Wagh

Hi! I was wondering if anyone would care to help me out a bit:

I'm a grad student, and I intend to use a bike for my primary mode of transportation. I was wondering what everyone thought of a few bikes I found in the local stores. I'd like to spend somewhere between $300-$450, but if something pricier comes with considerable recommendation, I'd pay $550.

Here are some bikes I liked:
Trek 2010 3500 for $360

Giant Rincon for $400, but as I recall it had brake pads rather than disc breaks.

Giant Cypress for $235

and Giant Seek 2 for $525.

If you've got any advice or insight into these bikes, it would be really helpful. I intend to use it to get around everywhere, since I don't feel like owning a car yet.

RT

I believe you'd get better advice from the Commuter forum.

kayakdiver

Of the ones you listed.. the Giant Seek 2 would be my choice. It has rack mounts front and rear. You don't need suspension for commuting.

ptle

I would post in the commuting forum or even the car free forum if you plan on living car free.

Out of those the Seek 2 looks the best. You don't need suspension unless your going mountain biking (and even then some people don't use it). Disc brakes a plus in wet/ freezing weather.

What exactly do you plan on using the bike for? Are you going to be commuting full year round in any weather? Also do you plan on going to the store on a bike. You may want something that can accommodate both a rack/panniers and a fenders. I take my roommates bike to the store. It's got a big crate on it and with that and my messenger bag, I can carry a decent amount of groceries, but nothing big.

roadiejorge 

The commuter forum would be a better place to get advice. If you're going to be using it for commuting then any of those bikes will do though disc brakes are a bit much for riding on pavement in my opinion.

Wagh

Ah. The commuter forum. I see that now. I'm going to repost this there. Thanks for the suggestions!

In any event, I don't intend to leave any hanging questions: I'd like to be biking in any weather, all year. That means I need to pick up some warmer clothing for the winter, and a mask or something. I keep losing my winter hats...I do bike to the store sometimes. So far I've just brought a backpack, which carries enough food for the week, but makes me pretty top heavy. Makes for a more interesting ride =)

bismillah

These bikes look different.....

Chris_F

Look in to a trailer for hauling heavy or bulky stuff, you should be able to find a used one (families buy them for their kids then the kids outgrow it). And second the recommendations for NOT getting suspension. Suspension is great on single track but it's a PITA on pavement.

I use a Bellaclava in the cold, and when it's REALLY cold (like single digits) I just put a bandanna on my head under my helmet. On a bike you generate a lot of heat and you don't need to dress nearly as warmly as you think. It's more about wind protection.

Depending on your winter weather you may need studded tires.

cshell

Yes

Terrapin2388

I have had my Giant Seek 3 (2009 version of current Seek 2) for about a year and it still rides like new. This is a very solid bike, stopping power is amazing, shifts smooth enough, and can be outfitted with anything (fenders, racks, etc). I use mine to commute to and from school (University of Maryland), take weekend rides (longest ride has been about 40 miles), and have even taken it on some MTB trails. I cannot attest to its ability to withstand the elements as I keep mine in my apt, also for security reasons. With proper maintenance I'm sure it would be fine. I definitely suggest replacing the tires. The stock Maxxis tires roll great and are very sticky in the corners but gets flats constantly. I replaced mine with a pair of Schwalbe Marathon Supremes (amazing).

My initial choice was between the Seek 3, Trek Fx 7.3 and Specialized Crosstrail Sport. At this price point, I feel the Seek was the best bang for the buck and I have yet to regret my decision. Hope this helped.