lilpoindexter

Hello Everyone.

Last year I bough a used Univega Via Montega off Craigslist.

I used it much more than I hoped I would (I've lost 40lbs + of fat since buying it).

I ride it on the paved river paths around LA and Orange county.

The bike is a 21 speed with 700 x 23 rims.

I bent the back rim, and tried to straighten it myself, only to make it worse...but eventually I got it close enough that I can sort of use my rear brake...I was thinking I enjoy riding so much that I was considering buying a new bike in 2013. On My christmas day ride two of the little mushroom tips on the spokes that go through the hub busted off the rear rim, and the loose spokes punctured my tire.

The dude at the bike shop said the metalurgy of the spokes was probably bad and/or I abused the bike....

So now I'm convinced I need a new bike.

I know I want a hybrid.I know I want an upright, comfortable riding position, I know I want it to have no suspension and 700 rims, but probably something like 700x35 tires. My rim bending activities make me think perhaps a mechanical disc brake would be good, but not a must have.
I will ride it exclusively on pavement...I have no desire to go mountain biking. Eventually I'd like to make about 100 mile long trips with it.

I'd like to spend no more than $1000.

One of the Trek FX series of bikes seems appealing to me.


Any suggestions?

pierce

sounds like you got it wired already

a truly 'bent rim' is almost always not repairable, but out of true rims with a gentle side to side 'wobble' as they turn are fixable by tuning, the key is to balance the spoke tension while truing up the rim.

if you otherwise like the bike you have, you could get a new wheel for maybe $150, look for a 36H (36 spokes) wheel, as they tend to be stronger for a heavier rider. 7 speed is a little more challenging as pretty much everything today is 8 or 9 compatible except for the lowest end junk, which puts you right back where you're at now.

this is my "weight loss special"

etw

I have had really good experiences with the Specialized Sirrus

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/multi-use/sirrus

They have a disc model for $1050

pierce

personaly, I think disk brakes are unnecessary on a hybrid mostly-paved bike. they add weight and expense.


p.s. that blue bike I posted above effectively is a Sirrus base model, its a 2010 Specialized Globe Vienna 02, Globe is a '2nd label' Specialized used (but is phasing out) for 'city bikes'. I like it because its not splatted with big ugly logos.

banquo372

i actually just bought a hybrid not too long ago and im a complete noob to bikes but when i test rode i loved both the trek fx bikes and the specialized sirrus sport. i went with a trek 7.1 fx due to budget but if i had more money i wouldve bought the 7.3fx. i also hear the jamis coda series are pretty good but i never gave them a try. just thought id share!

a1penguin

With a budget of $1000 you can buy a really nice hybrid. The Trek FX series bikes are pretty popular here. In your price range (assuming a bit of discount) you are looking at the FX 7.4 or 7.5. The 7.5 looks quite similar to the 7.4 and you are probably getting better components with the 7.5. The other noticeable difference is the 7.4 has 32mm tires, the 7.5 has 28mm, which are probably narrower than you want. I do not know if the 7.5 will take 35mm tires. The store is usually willing to swap out tires for no/little cost. Also, the 7.4 has triple chainrings on the front, while the 7.5 has a double. Both are 9 speeds and both have carbon forks. The Sirrus Elite (or Elite w/Disc) are in your price range. The Elite looks very similar to the 7.4: triple, carbon fork, but 28mm tires (not sure how wide a tire the bike will accept). The similar Giant model is the Escape 0, which is a 10 speed, carbon fork, 32mm wheels. Cannondale has the Quick, the SL3 looks like it is similar to the other bikes and it has 32mm tires. The Jamis Coda Comp is the Jamis version; note that Jamis bikes are steel while all the others are aluminum. I don't think frame material matters that much unless you live in a rain forest and need to worry about rust.

All of these bikes should accept fenders, but be aware that fenders might limit the size of tire that can be used.

I think if you go to the bike stores and say "I want to see what bikes you have in the $800-1000 price range", you'll see all of these bikes. They are very similar. Look for last year or 2011 models to save yourself some coin. Test ride bikes and you'll find some that you like, others you don't. Remember that fit is key.

Report back :-)

AtariBaby

Very interesting to me. I'd much rather have a blank frame. My artist wife could probably have fun with that.

pierce

its not completely logo free, the seat tube has a blue-on-blue Vienna 02 graphic, and the steering tube has a 'picture frame' "badge" that says GLOBE on it. you can insert the artwork of your choice in the frame

bjjoondo 

I can highly recommend the Jamis Coda (Steel) or the Jamis Allegro models as I have both, my Coda is my, Everyday/utility bike and the Allegro is my Trekking/weekend bike. I'd recommend the, Comp model due to the nice, carbon fiber fork and step up in componets, jmho, ymmv.https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...eet/index.html Also, take a look at the KHS Vitamin C, fitness hybrid, seems like a lot for the money, https://khsbicycles.com/bikes/2013-khs-models/vitamin-c/

dynaryder

There's your problem. Used bike,whose quality of upkeep is unknown. You were heavy,and probably not riding it properly up/down curbs and over potholes. Then without any training tried to true it,and messed it up. Old weak wheel + heavy rider + surfing curbs + shadetree truing = broken spokes.

A new bike with properly set up wheelset should be just fine. As for proper riding technique,here's a book with alot of good info. Most MTB skills books(like this one) would also be helpful.

lilpoindexter

So I went out on test rides to a Trek Dealer about 20 miles from my house....The 7.4Fx has a carbon fork, the 7.3Fx has an aluminum fork. They both felt really good on the short test ride...not sure if the carbon fork would make that much of a difference on a long ride...All they had was black bikes...I would prefer some other color...The 7.3Fx is available in Red, but they didn't have one in stock...the guy looked it up on the computer, and he said they could have one in a few days...I don't think I was supposed to see that dealer cost on the 7.3Fx is $390.59, it has an MSRP of $689.99, or $299.40 profit.

Oddly enough there was a FUJI bike dealer right next to the TREK dealer...I test rode a Fuji Absolute 1.3...carbon fork, 2 chain rings on the crank...I didn't like the root beer color...The bike felt great, of course. The Fuji Absolute 1.4 also has a carbon fork, but a cheaper triple crank and cheaper wheels. The 1.4 is on sale for $650...They didn't have on in my size, but they are putting it together, and unless I change my mind, I'm picking it up tomorrow.

bjjoondo 

Just a thought, you might ENJOY that triple crankset on the "longer rides" you are thinking about. Sounds like a nice machine and you can always UPGRADE as you go along. I'm 230 LBS and I've got 3000 miles on "stock" alloy-double wall Alex ID-19 rims, I carry a 10 lb. rack bag, (everything but the kitchen sink!) and the only thing I've done was had the Wheels trued and tension checked at 150 miles, then at 500, then at 1000 and not a problem with the stock wheels at all! Have FUN on your new adventure!

bargainguy

Not sure about that. Margins on new bikes are mighty slim, typically 10-15%. The lucrative margins are in accessories and service.

lilpoindexter

THANKS MAN! I'm 5' 11" I was 240lbs when I bought my used Univega...I'm currently at 199lbs. I can't believe how much I enjoy spending my Saturday mornings riding my bike...

JoshSlocum

I have a 7.3 FX and love it. If you are riding strictly on pavement I would recommend 700x28 tires with no tread, such as Gatorskins. Makes a big difference in reducing road friction. I also replaced the original saddle with a Milano Gel. Again, a good saddle makes a huge difference.