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Hybrid Newbie

Old 06-25-14, 09:29 PM
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The OP wants a lighter and faster bike.

A performance hybrid like the Trek FX or Specialized Sirrus seems to be the best fit.

She already has a commuter bike but wants something more fun-oriented when not engaged in typical commuting activities.

It makes more sense than a road bike because of the wider tire choices available plus the ability to mount fenders for bad weather.
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Old 06-26-14, 07:23 AM
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In the direction you seem to be heading - I'd take a serious look at the Giant Escape carbon offerings ----- that's a lot of bike for the money. I know it's a little more money, but a very good buy for what it is ---- might even talk them down a little********************????

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...6195/#features

Last edited by Wanderer; 06-26-14 at 10:00 AM.
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Old 06-26-14, 11:21 AM
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Or, there is this at Performance Bicycles - gets very good reviews. Performance Bike - Diamondback - Category

And by joining their club before purchase, for about $30 I think, you get 10% back toward any future purchase, to use as money.
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Old 06-26-14, 11:26 AM
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Due to cost/weight/benefit, my priorities:

Suspension --> No, unless going off road.

Disk Brakes --> No, unless you plan to ride in the rain... although I have to admit that they keep drawing my attention, even though I am a fair weather rider.

I would add a vote for the Trek FX line-up, as mine has served me well so far, whether you go with disc model or not.
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Old 06-26-14, 02:40 PM
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Thank you for your suggestions! I'll be sure to take a look at the various LBS here in Vancouver, BC and update this thread. One thing I'm sure of though is that I definitely do not want to spend more than $1k on this new bike. I sold my old one to my friend, so I will just have one bike for all around use

Oh, this is my old bike:

https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/searc....aspx?id=22818
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Old 06-26-14, 03:16 PM
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My vote would be for the Marin Muirwoods 29er. Its an all around bike and if you want to go off-road, you can always buy knobby tires for it.

I think the 29er is by far the most versatile option if you must have only ONE bike.
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Old 06-27-14, 03:58 AM
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Originally Posted by vancouver80
Thank you for your suggestions! I'll be sure to take a look at the various LBS here in Vancouver, BC and update this thread. One thing I'm sure of though is that I definitely do not want to spend more than $1k on this new bike. I sold my old one to my friend, so I will just have one bike for all around use

Oh, this is my old bike:

2011 Trek 7000 WSD - New and Used Bike Value
Looks like the Vita Elite is the one for you then! It also comes in white. This bike here will be fast and you will be able to keep up with your friends. Now if your friends have road bikes you might want to look into that. I just bought a Giant Defy 2 for 940.00, it was a left over 2013 model so I saved over a hundred bucks on it. If they don't ride road bikes though I would just get the Vita Elite if it were me. I have a Sirrus Comp which is very comparable to the Vita Elite and it is a really nice and fast bike. Whatever you get, I know you are gonna enjoy it and we want to see pics!!! The purple bike that you like is a nice bike no doubt but if speed is what you are after I wouldn't go with that bike personally.

Specialized Bicycle Components
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Old 07-02-14, 11:32 AM
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Hi Everyone,

Just an update: I went for the Cannondale Althea 2 I love the style and feel of it... and because it's purple! I know I know... but the look was important to me because I plan to use this all the time and I had to love everything about it! I also loved the Specialized Vita Sport Disc EQ and it was sooo hard to pick between the both of them!

I also picked a bike with disc brakes because I feel more confident with them... maybe after a few more years, I can graduate into a faster road bike

Thank you all for your input! I really appreciate it! Will post some pictures of my new bike soon
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Old 07-02-14, 01:03 PM
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That's the first time I've seen this bike...................... nice bike!
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Old 07-02-14, 02:14 PM
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Congratulations! 35 c tires roll fast and are comfortable on rough roads. You will like the wider tires so much that skinny tires will make you feel tired after a long ride.

Most people are not looking to race but to be comfortable and to have fun! Your new Specialized should bring you many years of enjoyment.
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Old 07-02-14, 02:35 PM
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Disc brakes on a hybrid are totally unnecessary. The v-brakes will put you over the bars even in the rain.
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Old 07-02-14, 02:39 PM
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I have a Trek Bike and have really liked it.
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Old 07-02-14, 03:00 PM
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Originally Posted by spdracr39
Disc brakes on a hybrid are totally unnecessary. The v-brakes will put you over the bars even in the rain.
Mechanical disc brakes are powerful and reliable. I love them. Seriously, V-brakes are now old technology.
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Old 07-02-14, 03:31 PM
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I took it out the day I bought it and went for a night ride around the sea wall I'm so happy I was able to keep up with my friends! They liked my bike and it's surprisingly light (around 27 lbs.) despite the chunky appearance.
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Old 07-02-14, 03:37 PM
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Originally Posted by spdracr39
Disc brakes on a hybrid are totally unnecessary. The v-brakes will put you over the bars even in the rain.
More than one bike is totally unnecessary ---- one nice Hybrid will get you wherever you want go in style.

