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I'm looking for a good hybrid bike; any ideas?

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I'm looking for a good hybrid bike; any ideas?

Old 09-03-04, 09:53 PM
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I'm looking for a good hybrid bike; any ideas?

Our family is getting into bikes. We bought bikes for birthday presents over the last year or so - a Giant Cypress LX for wife, and a Giant Sedona LX for my my 16-year-old daughter.

They love them and now want me to get a similar model for my birthday.

We like to ride on a 3-mile paved bike path around a beautiful lake in our area. There we see deer that stand and watch us from less than ten feet away. We've seen two bears on our rides, and have only been biking regularly for a few weeks, so we're enjoying biking and intend to stay with it - and we're all getting in better shape.

Anyway, I'm 48, 6' 2", and weigh 205. I want a bike that sits fairly upright. I don't like riding in a constant bent-over position. Basically, I like my girls' Giant bikes, but I want to keep an open mind.

Someone recommended a Breezer Bike, though they said it was pricey, but I didn't find a dealer near my area. Consumer Reports rated the Giant Cypress very highly, but did not rate lots of bikes - for instance, the Breezer wasn't rated, and I'm not sure how reliable CR is on bikes. They're strong on cars but weak in other areas, such as computers.

Anyway, I need your help, and appreciate any input you can give me.

- k
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Old 09-04-04, 08:07 AM
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Of course a bike should fit to your liking - size, weight and comfort of the bike.If you can find a LBS that has the Trek hybrids, I'd also say check into them.
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Old 09-04-04, 08:10 AM
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Does LBS stand for local bike supplier?

- k
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Old 09-04-04, 08:43 AM
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Local bike shop to be exact. No fair you get a Brezzer when the ladies are on Giants! A bike similar to what they have (many brands make this type) should be fine for the riding you describe, and your preference for an upright position.
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Old 09-04-04, 09:43 AM
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I've had a Trek 7300 for several years and I have been basically happy with it. I have had a problem with the gears slipping when I shift. I'm 48, 6', and 186. The comfort is "acceptable." BUT my palms get numb and my neck gets stiff from the riding position after about 10 miles. I would prefer a more upright riding posture or a little different geometry. It probably depends on the distance you are riding. I have regularly taken this bike on 30 mile rides.

I rode the Giant bike before I bought the Trek. The shop owner told me "You don't need to spend that much for a good bike" when I told him I was looking at the Trek. Giant makes good bike so ride both and see. Try the Specialized Cypress as well. The Trek felt more "solid" to me. Specialized had not released the Cypress model when I bought, but I rode it later and liked it better than my Trek.

One thing to ask about the Trek: A LBS person told me last week that Trek will not do warranty work on the bike components to they refer you to the manufacturer. This LBS is not longer recommending Trek bikes. Ask your sales person about the warranty and what is covered by whom.

Based on most of the riding I do, I decided last week to get a 3 speed which I am finding a lot of fun. Very comfortable, but I'm not going to tale it 30 miles.

Enjoy - and glad to hear you are riding more!
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Old 09-04-04, 10:29 AM
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[QUOTE=tomsanborn]Try the Specialized Cypress as well. The Trek felt more "solid" to me. Specialized had not released the Cypress model when I bought, but I rode it later and liked it better than my Trek.
QUOTE]

It is the Specialized Crossroads, not Cypress. Oops!
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Old 09-05-04, 12:16 PM
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The Crossroads did not rate as well as the Cypress in Consumers Report.

- k
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Old 09-05-04, 06:47 PM
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The Specialized Crossroads (2005) Elite will come in approximately $80.00 to $100.00 more than a somewhat comparable Giant Cypress LX. The Elite will "not" have disc brakes but will have an upgrade or two from the 2004 model.
My wife and I just purchased the Giant Cypress LX after an exhaustive search at multiple LBS's. My original number one choice was the Crossroads Elite, but no one seemed to have my size in stock...or...it will be in next week was a common thread. We happened to find a shop last week which had a 17" ladies' LX and a 21" guys' IN STOCK. They also had a Saris four-bike carrier IN STOCK even though Thule was my first choice (but here again, the Specialized dealer didn't have the Thule in stock as well.).
So far, the Cypress has been nothing but exactly what Consumer's Reports indicated.
I seriously considered the Specilized Crossroads Comp (2004 model) which was on a "clearance" sale but it would have been $160.00 more and I didn't feel it merited the extra money at this time).
For what it's worth, I (personally) didn't feel nearly as comfortable on a Trek 7500 as I did on the Cypress (at 6'1" and about 190 to 200 depending on my willpower as to dieting, playing tennis and now biking on a regular basis)!!!
Best biking on whatever your choice might be...
cw & nw
Lancaster, PA
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Old 09-05-04, 11:13 PM
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My husband is in love with his Giant Cypress LX. He just got it a few weeks ago and has ridden more in those few weeks than in our previous 10 years of marriage! He is 6'0" and about 280 lb (I think)

He test rode a Trek (not sure what model) but liked the Giant better. Plus in our area, the Giant shop is head & shoulders above the rest service-wise.

Good luck with your choice!
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