this forum for the past couple of months, and I have visited 3 local bike shops. I have issues

MattyA

The experience on a "real" bike will be quite something...

v70cat

Yes it is best on a bike with 700 tires a road bike, or a flat bar road bike that might also called a Hybrid