First time bike buyer!!
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 16
Bikes: '12 Trek DS 8.3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
First time bike buyer!!
Hello All,
I have done my research and as with others it has been an overwhelming amount of information. I have also gone to many different local bike shops and have gotten different opinions as to why their bikes are the best.
I think I have narrowed it down to these below. I am looking for a bike that I can eventually put drop bars on, ride some packed cinder roads in the parks, and ride on the road as well. Can you all please tell me if I am in the right direction or completely off
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...d=12CrossTrail
https://thebicyclechain.com/product/1...x-123180-1.htm
https://thebicyclechain.com/product/1...on-94393-1.htm
I like the idea of the lockout for the front fork. Is their any harm in having that locked and riding on the road or is it better just to get a front fork with no suspension.
As you can also see my price range is in the 600 dollar range. (The specialized bike is 659 on close out for a 2011 model)
Thanks again!!!
I have done my research and as with others it has been an overwhelming amount of information. I have also gone to many different local bike shops and have gotten different opinions as to why their bikes are the best.
I think I have narrowed it down to these below. I am looking for a bike that I can eventually put drop bars on, ride some packed cinder roads in the parks, and ride on the road as well. Can you all please tell me if I am in the right direction or completely off
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...d=12CrossTrail
https://thebicyclechain.com/product/1...x-123180-1.htm
https://thebicyclechain.com/product/1...on-94393-1.htm
I like the idea of the lockout for the front fork. Is their any harm in having that locked and riding on the road or is it better just to get a front fork with no suspension.
As you can also see my price range is in the 600 dollar range. (The specialized bike is 659 on close out for a 2011 model)
Thanks again!!!
#2
Banned
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Northern California
Posts: 5,804
Bikes: Raleigh Grand Prix, Giant Innova, Nishiki Sebring, Trek 7.5FX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hey there RipCurl!
I tend not to recommend front suspension, unless the person really wants a mountain bike. Front suspension on bikes at that price point tend to be more trouble than not.
Of the bicycles that you've listed, I would go with the 7.2FX. However, before you make the final decision and purchase that bicycle, allow me to suggest that you at least test-ride the Jamis Coda Sport at your nearest Jamis dealership. It's clearly within your budget and its frame is made of chromoly steel. It will take up to 38mm wide tires, also you can outfit it with rack and fenders, at your leisure. The Jamis Coda Sport won the Bicycling magazine, editor's choice award for being the best hybrid bicycle of 2011. It won that award for a reason!
- Slim
I tend not to recommend front suspension, unless the person really wants a mountain bike. Front suspension on bikes at that price point tend to be more trouble than not.
Of the bicycles that you've listed, I would go with the 7.2FX. However, before you make the final decision and purchase that bicycle, allow me to suggest that you at least test-ride the Jamis Coda Sport at your nearest Jamis dealership. It's clearly within your budget and its frame is made of chromoly steel. It will take up to 38mm wide tires, also you can outfit it with rack and fenders, at your leisure. The Jamis Coda Sport won the Bicycling magazine, editor's choice award for being the best hybrid bicycle of 2011. It won that award for a reason!
- Slim
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Silicon Valley, CA
Posts: 3,209
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 139 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times
in
20 Posts
Steel and rain and humidity. I can smell the rust now. I lived in NC for nine years.
You are not going to want to put drop bars on a bike with suspension. There's a thread here about converting to drop bars; it's not cheap to make this conversion. You don't need suspension to ride packed cinder trails. The 7.2 is a popular choice. There are lots of threads in this section that ask about bikes. Perhaps you could review them, find some additional choices and then ask for opinions.
Cyclocross comes to mind as being a possibility. But during my shopping foray I discovered that cyclocross bikes are pretty expensive. If you are mechanically adept, there are some bikes on bikesdirect.com that people seem to like. I think the Motobecane Fantom has some fans. You could try searching for "fantom", which would only match the bike (unless people can't spell well).
