jbro620

I started off riding a walmart $180 roadbike. i logged 600 miles including a 112 mile 1 day trip before it broke. I'd like to buy a trek but the only ones i could possibly afford would be the FX or the DS. I'd be looking to spend about $500. these bikes are both hybrid bikes. I was wondering if someone could tell me whether a trek hybrid bike would be better for road riding than a walmart road bike? is it really that big of a difference? thanks

Barrettscv 

I have the Trek DS.1 and a few road bikes. The Dual Sport is not in anyway a direct replacement for a Road Bike, however it is a good all-around bike for almost any recreational riding. What is broken on the Walmart bike and what model is it?

jbro620

It's a GMC Denali. The chainwheel and cranks are wobbling all around the lower bracket.

If you have the DS in addition to other higher-end road bikes I could see how you would say that it is no replacement but could you speak to it compared to a low end road bike? Or have you never had one? I figure that the rolling resistance and weight have to be comparable.

Barrettscv 

I have a range of new and older road bikes. The DS does very well for all kinds of rides in the 25 to 60 mile range. I use the bike while on vacation for both paved roads and gravel paths. It can climb very well and it handles well on windy mountain roads. I would be happy to travel up to 75 miles in a day, but would want a road bike for longer rides. A road bike is faster and less demanding on longer rides. the rider position is a little better on a road bike and a road bike is more aerodynamic, improving pace. I don't like being on a bike for more than 7 hours. That's 100+ miles on a road bike, but more like 80 miles on the Trek.

However, the Trek is more fun if just exploring any-kind of road or path. Want to travel down an unknown gravel trail? The larger tire and wider gearing on the Trek DS will take you almost anywhere, the road bike might limit you.

bikemig 

Yes, it really will make a big difference. You've pretty much established that you like to ride bikes (112 miles in one day is impressive). The GMC Denali as you found out it not a very good bike. You can get a good bike for $500 that will perform better than the Denali.

There is no reason to be stuck on buying only a Trek. I like Treks just fine but I'd go to a LBS that you like, tell them what kind of riding you like to do and your budget. They'll show you a few bikes to test ride.

jbro620

Ok I was considering going into a shop but I feel better scoping out online first. Are there any brands or even models you would recommend for my budget?

bikemig 

Trek tends to be a high dollar brand so it's bike tend to cost a bit more. Most shops carry at least one high end line (like Trek) and one brand that is a bit better when it comes to price (like Giant or Jamis). I'd have the shop show you the different bikes. A hybrid is a good choice at $500 but I'd stay away from a front suspension fork at that price point.

If you really want the most bang for the buck, you either go 2d hand (buy a bike from craigslist) or go with an internet direct vendor like Nashbar or Bikes Direct. You get a lot more bike but you need to know something about putting a bike together and you won't get much help after the sale. Personally, I'd go with an LBS for your first bike until you learn your way around bikes a bit.

MRT2

A Trek hybrid will be better than your Wal Mart bike, but if you really want a road bike, save a few more bucks for a real road bike, lest you find yourself looking for one in 6 months of a year.

TrekNerd

As many have stated you may want to buy a used bike first or save more for a new model high-end. As far as online many people have been happy with using bikesdirect.com. But buying used or at a local bike shop allows you to see the bike in person and even test ride. Do you know what size frame to look for?

abrianb

I would look at local bike shops and brands ,Raleigh,Giant and Kona will be lower priced for the same components. You will be looking at Hybrids in your price range. If you buy used or online you will have to pay a bike shop to tune the bike for you. I ride a Hybrid and like it.