alexaschwanden

i need some help picking the right hybrid bike that i going to the most comfortable, cost effective, and light weight, and later in the future i might be touring with it. it is going to be mostly used on roads and very light trails for now,i think i narrowed it down to theses bike:

my budget is a maximum of 500$, but if i can go under that , that would be good.

Raleigh Venture 4.0 - 349$
https://stanfordbikes.com/product/09-....0-50791-1.htm

Marin Kentfield 2010 -430
https://www.marinbikes.com/2010/bike_...?serialnum=199

Trek 7.2fx 2010 - at my local bike shop they price it at $480
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/fx/72fx/



if you can name any other hybrid bikes that are under my budget price and fit my criteral, that would be great.

thanks

barturtle

Depending on where you buy, the Jamis Coda could be a great bike for you. It's basically a flat bar, steel touring bike. The nearest Jamis dealer to me lists the price over $100 less than the MSRP. It's a great bike, I've done club rides, commuted and centuries on mine...if I ever decide to tour, that's the bike I'm using.

spadebidder

With the features and price range of the bikes you are looking at, you might want to consider looking at a Specialized Globe Vienna 2, MSRP $480.

I love mine. I added a Topeak bag, kickstand, and Cateye computer and spent about $650 counting all that.

alexaschwanden

i looked it up, and it seems to be a great bike, thanks, but the look is more unique than i would like, i like the look of the normal triangle shapes in the frame,

i think i would like to get this bike:

https://www.rei.com/product/798384 my LBS is selling it for 400$

does any one know any first hand experience about this bike?, durability, weight, able to put a rack on it?

thanks

ChiliDog

You might check out the Trek 7000. It has a rigid steel fork, eyelets for rear and front rack, suspension seatpost, plush saddle, 700x35 tires, adjustable stem, aluminum frame.

I wanted some of the same things in a ride that you mentioned and I found this bike to more than suit my needs on a budget ($359).

You can upgrade the heck out of it if you like and it has a solid amount of reviews on Buzzillions, Trek, and Roadbikereview websites.

I have had Fx Treks, mountain bikes, recumbents, comfort bikes, road bikes. I think this 7000 model outshines them all for versatility and comfort. It's no slug either. Just a lot of fun!

I ride bike paths and dirt roads and it does well on both.

alexaschwanden

wow thanks, the trek bikes are great, but my local bike shops sell their trek bikes a lot higher an what is toll online instead of a little bit higher. it seems that road/hybrids always need to be more expensive than mountain bikes. i think i will change my search a little bit: weight of bike (less than 30lbs), it needs to look some what pleasing, road/hybrid tires (skinny), able to put rear rack on. and hold 30+ lbs extra weight. oh yea... it needs to work without killing me.

also on another note, my current mtn bike the rear chain thingamabob jumped off the sprocket and wedged itself between the rear wheel and gear, i needed tools to take it out, then ten miles later it did it a again, but not as bad. i better find a new bike or used bike(that has less problems) fast or this is going to take my @$& out,

thanks,

KBDelight

I bought a TREK 800 13 years ago for about $450 and its still going strong with minimal maintenance and lots of riding. Been a great great bike.

xoxoxoxoLive

Everything in the video, even tool kit, extra tube, Planet Bike micro pump,( fits Presta and
Shrader valve stems ), bike lock, Topeak rack, Quick release Topeak truck bag with fold out
panniers, Bell light, Bell helmet, patch kit, water bottle and cage, and Schwinn Trailways bike.
Was under 400.00 dollars, I also have another video on the bikes components, it's almost
the same bike as the Schwinn Avenue, and you can go to WWW.Walmart.com and click on
bikes, comfort, then type Avenue in the search section. Friend of mine did a awesome
review on it, made the top 1000 review list, when he received it he completely dissembled
it, crank, wheels etc...and left no stone unturned about it. Bikes 199.00 dollars, and Walmart
has a great return policy, 90 days, just keep your receipt. Hope this helps, Richard

