Jim1968

I have a low budget so I was looking at the Giant cypress or Trek Verve 1 to ride mostly pavement but I would also like the occasional grass or just bumpy trails as well. I went by my lbs and he suggested the Trek DS 8.xx which about $100 more than what I was thinking. Just looking for a solid bike that won't fall apart for those occasional off road days. Should I hold off and spend the extra money! Or was the salesman just looking increase his sales? Budget roughly $380.... Also would need one for the wife as well...

Dunbar

None of the bikes will fall apart but for anything more than light off-roading a front suspension shock is recommended. The cheaper suspension forks don't do a whole lot so the recommendation around here is to avoid them on basic (<$500) bikes. Wider tires at lower pressure will take some of the edge off of bumpy trails but can only do so much. It's so hard to guess what your riding will consist of when you're just starting out. I also thought I would do some light off-roading when starting out in 2009 and literally have never taken a bike off-road in the past 4 years. 5 bikes later I think I've settled on what I like LOL.

Jim1968

Thanks, truth be told, I'll probably be mostly on pavement, but when I mentioned to the lbs guy the park I'll start riding at and going up and down the grassy hills, that's when he mentioned oh, since you'll be doing some off road, then you should consider the Trek DS 8.x.... I did not consider riding on grass as off road, but oh we'll... Out of the 2 bikes I mentioned, Verve 1 and Giant cypress... Any suggestions??? Thanks again

Millerad1651

FWIW my dad bought a Giant Cypres a couple of years go and loves it. He rides every day he can, and has never had a bad thing to say about it.