JohnnyRich

I'm looking to get back into bike riding after years of running on the pavement and have looked at the Giant 1, Trek 8.5/8.6 DS, and the Trek 7.4 FX disc (I like the idea of disc brakes). The guys at the LBS ask me what kind of riding I'm going to do and I don't have a good answer, not having ridden in quite some time. The hilly park near me (where I was running) is pothole heaven (or hell) and I'll do a lot of riding there for sure. I'm not sure how much trail riding I'll be doing, but time will tell. There are a lot of nice (easy) trails nearby. I seriously doubt I'll ever get into real mountain bike territory.

I'm leaning toward a bike with a not-too-serious suspension because I don't want to rattle my old bones too much on the rough stuff in the park. On the other hand, a lot of comments on-line seem to think having a suspension is a waste of money and weight unless you're really banging down the trails.

The first bike the guy in the first LBS thought the Giant would be a good all-round choice, fwiw.

Curious as to people's thoughts on the issue of a suspension.

Thanks, John

Grey.

A front suspension fork is all about ride comfort, something I often find myself repeating because it's the easiest way to decide if you really want it. It wont make the bike more manueverable or the tires more resistant to potholes and rough terrain, it will just make that terrain easier on your arms and wrists. If comfort comes to your mind before speed, then you have your answer.

intransit1217

I'll second Grey. The ds are great all rounders and at the level you're looking, you get a lockout feature so no pogoing when on the gas. Easier pedaling/ more speed is just a tire change away. The stocker tires are great for when there's light gravel on the road and in the wet. Then put a more street oriented tire on when the weather is nice again. And they've got nice triples up front and a great set of derailluers. Lotta bike for the price.

Rehab

I rode a 7.3 FX non disc model for over 2000 miles last year but didn't like it at all when off a paved surface. IMO the FX line is really a flat bar road bike and is best when used that way. I use a mountain bike for the gravel, limestone trail etc. riding and really like the wider tires and front suspension in that situation.

DowneasTTer

I'm SO OLD I can remember going to a shoe store and buying a pair of sneakers. The one kind fits all type of the 50's. Well try that today! There are walking, running, water, and the list goes on. The same is true with bikes. Any one the claims to be an all around bike simply means it can be used but it really is a poor fit for any one use. Rehab is right. If you really want to ride both paved and non paved your best bet is to buy both a road type flat bar and a mtn type bike. Figure out the type of riding you enjoy the most and have easy access to and buy a new one. Then look to CL or other sources for a good used other bike. Good luck.

JohnnyRich

Thanks, that helps ... reminds me of that old Howlin' Wolf line 'built for comfort, I ain't built for speed'. The 'easier on your [...] wrists' part rang a bell as I play music a lot and don't want to further annoy those already cranky parts ;-)

JohnnyRich

Fyi - I went to the LBS's and tried these bikes and I think I'll go with the Giant Roam 1 - almost the equal of the Trek 8.6 DS but a few hundred cheaper.

mwl001

Enjoy that ride! I had the same reason for going with the Roam 2 over Trek and Specialized. All great bikes but the Giant was just a better value -- even more so with the Roam 1 vs. the competition.

Wanderer

Good choice! Visit us often to let us know how it is going...... and think of posting on the 50+ forum as well. We can relate!