xoxoxoxoLive

Found his review for you. Occasionally you can find a big-box retail bike which rivals those at a local bike shop for twice the price. The Avenue is one of them! This is an awesome bike for the price.
.
Well-built, stylish, and has quality components. With its aluminum frame, it weighs 31 pounds assembled. A sign of high-quality, almost all the logos and printing on the bike feel like they are painted on. No obvious sticker edges. (The Suntour fork has an obvious sticker edge).
.
Perhaps the heaviest component is the front Suntour fork. If you intend to ride primarily on pavement, you can easily replace this with a rigid fork and shave at least 5 pounds from the weight.
.
This bike is a bit on the large side. I'm 6'-0" with a 33" inseam. It fits me nicely with the seatpost 3/4 of the way up, and the seat rail adjusted all the way back. A friend is about 5'-6" and it seemed a bit too big for him even though he could stand over the top-tube. (Look through my "answers" for all the detailed measurements.).
.
There are a few differences in the Walmart product photo. 1) The seat does not have the silver reflective fabric on the back. It is all black, with a small red reflector built into the base of the seat (in addition to the clip-on on the seat post). 2) The rear derailer jockey wheel is not red, it's black. 3) the threadless "Aheadset" has 3/8" vertical adjustment using two 3/16" spacers. The product photo shows something closer to 1" worth of spacers below the stem. 4) The front chain ring is black, not silver.
.
The bike does not come with assembly instructions. Just a very generic manual used by Pacific Bicycles (holding company of Schwinn and other brands). One of the biggest complaints about big-box retail bikes is the quality of assembly. For that reason, I suggest learning as much as you can about assembly/maintenance (google for "bicycle tutorials"). Or, pay a local bike shop to assemble it for you. Additionally, assembly from the factory may not be correct. My axles were overtightened (felt crunchy/grumbly). And, the bottom bracket (where the crank passes through the frame) had metal shavings mixed in the grease. It's a good investment to study tutorials learning how to regrease/adjust those (and the headset), and do it on the out-of-the-box bike.
.
The wheels have some sharp edges inside. It's wise to use some fine sandpaper or a polishing stone to take the edge off the seam inside the wheel. Maybe the spoke holes too. These things can chaff your tube. While you're at it, replace the rubber rim strip with Velox narrow (10mm) rim tape.
.
The frame has the standard bolt holes on the seat post and down tube for a water cage, air pump, etc. But, it does not have bolt holes near the seat post for a rear rack. That's not a show stopper. Even smaller-sized expensive bikes at the local bike shop don't have those holes. Rubber-coated cable clamps are commonly used to clamp onto the seatstay tubes and bolt the rack to the clamp. (Racks that clamp onto the seat post are also very popular these days.). Talk to your local bike shop about this.
.
The wheel is odd. It has a 1" (25mm) depth, making it difficult to find a replacement Schrader-valve tube (normally 1-1/4," 32mm long). The tube which comes with the bike has a 1-3/4" (44mm) valve. (Look for my "answers" where I discuss this topic, and various workarounds.).
.
Another oddity is the wheel's spoke configuration. It's more of an aerodynamic racing wheel, with significant gaps between spokes. If I weighed 250+ lbs, I'm not sure I'd trust this wheel. Also, because of those spokeless gaps, the wheels come with very large and heavy spoke reflectors. These DO cause a significant imbalance. If you go down a hill at 40mph, it's not a pleasant feeling. I recommend replacing these reflectors with something like "spoke blazers." Lightweight plastic tubes with 3M reflective tape which slip over your spokes. (Or, make your own with a drinking straw and some 3M tape.). They provide full 360-degree reflectivity. (They don't depend on headlights hitting them at precise angles.). More importantly: they won't create the imbalance of the factory reflectors.
.
I removed the large stickers from my wheels. That was hard to do. Required turpentine to soften the sticker. Kerosene to soften and remove the adhesive. Rubbing alcohol to degrease the remaining slop. (All this was done with all rubber removed. None of those things are good for rubber.).
.
Because other customers have posted full-view photos, I will post two closeups. Note that the seat post is extended about 3/4 to the max length. And, the seat rail is adjusted back all the way.
He also covers all the question on this bike in the question section, he gave it 5 stars.

