studioboss

Hello everyone,

Even though I'm an adult, I'm new to biking. That's what happens when you live in a city and your parents think you'll get killed. Anyway...

I live in NYC and don't plan on riding the streets. We now have some beautiful bike paths. My LBS recommends a hybrid bike. In terms of new bikes, it's between a Cannondale (from the Quick series) or a Specialized Sirrus. Still undecided, including on specific model. Any advice on this is appreciated.

Since I'm new to this whole biking thing, I also looked at buying used but Craigslist is a mess and you have people selling old hybrids for way more than they're worth. However, I found some beautiful road bikes that I really liked. In particular, some Peugeots look really cool. You can get one in good shape for $100-200 vs $500-700 for a Cannondale or Specialized hybrid.

Putting aside price, would buying a 30 year old road bike instead of a new hybrid be completely crazy? Again, I'm going to be on bike paths.

Really don't know which way to go. What should a beginner like me do?

Thanks so much go your help! These forums are great.

no1mad 

Welcome to Bike Forums

If you aren't too mechanically inclined or unsure on how a bike should fit you, then I'd suggest going with a hybrid from your LBS. As new bikes are similar at any given price point component wise, pick the one that feels more comfortable. If they feel about the same to you, then base it on color

However, as to wondering if riding a 30 year old road bike is crazy.... we've got a whole forum full of crazy people then Feel free to inquire about pricing those old bikes in this thread- https://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...-and-Inquiries

BruceHankins

Not crazy. My first road bike was an '83 Shogun and my second I picked up on CL very shortly after is an '89 Kuwahara. If you have some know how it's great, if you have to take it to the LBS for everything it can add up quickly. Pugs are good, but for a beginner avoid French made models and go for the Japanese made. French threading can be a PITA and parts will be more expensive.

T Ride

I own the Quick 4 and love it. I picked it over the Sirrus because it had the carbon fork. It seemed to smooth out the ground. I also rode the Sirrus on a very smooth surface compared to the Quick 4. I will give you the advice that I was given, just ride them both, and choose which one feels best. They are both great bikes and the parts are very similar. As for choosing. A used road bike, you can get some really good deals. If you like the bike and its cheap, take it!

Rak73

I had a similar dilemma.

I ended up looking at a few different bikes Trek, Cannondale, etc but eventually went with the Specialized Sirrus Elite. I really comes down to what you feel comfortable spending and which bikes feels the best to ride.

I am a rookie at this, so not the expert that some others are. I mention this because the advice I got from my LBS was really the deciding factor. I found some stores better with advice than others. And so the combination of my test rides and the LBS that I found most connected with led me to my bike.

fietsbob

I agree , Go to a Bike Shop, until you are more savvy , they will be there to help you after the sale .

New you have back up of warrantees, the dealer, and all the parts are Fresh.