Perhaps converting can be pretty inexpensive as I found this conversion info. Of course, it depends on what you have and what you want. I generally don't know what shifter goes with what derailleur, etc.
You are not going to want to put drop bars on a bike with suspension. There's a thread here about converting to drop bars; it's not cheap to make this conversion. You don't need suspension to ride packed cinder trails. The 7.2 is a popular choice. There are lots of threads in this section that ask about bikes. Perhaps you could review them, find some additional choices and then ask for opinions.
Cyclocross comes to mind as being a possibility. But during my shopping foray I discovered that cyclocross bikes are pretty expensive. If you are mechanically adept, there are some bikes on bikesdirect.com that people seem to like. I think the Motobecane Fantom has some fans. You could try searching for "fantom", which would only match the bike (unless people can't spell well).
Perhaps converting can be pretty inexpensive as I found this conversion info. Of course, it depends on what you have and what you want. I generally don't know what shifter goes with what derailleur, etc.
Last edited by a1penguin; 02-04-12 at 10:59 PM. Reason: Found interesting conversion post
#4
Banned
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Northern California
Posts: 5,804
Bikes: Raleigh Grand Prix, Giant Innova, Nishiki Sebring, Trek 7.5FX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Steel and rain and humidity. I can smell the rust now. I lived in NC for nine years.
You are not going to want to put drop bars on a bike with suspension. There's a thread here about converting to drop bars; it's not cheap to make this conversion. You don't need suspension to ride packed cinder trails. The 7.2 is a popular choice. There are lots of threads in this section that ask about bikes. Perhaps you could review them, find some additional choices and then ask for opinions.
Cyclocross comes to mind as being a possibility. But during my shopping foray I discovered that cyclocross bikes are pretty expensive. If you are mechanically adept, there are some bikes on bikesdirect.com that people seem to like. I think the Motobecane Fantom has some fans. You could try searching for "fantom", which would only match the bike (unless people can't spell well).
Perhaps converting can be pretty inexpensive as I found this conversion info. Of course, it depends on what you have and what you want. I generally don't know what shifter goes with what derailleur, etc.
You are not going to want to put drop bars on a bike with suspension. There's a thread here about converting to drop bars; it's not cheap to make this conversion. You don't need suspension to ride packed cinder trails. The 7.2 is a popular choice. There are lots of threads in this section that ask about bikes. Perhaps you could review them, find some additional choices and then ask for opinions.
Cyclocross comes to mind as being a possibility. But during my shopping foray I discovered that cyclocross bikes are pretty expensive. If you are mechanically adept, there are some bikes on bikesdirect.com that people seem to like. I think the Motobecane Fantom has some fans. You could try searching for "fantom", which would only match the bike (unless people can't spell well).
Perhaps converting can be pretty inexpensive as I found this conversion info. Of course, it depends on what you have and what you want. I generally don't know what shifter goes with what derailleur, etc.
That handlebar conversion is more than just a walk in the park. It can get quite expensive, too. If you want a CX bike, then just wait and get what you really want!
PS.
A1Penguin, just temporarily lost it when commenting on chromoly steel. It wasn't said while sober, trust me!
Last edited by SlimRider; 02-04-12 at 11:09 PM.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: South Brooklyn, NYC
Posts: 360
Bikes: '80 Trek 710, '81 Trek 613, '82 Trek 613, '86 Trek 500, '87 Bridgestone MB2, '87 Specialized Rockhopper, '87 Schwinn Circuit, '88 Miyata 712, '89 Trek 400, '97 Trek 6000, '11 Trek Utopia, '13 Specialized Allez Race, '15 All City Macho Man
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 45 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm a really big fan of the DS series but I would have to say go with the FX out of those three. If you want to go the drop bar route I would say look into Cyclocross bikes that use wider tires and already have the drop bars.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Jacksonville FL
Posts: 2,275
Bikes: 2013 TREK 7.6 FX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
8 Posts
Hello All,
I have done my research and as with others it has been an overwhelming amount of information. I have also gone to many different local bike shops and have gotten different opinions as to why their bikes are the best.
