Boins

Hey guys! New to the forum and getting back into biking after far too long of a hiatus.

Anyways, I have done some research and need some help deciding on what would be a good bike for my needs.

This bike will be for strolls with the family, towing the little one in a trailer and SPEED for when I'm working out. I my rides will likely be less than 20 miles at a time.

I love hopping on and off curbs too. I can imagine when I'm out and about on my own I will want to goof off a bit, so the bike will need to be able to keep up.

With that in mind, here are some of the bikes I've been considering:
Kona Dew Plus
Specialized Crosstrail
Giant Roam1

Also do you think with what I hope to do with my bike I should or shouldn't have a front suspension.

What do you think? All criticism and suggestions are welcome.

Thanks!

jddempst

The Giant is really a heavy bike. I test ridden it and I really had to work at it on the road. I bet it is 30+ lbs. The specialized is better in my opinion, a lot lighter.

I would also recommend the Cannondale Quick 4 if you can find one to test ride. It is even lighter with a carbon fork. Although the components are entry level for the price of $600. Very comfortable solid bike for the road.

I would go with the Cannondale but it dosen't have suspention. You probably don't need suspention unless you are doing more off road stuff. Don't know much about the Kona. But most important is what feels best for you.

bassplyr

Just got a Giant Roam 1 and love it. Riding is paved roads but with quite a few trails too. Wanted something that was more dual sport than road bike.

Thanks,
Roger

Boins

Thanks guys. I really am stuck in a tough spot it seems like. I really really want a bike that feels fast on the road but the versatility for the daily stroll with the family. I thought the locking suspension would help me succeed in that but I keep getting this thought that the suspension bikes will be too heavy and I won't be able fly when I really want to push it on the streets.

On the other hand I do foresee going off-road (grass and VERY light trails/gravel) every once in a while. If I get a stiff bike (the Kona) I fear it just won't feel right and be fun if it is taken lightly off the paved road.

I guess I just have to weigh both options and make a decision. Do I want a fast, primarily road Hybrid? Or do I want to feel confident hopping curbs and riding mild terrain?

Ugh! I wish I had enough $ to just get 2 bikes!

irclean

If possible, test ride these bikes on the kind of surfaces you're talking about. That should give you a good sense of how the bikes handle differing terrain. From what you described, suspension may be overkill. You may just find that the Kona, with its 35mm tires, soaks up bumps just fine. In any case don't limit yourself to these 3 bikes... test ride as many different bikes as possible, rigid and suspended.

Boins

Though i want to just know the answer and go get the bike, I think you're right. I need to just ride the bikes and see if the suspension is noticeably slower on the road.

Any chance you guys can add to my short list of bikes to consider in my price range?

NE Tiger

How about a Trek/Gary Fisher Kaitai?

FlatSix911

Take a look online ... no tax and free shipping

Shimano Deore, 27-Speed Hybrid 2010 GT Traffic $599
Lightweight Triple Triangle AL Frame, Alloy Fork, Hydraulic Disc Brakes
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gt/gt_traffic_1.htm