xoxoxoxoLive

Occasionally you can find a big-box retail bike which rivals those at a local bike shop for twice the price. The Avenue is one of them! This is an awesome bike for the price.
.
Well-built, stylish, and has quality components. With its aluminum frame, it weighs 31 pounds assembled. A sign of high-quality, almost all the logos and printing on the bike feel like they are painted on. No obvious sticker edges. (The Suntour fork has an obvious sticker edge).
.
Perhaps the heaviest component is the front Suntour fork. If you intend to ride primarily on pavement, you can easily replace this with a rigid fork and shave at least 5 pounds from the weight.
.
This bike is a bit on the large side. I'm 6'-0" with a 33" inseam. It fits me nicely with the seatpost 3/4 of the way up, and the seat rail adjusted all the way back. A friend is about 5'-6" and it seemed a bit too big for him even though he could stand over the top-tube. (Look through my "answers" for all the detailed measurements.).
.
There are a few differences in the Walmart product photo. 1) The seat does not have the silver reflective fabric on the back. It is all black, with a small red reflector built into the base of the seat (in addition to the clip-on on the seat post). 2) The rear derailer jockey wheel is not red, it's black. 3) the threadless "Aheadset" has 3/8" vertical adjustment using two 3/16" spacers. The product photo shows something closer to 1" worth of spacers below the stem. 4) The front chain ring is black, not silver.
.
The bike does not come with assembly instructions. Just a very generic manual used by Pacific Bicycles (holding company of Schwinn and other brands). One of the biggest complaints about big-box retail bikes is the quality of assembly. For that reason, I suggest learning as much as you can about assembly/maintenance (google for "bicycle tutorials"). Or, pay a local bike shop to assemble it for you. Additionally, assembly from the factory may not be correct. My axles were overtightened (felt crunchy/grumbly). And, the bottom bracket (where the crank passes through the frame) had metal shavings mixed in the grease. It's a good investment to study tutorials learning how to regrease/adjust those (and the headset), and do it on the out-of-the-box bike.
.
The wheels have some sharp edges inside. It's wise to use some fine sandpaper or a polishing stone to take the edge off the seam inside the wheel. Maybe the spoke holes too. These things can chaff your tube. While you're at it, replace the rubber rim strip with Velox narrow (10mm) rim tape.
.
The frame has the standard bolt holes on the seat post and down tube for a water cage, air pump, etc. But, it does not have bolt holes near the seat post for a rear rack. That's not a show stopper. Even smaller-sized expensive bikes at the local bike shop don't have those holes. Rubber-coated cable clamps are commonly used to clamp onto the seatstay tubes and bolt the rack to the clamp. (Racks that clamp onto the seat post are also very popular these days.). Talk to your local bike shop about this.
.
The wheel is odd. It has a 1" (25mm) depth, making it difficult to find a replacement Schrader-valve tube (normally 1-1/4," 32mm long). The tube which comes with the bike has a 1-3/4" (44mm) valve. (Look for my "answers" where I discuss this topic, and various workarounds.).
.
Another oddity is the wheel's spoke configuration. It's more of an aerodynamic racing wheel, with significant gaps between spokes. If I weighed 250+ lbs, I'm not sure I'd trust this wheel. Also, because of those spokeless gaps, the wheels come with very large and heavy spoke reflectors. These DO cause a significant imbalance. If you go down a hill at 40mph, it's not a pleasant feeling. I recommend replacing these reflectors with something like "spoke blazers." Lightweight plastic tubes with 3M reflective tape which slip over your spokes. (Or, make your own with a drinking straw and some 3M tape.). They provide full 360-degree reflectivity. (They don't depend on headlights hitting them at precise angles.). More importantly: they won't create the imbalance of the factory reflectors.
.
I removed the large stickers from my wheels. That was hard to do. Required turpentine to soften the sticker. Kerosene to soften and remove the adhesive. Rubbing alcohol to degrease the remaining slop. (All this was done with all rubber removed. None of those things are good for rubber.).
.
Because other customers have posted full-view photos, I will post two closeups. Note that the seat post is extended about 3/4 to the max length. And, the seat rail is adjusted back all the way.
He also covers any question you might have on this bike in the question and answer section.
Found his review for you. Occasionally you can find a big-box retail bike which rivals those at a local bike shop for twice the price. The Avenue is one of them! This is an awesome bike for the price.
.
