johnny916

Should I look for new or used? What brands are the best? How valuable is getting a carbon fiber frame, fork, etc??

I'm 6 ft. Was told my bike measurement could be around 56-58.. I'm doing about 75% pavement, 25% off road, no mountains, riding only a few days a week, perhaps less then 15 miles at a time.

Any feedback would be much appreciated..

SlimRider

Welcome To Bike Forums, Johnny!

So what's the upper limit of your budget?

johnny916

Well I don't want to spend too much over $1000.. Actually I'd really like to spend only $800-$900. I don't really need carbon fiber I suppose? I don't know.

no1mad 

Based upon the riding that you are planning on doing, you don't need new carbon fiber and don't want used carbon fiber.

You can go with a hybrid like a Trek FX 7.3, Kona Dew, Scott Sub or maybe a 'Dual Sport' with a fork you can lock out- basically bikes that you can run wider, mixed tread (think CX style). Or you can go with Cyclocross bikes from BD.

And you might want to double check the size of frame again. Frame geometries and angles can have subtle differences, but it is still possible where one model sized 56 will have minimal clearance and another one your naughty bits will begin having intimate moments with the top tube.

SlimRider

A thousand dollars can buy an excellent hybrid bicycle. If you'd like to maintain the same cycling exercise and recreational regimen for the remainder of your life, a chromoly steel framed hybrid will be in order. You will be able to recondition your chromoly steel hybrid whenever time permits. Upon each renewal, you should anticipate your bicycle to both look and perform just like a new bicycle. In most cases, if kept dry, your chromoly steel framed bicycle will outlast you to the point of being passed down to your grandkids. It can truly be an investment! Chromoly steel will also fare better upon impact than their aluminum counterparts. Where an aluminum frame is more apt to get cracked or bent, a steel frame will be more inclined to chip or become gouged. Chipped paint from frames can be repainted. Gouged steel can be cosmetically treated in to a point of perfect smoothness. There's absolutely nothing that can be pratically done with an aluminum frame that's either been cracked or bent.

I would therefore recommend the following:

1) The Jamis Coda Elite ~ $1050
www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/street/coda/12_codaelite.html

2) The Jamis Coda Comp ~ $775
www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/street/coda/12_codacomp_bk.html

3) The KHS Urban XCel ~ $770
www.khsbicycles.com/06_urban_xcel_12.htm

4) The Marin Muirwoods 29er ~ $750
www.marinbikes.com/2012/bike_specs.php?serialnum=2262&Muirwoods_29er

Good Luck!

johnny916

Wow thanks!
I never even heard of that steel frames.. How much heavier though are they then alum or carbon?

SlimRider

Just go to the Jamis site and compare relative weights of each frame material.

Just for starters check the following out:

www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes

HYBRIDS

* The Jamis Coda Comp ~ 26 lbs

The Jamis Allegro Comp ~ 24.5 lbs

ROAD BIKES

* The Jamis Satellite Comp ~ 23 lbs

The Jamis Ventura Comp ~ 21.3 lbs

* Steel Frames

Chromoly steel is light, but extremely strong!

Bunnicula

A carbon fiber fork would be fine, even desirable depending on what you're talking about for off road. Packed dirt and light gravel/cinder trails like rail trails and MUPs are fine.