Hi all,

I’m about to buy a new bike and haven’t ridden in over ten years. I’ve narrowed it down to 2 bikes and would like any input of anything. I test rode about 15 different bikes last week and these 2 bikes felt the best. I’m mainly doing for fitness and will be on the road mostly but if I come across a light dirt road or grass I know I can ride on it. I’m 5’9”, 190 lbs., hence, my fitness level is beginner and 35 yrs.

These 2 bikes were from 2 different shops:

Cannondale Quick 4 ($600)

Frame - Quick, butted 6061 alloy, SAVE
Fork - Quick Carbon Blades, 1 1/8 steerer
Crank - Shimano M151, 48/38/28
Chain - KMC Z72
Rims - Element Xero C3 Wheelset
Spokes - DT Aluminum Nipples
Tires - Kenda Kwick Trax 700X38c
Pedals - Quick Reinforced Compostie w/ Kraton, by Wellgo
Bottom Bracket - Tange Cartridge
Rear Cogs - Sunrace CSM668, 11-32, 8 Speed
Front Derailleur - Shimano M191
Rear Derailleur - Shimano Alivio
Shifters - Shimano Alivio
Handlebars - Cannondale C4, 6061 Alloy, 25mm rise
Stem - Cannondale C4, 6061 Alloy
Headset - Tange Custom Si
Brakes - Tektro TX 120 V Brakes
Seat Post - Cannondale C4 6061Alloy,27.2mm
Wheel Rims - Element Xero C3 Wheelset
Nipples - DT Spokes
Saddle - Cannondale Quick Ergo Performance

Trek FX 7.5 ($900)

Frame - FX Alpha Black Aluminum
Fork - Bontrager Nebula, carbon, SpeedTrap compatible
Wheels - Bontrager SSR wheelset
Tires - Bontrager Race All Weather Hard-Case, 700x32c
Shifters - Shimano Deore, 9-speed trigger
Front Derailleur - Shimano Deore
Rear Derailleur - Shimano Deore LX
Crank - Shimano M443 Octalink, 48/36/26
Cassette - SRAM PG-950 11-26, 9 speed
Pedals - Alloy body w/alloy cage
Saddle - Bontrager H2 Flex Form
Seat Post - Bontrager Nebula
Handlebars - Bontrager Satellite Plus IsoZone OS, 25mm rise
Stem - Bontrager SSR, 10 degree
Headset - Slimstak, semi-cartridge bearings, sealed
Brakeset - Avid SD-3 brakes w/Tektro adjustable-reach levers


So what I’m wondering is (and I think I already know the answer but…) the feel of both bikes seemed the same even though the prices between the 2 are $300. From what I’ve learned in general that the components on the trek will be better. And, the Trek should last longer between tuneups? Also, I assume since they are both new that the cheaper bike (Cannondale) will feel just as good as the trek but the tuneup will not last as long and maybe give me a false sense of the bike when I test rode it?

I guess it mostly depends on the bike builder/shop than the quality of the bike to a certain degree? I figure this because I’ve test ridden a lot of other bikes (within this price range) from other shops and had problems with shifting or tuneup problems….i think. I’m no expert so trying to figure this out. FYI, I didn’t cross chain either.

So, my main question is…I should buy a bike from the shop that had less problems shifting than a shop that I rode a bike from that did have problems? Cause if the shop tunedup the bike right I shouldn’t of had any problems no matter what bike I test rode? I know this might be common sense and probably answered my own questions. But, I would like to hear from an unbiased opinion.

Am I right on all of this? Please tell me if I’m misinformed about anything. Thank you!