Well-built, stylish, and has quality components. With its aluminum frame, it weighs 31 pounds assembled. A sign of high-quality, almost all the logos and printing on the bike feel like they are painted on. No obvious sticker edges. (The Suntour fork has an obvious sticker edge).
.
Perhaps the heaviest component is the front Suntour fork. If you intend to ride primarily on pavement, you can easily replace this with a rigid fork and shave at least 5 pounds from the weight.
.
This bike is a bit on the large side. I'm 6'-0" with a 33" inseam. It fits me nicely with the seatpost 3/4 of the way up, and the seat rail adjusted all the way back. A friend is about 5'-6" and it seemed a bit too big for him even though he could stand over the top-tube. (Look through my "answers" for all the detailed measurements.).
.
There are a few differences in the Walmart product photo. 1) The seat does not have the silver reflective fabric on the back. It is all black, with a small red reflector built into the base of the seat (in addition to the clip-on on the seat post). 2) The rear derailer jockey wheel is not red, it's black. 3) the threadless "Aheadset" has 3/8" vertical adjustment using two 3/16" spacers. The product photo shows something closer to 1" worth of spacers below the stem. 4) The front chain ring is black, not silver.
.
The bike does not come with assembly instructions. Just a very generic manual used by Pacific Bicycles (holding company of Schwinn and other brands). One of the biggest complaints about big-box retail bikes is the quality of assembly. For that reason, I suggest learning as much as you can about assembly/maintenance (google for "bicycle tutorials"). Or, pay a local bike shop to assemble it for you. Additionally, assembly from the factory may not be correct. My axles were overtightened (felt crunchy/grumbly). And, the bottom bracket (where the crank passes through the frame) had metal shavings mixed in the grease. It's a good investment to study tutorials learning how to regrease/adjust those (and the headset), and do it on the out-of-the-box bike.
.
The wheels have some sharp edges inside. It's wise to use some fine sandpaper or a polishing stone to take the edge off the seam inside the wheel. Maybe the spoke holes too. These things can chaff your tube. While you're at it, replace the rubber rim strip with Velox narrow (10mm) rim tape.
.
The frame has the standard bolt holes on the seat post and down tube for a water cage, air pump, etc. But, it does not have bolt holes near the seat post for a rear rack. That's not a show stopper. Even smaller-sized expensive bikes at the local bike shop don't have those holes. Rubber-coated cable clamps are commonly used to clamp onto the seatstay tubes and bolt the rack to the clamp. (Racks that clamp onto the seat post are also very popular these days.). Talk to your local bike shop about this.
.
The wheel is odd. It has a 1" (25mm) depth, making it difficult to find a replacement Schrader-valve tube (normally 1-1/4," 32mm long). The tube which comes with the bike has a 1-3/4" (44mm) valve. (Look for my "answers" where I discuss this topic, and various workarounds.).
.
Another oddity is the wheel's spoke configuration. It's more of an aerodynamic racing wheel, with significant gaps between spokes. If I weighed 250+ lbs, I'm not sure I'd trust this wheel. Also, because of those spokeless gaps, the wheels come with very large and heavy spoke reflectors. These DO cause a significant imbalance. If you go down a hill at 40mph, it's not a pleasant feeling. I recommend replacing these reflectors with something like "spoke blazers." Lightweight plastic tubes with 3M reflective tape which slip over your spokes. (Or, make your own with a drinking straw and some 3M tape.). They provide full 360-degree reflectivity. (They don't depend on headlights hitting them at precise angles.). More importantly: they won't create the imbalance of the factory reflectors.
.
I removed the large stickers from my wheels. That was hard to do. Required turpentine to soften the sticker. Kerosene to soften and remove the adhesive. Rubbing alcohol to degrease the remaining slop. (All this was done with all rubber removed. None of those things are good for rubber.).
.
Because other customers have posted full-view photos, I will post two closeups. Note that the seat post is extended about 3/4 to the max length. And, the seat rail is adjusted back all the way.
He also covers all the question on this bike in the question section, he gave it 5 stars.

alexaschwanden

thanks the video helped, you see the slight problem is i tried different bikes that are at my LBS (lower end one) but all the bikes i tried are great in their own way, like the comfort hybrids are nice for light lesisurre riding, and more mountainish hybrids are good for off-road trails and a bit less comfy, but the position feels more normal, i don't know why i am making this seem difficult.? it is not like buying a house.