See how idiotic those both sound******************************??f
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Old 07-02-14, 03:51 PM
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Originally Posted by vancouver80
Thanks everyone I was wondering what your opinion on the Cannondale Althea 2 is. I really like the colour and style of the bike, but it has a suspension fork.

Cannondale Althea 2 - Women's - Bicycle Sports Pacific, Vancouver, North Vancouver, Langley
Seems like more of a comfort bike or dual sport than something you would get if you are trying to go faster. Thinking this would be a better bike for someone looking for something to handle a short commute, casual riding, or light trails. If none of those apply to you, don't buy it. Decent enough quality, but likely significantly heavier than a bike with a carbon fiber fork.

That said, try for yourself and buy what you like. You can ride a suspension fork bike 25 or 30 miles, you just have to work harder than you might on something else.
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Old 07-02-14, 04:23 PM
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Best thing about it like all hybrids these days, it comes equipped with a mega range cassette. Good if you ever want to ride up the hills.

Cannondale has always made high quality alloy bikes. They built them exclusively out of 6061 and 7005 aluminum alloys. At 27 lbs, a bike made of it will be compliant, lightweight and fast.
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Old 07-02-14, 04:26 PM
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OP poster could upgrade to rigid steel or a carbon fork. Its more efficient than the stock suspension fork.
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Old 07-02-14, 08:20 PM
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Originally Posted by NormanF
OP poster could upgrade to rigid steel or a carbon fork. Its more efficient than the stock suspension fork.
I wouldn't necessarily consider that an upgrade. Suspended forks are fine for what they are. Lockout is good for when you want it. MHO
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Old 07-03-14, 02:36 AM
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Originally Posted by vancouver80
Hi Everyone,

Just an update: I went for the Cannondale Althea 2 I love the style and feel of it... and because it's purple! I know I know... but the look was important to me because I plan to use this all the time and I had to love everything about it! I also loved the Specialized Vita Sport Disc EQ and it was sooo hard to pick between the both of them!

I also picked a bike with disc brakes because I feel more confident with them... maybe after a few more years, I can graduate into a faster road bike

Thank you all for your input! I really appreciate it! Will post some pictures of my new bike soon
Congratulations on your new bike!!! Cant wait to see some pictures of it and please continue to post on here and keep us updated on how you are liking your new bike. Cannondale makes a very nice bike, you wont be disappointed at all.
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Old 07-04-14, 10:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Who Dey3334
Congratulations on your new bike!!! Cant wait to see some pictures of it and please continue to post on here and keep us updated on how you are liking your new bike. Cannondale makes a very nice bike, you wont be disappointed at all.
Yes, definitely I did some night riding the other day but didn't take any pictures because it wouldn't come out anyway. I think think forum is dangerous... pretty soon I'll be wanting to buy another bike
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Old 08-14-14, 04:17 PM
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Hi everyone


My bike got stolen last week... so heartbreaking! It was locked up in our building parkade. Sigh. I filed for a police report and submitted an insurance claim for it.
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Old 08-14-14, 04:25 PM
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Originally Posted by vancouver80
Hi everyone


My bike got stolen last week... so heartbreaking! It was locked up in our building parkade. Sigh. I filed for a police report and submitted an insurance claim for it.
What lock(s) were you using?
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Old 08-15-14, 05:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Who Dey3334
. I think you should look for a bike that has a 35 or 38c tire personally and another thing, don't worry about if a bike has a suspension fork....you might even like it who knows? Test ride bikes with and without suspension forks and then make your decision.

I mean if you are going to become a serious rider and you are going to be busting out 20-30 miles on a regular basis you may want the 28c tires but if you just going to ride the bike path or your neighborhood 4 or 5 miles at a time I would probably go for more of what they call a comfort hybrid if it were me. I have a Sirrus Comp which is somewhat comparable to the two bikes that you are looking at and I gotta tell you that when I hit large cracks in the road and bumps I really feel them big time. I also have a comfort hybrid with a suspension fork (Giant Cypress DX) and that is the bike I choose to ride the neighborhood 9 out of 10 times and it's really nice the comfort and smooth ride that it gives me...and it also has more of an upright seating position which makes the bike comfortable. .
Nice to know I'm not the only one who chose the Giant Cypress DX. (bought mine in 2003)
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Old 08-15-14, 06:20 PM
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Originally Posted by ColonelSanders
What lock(s) were you using?
It was a chain with a lock I didn't expect it get stolen since you need a security fob to enter the parkade. There were other bikes parked there that were unlocked, but they took mine. Sigh
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