Best Fitness Hybrid for > $500
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Best Fitness Hybrid for > $500
I have been looking into some of the entry level fitness hybrid bikes for the last month. I'd like to stay under $500. I looked at buying used, but that doesn't look like it will be an option for me because of my size. I am 5' 4.5" & weigh 145 lbs.
So after looking at the LBS, I think I have narrowed it down to 2 bikes. The Trek 7.1 FX & the Specialized Sirrus (links below). What are your thoughts on these bikes? Pros? Cons? What is the best fitness hybrid for under $500?
Specialized Sirrus
Trek 7.1 FX
So after looking at the LBS, I think I have narrowed it down to 2 bikes. The Trek 7.1 FX & the Specialized Sirrus (links below). What are your thoughts on these bikes? Pros? Cons? What is the best fitness hybrid for under $500?
Specialized Sirrus
Trek 7.1 FX
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Which one do you like better? Which one feels like a better fit? There are differences between the two, but really it comes down to what feels the most comfortable to you, and that you'll like to ride.
(I ride a Specialized Vita-- the sister to the Sirrus-- and I'm quite happy. My previous was an old Trek. Both quality brands.)
(I ride a Specialized Vita-- the sister to the Sirrus-- and I'm quite happy. My previous was an old Trek. Both quality brands.)
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Either one of those are fantastic machines, which will serve you well; so it would boil down to what fits you the best.
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If you go with Trek get the 7.2 FX. If I remember correctly, nice upgrades for not a whole lot of extra $. You will love it.
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Breezers are not made by Joe in a garage in Mill Valley anymore, I'm pretty sure of that , but they still are great bikes. I'd much prefer a Breezer over a comparably priced Trek or Specialized.
Mike Sinyard was the first to make (in Taiwan) and import mass produced, affordable mountain bikes. Before that mountain bikes were exotic custom machines hand built by guys like Ritchey, Fischer, and Breeze.
The bike Sinyard produced was the Specialized Stumpjumper. There's one in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's collection.
Taking your bike to the shop for adjustments and tune-ups is inconvenient. Learn to do it yourself at home and save yourself the trip.
Last edited by qmsdc15; 08-16-11 at 06:02 PM.
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The Sirrus and 7.1 FX specs are pretty much the same. Frame materials and components are too similar to draw any big differentiation. If your LBS has them priced comparably, then it would come down to which one fits you better. Test ride both and see which one you like better. If you are looking for other options, I picked up a Diamondback Insight 2 for my wife recently and she loves it so far. Specs are an upgrade from the Sirrus and 7.1 FX (All Alivio, Avid brakes, etc.), and priced the same.
https://www.rei.com/product/820690/di...11-special-buy
https://www.rei.com/product/820690/di...11-special-buy
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i tend to think the sirrus line is nicer than the FX line. little things like the shape of the pedals to align the knees better in the sirrus just make it a more thoughtful design. just my .02
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Trek website is where I got this from. Pretty good upgrades for an extra $80
$549
Upgrades from 7.1 FX
8 speed
Puncture-resistant Bontrager H2 Plus tires
Shimano Alivio rear derailleur
Bontrager inForm H1 saddle
Alpha Gold Aluminum frame
Bontrager aluminum Low Riser handlebar
$549
Upgrades from 7.1 FX
8 speed
Puncture-resistant Bontrager H2 Plus tires
Shimano Alivio rear derailleur
Bontrager inForm H1 saddle
Alpha Gold Aluminum frame
Bontrager aluminum Low Riser handlebar
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You might want to look at the Jamis line of Hybrids, great quality for your price
www.jamisbikes.com
www.jamisbikes.com
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UPDATE: After a month and a half of research, I got a 2012 Trek 7.2 fx. I love this bike! The upgrades over the 7.1 fx that I was looking at are definitely worth spending the extra $80. I have been riding it for a week and already put 70+ miles on the bike. Good bye gym membership, and thank you all for your input.