I think I have narrowed it down to these below. I am looking for a bike that I can eventually put drop bars on, ride some packed cinder roads in the parks, and ride on the road as well. Can you all please tell me if I am in the right direction or completely off
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...d=12CrossTrail
https://thebicyclechain.com/product/1...x-123180-1.htm
https://thebicyclechain.com/product/1...on-94393-1.htm
I like the idea of the lockout for the front fork. Is their any harm in having that locked and riding on the road or is it better just to get a front fork with no suspension.
As you can also see my price range is in the 600 dollar range. (The specialized bike is 659 on close out for a 2011 model)
Thanks again!!!
I have done my research and as with others it has been an overwhelming amount of information. I have also gone to many different local bike shops and have gotten different opinions as to why their bikes are the best.
I think I have narrowed it down to these below. I am looking for a bike that I can eventually put drop bars on, ride some packed cinder roads in the parks, and ride on the road as well. Can you all please tell me if I am in the right direction or completely off
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...d=12CrossTrail
https://thebicyclechain.com/product/1...x-123180-1.htm
https://thebicyclechain.com/product/1...on-94393-1.htm
I like the idea of the lockout for the front fork. Is their any harm in having that locked and riding on the road or is it better just to get a front fork with no suspension.
As you can also see my price range is in the 600 dollar range. (The specialized bike is 659 on close out for a 2011 model)
Thanks again!!!
- Frame: Strong, lightweight aluminum frame with aerodynamic tubing
- Frame size: 22.5" (57.5cm)
- Handlebars: Road race-style drop handlebars
- Gearing: 21-speed Shimano drive train with easy-twist shifting
- Brakes: Powerful alloy side-pull caliper brakes
- Wheels: High-profile aero alloy wheels with machined braking surface
- Tires: 700 x 32c tires for smooth ride and low-rolling resistance
- Seat: Comfortable Vitesse seat and secure twin bolt seat post collar on the GMC men's road bike
#7
Newbie
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 4
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you have a KHS dealer near you, have a look at the Urban Xtreme.
https://www.khsbicycles.com/06_urban_xtreme_10.htm
https://www.khsbicycles.com/06_urban_xtreme_10.htm
#8
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 16
Bikes: '12 Trek DS 8.3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks for all the suggestions and responses! After talking to the people I will be riding with it seems like we will be staying on rougher roads and cinder so I went with what one is already riding with. The Trek 8.3 DS. Love the fit love the ride...Now the weather needs to clear up!! Will post pics shortly!
Thanks again
Thanks again
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Silicon Valley, CA
Posts: 3,209
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 139 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times
in
20 Posts
Nice looking bike! The Trek DS owners on this forum seem to be happy with this bike and use it on mixed riding (road and off-road). And I see plenty of mountain bikes out on the road. The suspension lockout will improve the performance of riding on smooth roads. I really like the disk brakes on my FX. Enjoy!
#12
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 16
Bikes: '12 Trek DS 8.3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks!! Really excited to get out there and start riding.. 40 degrees and raining today though...go figure lol
#14
T1TO
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 33
Bikes: 2011 Trek DS 8.3/ 2015 Cannondale Supersix Evo
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: South Brooklyn, NYC
Posts: 360
Bikes: '80 Trek 710, '81 Trek 613, '82 Trek 613, '86 Trek 500, '87 Bridgestone MB2, '87 Specialized Rockhopper, '87 Schwinn Circuit, '88 Miyata 712, '89 Trek 400, '97 Trek 6000, '11 Trek Utopia, '13 Specialized Allez Race, '15 All City Macho Man
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 45 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Very nice looking bike, I have the 2011 Utopia which is pretty much an 8.4 with Mechanical Discs and I love the bike even on pavement. Hopfully you'll enjoy yours too as it sounds like you'll be taking advantage of it and actually taking it off road something I've yet to do.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gonefishin243
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
1
07-12-11 04:50 PM