Wanderer

Part of the problem with bikes - there are so many that are similar, but different....... Usually, one jumps out at you.

xoxoxoxoLive

This one just jumped out at me, had been looking for about a month, Craigslist, LBS, big box
stores, yard sales and when I saw this one at Target for 239.00, it felt solid, loved the way it looked, fit me perfect, and was able to get 20 percent off it, came with decent
components, for the price. I do not agree with my friends review on the rims though, they do
only have 24 spokes, but they are doubled walled, and seem super strong to me...Richard

alexaschwanden

i am still searching and testing bikes for the right one for me, i think i got it down to three bikes, i would like to get your opinion and suggestions on these bikes

talus 3.0
https://bicyclebills.com/product/rale....0-60600-1.htm

trek 7.2fx
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/fx/72fx/

Raleigh Misceo 1.0
https://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/hybrid/misceo-1/

if you have had any experience on any of this bikes or know of some one please share it.

thank you
.

alexaschwanden

I finally bought a Hybrid bike, i got a New 2010 Raleigh Misceo 1.0!!!, i enjoy it very much. i will take it on it's maiden voyage very soon. once i get the bike Computer in the mail and install it. the price was $399 and i traded in my old 2005 Quasar Mountain bike. i really like my new bike.

for spare stuff to bring along on long trips (13-30 miles) , what do you guys think i need to bring? food?, supplies? besides water.

AdelaaR

It is ofcourse not exactly like buying a house, but still: you don't want to be buying a bike which after a few months turns out to have been a rushed decision and isn't exactly what you wanted.
If you are just going to use it once every few weeks or months ... any bike will do, but if you're going to be using your bike daily or several days per week for several hours a day, believe me: you want the perfect bike for your needs and nothing less.
I got my bike like I got my house: I bought a frame and build the bike piece by piece according to my own needs ... I bought an old house and completed rebuilded it from scratch by myself aswell

AdelaaR

That looks like a very nice bike for that price! Congratz

alexaschwanden

i finally went on my maiden voyage. i went for a ride from the bike store (yesterday)back to my house, then i went to the bay lands and came back, but this time the wind was stronger and a little cold. i also improved my time down to 52 minutes (13 miles continuously). i can't wait for more fun rides.

AdelaaR

That's 15 miles per hour if I calculate correctly ... not bad

alexaschwanden

i am still working on building up my legs to maintain speed of 12-15mph. how should i be pedaling?, high gears and pumping hard, or high RPM and low gears?

Wanderer

It's easier to make power with RPM, than it is with brute force.

At a higher cadence, it's also much easier to increase your speed quickly.

AdelaaR

Definately not pumping too hard.
The perfect cadence is personal, but it should be in the range of 60 to 80 rotations of the pedals per minute ... that means about one rotation per second or a bit more.
Most cyclists start off with their cadence too low and pump too hard ... but after a while you'll find it easier to maintain high speeds for longer distances with the right cadence.
I average about 19mph on hilly terrain ... I don't know how much I average on the flats because there basicly is no flat terrain around here
Another trick I wanna let you in on, in case you wouldn't know yet: lock out your suspension fork while driving on the flat roads and especially while climbing hills at high speed ... believe me: it's a world of difference

Doohickie

If you like the Marin and Cardinal is near you, they have an '08 model on sale for $349.00.

alexaschwanden

thanks . i already have a hybrid bike. this is a little off topic, what stuff do you guys bring in your seat bag beside the inner tube? gloves?, allens? if so will all that fit in there? (sorry for the weird question).

Doohickie

It's a good question. I carry: 1 tube, a pair of tire levers, a couple CO2 cartridges and inflator nozzle, and a small multi-tool. That's pretty much it for the seat bag on all my bikes.