chumunga

Hi,

I was wondering if any can suggest makes/model I don't know much about bike components or brands.

I'm about 5'8'' tall, 31'' inseam I think I ride a 21cm specialized cross trail sport hybrid and it is slightly to tall for me.

I'm having a hard time looking for something road bike with flat bar I'd be willing to try drop bar but I prefer a more upright position. I saw specialized sirrus elite but someone mention specialized are over priced so I can't afford much so value is important. I will be commuting and carrying up and down stairs and recreational riding on weekends 30+ miles maybe more.

Any help would be great. If you can tell me brands that offer good bang for the buck that be helpful too. Thanks

mcmoose

If you check on CL, there's a guy in Sunnyvale selling a Trek FX 7.7 for $1100 (doesn't list what year). He's listed it for quite a while now, so maybe you can talk him down to $900.

If you're looking at drop-bar bikes, there's a larger offering of nice bikes in your price range, either used or a remaining 2013 model new bike. Or you could get a new 2014 Trek for around $850 (which will be just over $900 with tax); that would get you an aluminum frame and carbon fork, and the Shimano Sora group set.

I'm sure others will have additional suggestions. Good luck!

rpcleary

Hey there. I'm actually in the process of buying, making the shift from a mountain bike sinc emy commute length has changed, so I definately feel you on the drop handlebars. That said, the Specialized Allez Sport has drop bars that you adjust a bit. Not sure if any other models.

Brands that I've had good luck with in the past are Trek (Disclaimer: I love Trek Bikes, been my mains for awhile), Giant, Cannondale, and Specialized. At the 900 price range, look for bikes with Shimano Tiagra or 105 components, they are better than Shimano Sora components. (105 > Tiagra > Sora).

Most important thing: Try different bikes. Find one that is comfortable and fun to ride. Most bikes at that range will be around the same weight, and if you aren't racing, comfort is a bigger factor than 105 vs tiagra.

hybridbkrdr

If you're in Canada, you can get the Diadora Firenze Comp for $899 with Shimano 105. Diadora Firenze Comp M - Equipment - Bike - Road bikes | Sports Experts

Their Sora model is $650 though. And end-of-season prices are pretty interesting.

MRT2

The bars don't determine the riding position. Plenty of drop bar rid bikes can be set up with the bars level with the saddle.

rms13

If you want a hybrid, these are some of the more popular ones and can all be had within your budget

Escape 0 (2014) | Giant Bicycles | United States

JAMIS BICYCLES

Bad Boy 9 - RECREATION & URBAN - BIKES - 2014

FX - Trek Bicycle

Specialized Bicycle Components


All pretty similar. Just a matter of preference and what your LBS carries

chumunga

thanks for all the suggestion, well i was looking at the sirrus elite but it seems sirrus elite to sirrus comp has adramatic weight difference with the A1 aluminum vs the E5 aluminum, is there a bike similar to the sirrus comp in weight minus the carbon fork as i know that will raise the price and minus the Tiagra components.

ill ask a ocal shop about the drop bar fitting like a flat bar, i have slight lower back problems so im not sure how long term drop bar would pan out but if you say it can be adjusted ill take a look at that.

how does people feel about fuji bikes i was told not as compareable to specialized, how true is that in my price range.

MRT2

Fuji offers good value for the money. Specialized is good but like Trek, you pay a premium for the name.

WestPablo

+1

The best bang for your buck these days, will most likely be found with the Fuji Absolutes at www.performancebike.com

Otherwise, I like the Jamis Codas, the Cannondale Bad Boy 9, the Cannondale Quick Series, the Giant Seek, the Giant Escape, the Kona Dew Plus, and the Trek FX Series...

triumph.man

saw this on CL today.

If it were my size I think I would have bought it.

Colnago Master Olympic

chumunga

Thanks MRT2, I been looking around an I think im down to Sirrus Elite none disc. I did look at the Absoulte by Fuji I saw the 2.1 and 2.0 and 1.4 but they all seem a bit slightly a bit heavier. what do you think, not sure which Absolute would match up with Sirrus Elite spec/weight (not to mention ride quality) Also I am considering Cannondale Quick 4.

I would like to thank everyone's input as it has been very valuable to giving me idea and what to factor and consider.

alexaschwanden

My raleigh Revenio 2.0 was 599$ w/tax, STI shifters, 9speed gear set, Carbon fork.

chumunga

Where? I see it for 899 on google

seymour1910

Some suggestions in your price range with good components.

GT GTR with Tiagra for $679
GT Bikes GTR Series 3 Bike 2013 > Complete Bikes > Road Bikes | Jenson USA Online Bike Shop

GT GTR with 105 for $879
GT Bikes GTR Series 2 Bike 2013 > Complete Bikes > Road Bikes | Jenson USA Online Bike Shop


Focus Variado with 105 for $849
Focus Variado 2.0 Bike 2012 > Complete Bikes > Road Bikes | Jenson USA Online Bike Shop

awfulwaffle 

Save up to 60% off new Road Bikes - Gravity Liberty 3 | Save up to 60% off new road bikes

I love mine, (relatively) fast and responsive. Plenty of other models on BD that fall within your price range as well. Buying on the internet does require that you have a good idea of what size bike you need, however. Also expect to pay to have your wheels properly tensioned if you go this route.

If you're liking the flat bars, there's this: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...century_xi.htm

Long Tom

REI is having a big sale right now. That puts the Novara Strada at under $900. 10-speed 105 drivetrain, carbon fork, dropouts for racks, and the long-reach Shimano brakes combined with massive frame clearance make large tires and/or fenders possible. Stout rims with a high spoke count. A generally very sturdy bike.

Mine currently has 35 mm tires on it for a cushy ride around Eugene with loaded-down panniers. A very decent bike. Good-looking too: