Thueso

Hello everyone! I am a fairly new rider. I am looking to find a decent starter hybrid bike to replace my old GT mountain bike. I will be using it primarily for street/city riding in San Diego. I am interested in the hybrid because I want to have the ability to hop a curb if needed and be able to take on the wear and tear of the streets.

I have looked at several bikes and have narrowed it down to two (at least I think I have) for the time being. They are:

KHS Urban Express - https://khsbicycles.com/bikes/2013-kh.../urban-xpress/

Giant Escape 1 - https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...specifications

I am having a tough time making up my mind. Any insight into these two bikes or something else in the similiar price range would be much appreciated!

Thueso

DVC45

I like the KHS because it is steel and it has the attachments that would allow it to double as a Touring bike.

I have to admit though, the Giant looks sportier.

Sorry, I am no help.

Good luck on whatever you end up getting!

no1mad 

Have you been able to ride either of them? Test rides go a long way towards deciding which is 'the one'.

catonec 

True road bikes are tougher than you think. 700c wheels can go offroad for short jaunts if need be. cyclocross bikes are exactly that. If your on asphalt mostly you may want to consider one.

Bikesdirect has many options in your price range if your considering an online purchase as opposed to a physical in person transaction at your lbs.


https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._cross_cx3.htm
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._record_xii.ht
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...uila_xiii.htmm
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...afe_sprint.htm
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...print_disc.htm

DVC45

REI's Novara Buzz comes to mind too.
https://www.rei.com/product/837487/novara-buzz-bike-2013


From what the OP stated, it looks like it fits the bill.

REI stand behind their products and has a no frills return policy, if you end up not liking it.

DowneasTTer

My wife and I purchased Giant Escape RX 0's 3 months ago and love them. The Giant is a great machine for the money. That said the REI bike listed above could be a great deal. Here's how. if you are a member cost $20, then you get about a 10% dividend the next spring ($59). Plus REI is currently running a member special of 20% off one regular priced item so the $599 would be $119.8 less at purchase and another $59 coming back at the end of the membership year. Not bad for a one time $20 membership fee. Plus REI has one of the best money back guarantees around.

dynaryder

Just read the back of my coupon,you don't get a dividend for what you buy with the 20% off. Unless you use an REI Visa,then it's like a regular 1%.

Thueso

I looked at REI and the Novara Buzz just didn't feel right to me. I do like the fact that they have a no frills return policy though. My brother bought a Scott Sportster there last year and really likes it. The REI by my house is not a Scott dealer. They carry Cannondales though. These are the two options for Cannondales:

Cannondale Quick 4 - https://www.rei.com/product/844761/ca...ck-4-bike-2013 @ $649.00 (Not sure I want the Carbon forks though for possibly hopping curbs every now and then)

Cannondale Quick CX 3 - https://www.rei.com/product/844797/ca...cx-3-bike-2013 @ $769.00

Any insight into whether or not the CX 3 is worth the extra $120.00? I know it has the mechanical disc brakes and lockout suspension...Do you think that is overkill for what I need the bike for? Any thoughts are much appreciated!

Thueso

Thueso

One other thing...The REI 20%off coupon does not apply to bikes.

NTWR

I do all of my city riding on a Quick 4 with carbon forks. It sees lots of curb hopping and awfully rough streets. I've never had an issue with either.

teicher

The REI coupon does apply to bikes, but only REI's house brand Novara.

RIde both bikes. I'd probably go for the Escape myself, the derailleurs are better and the Giant bikes tend to be well spec'd for the money.

catonec 

Carbon forks will take all sorts of linear stress. large side impacts should be avoided.

I like the quick 4 of those 2 options

DowneasTTer

Actually it does.... but only for their own brand which is in fact the model I was referring to. The discount doesn't apply to any of the other makes.

Thueso

Well...I ended up buying the Trek 8.3 DS for $579.00. The Trek 8.3 seemed very comprable to the Cannondale CX 3 and it cost $190.00 less. I rode both bikes and they felt very similiar. I have heard good things about Trek bikes. I hope it all works out in the end now. Only time will tell! Thanks for all of the feedback.

xoxoxoxoLive

I looked at them today, the 2013 models. You should love it.

DVC45

Have fun and safe ridding!