Originally Posted by
jabamgl
Hello to all replied and cared and readl. I'm very sorry it took me a long time to post back.
I'm reporting back from my research. I have to say here that finding a perfect bike is a lot harder than what I thought. It seems that all the bikes I had tried felt very similar to each other. Trek FX was lighter but its gears did not shift smooth like Giant Escape. Now, when I said lighter, I meant 1 oz lighter (Trek FX 26lb & Giant Escape 27lb). I think I like the Giant Escape better. Haro "something" was similar to weight but its brake was superior (I mean it stoppped in shorter distances and surprisingly, I liked it).
However, I need to try following bikes.
Diamond Insight
Jamis Coda
Fuji (no idea)
Avanti inc 1.O (it looks to me australian, no dealer in the states)
The dealers for these bikes are in 40-65 miles.
Specialized Sirrus was not in stock for me to try.
Thank you again all.
Since you have had an opportunity to ride some bikes, use that experience while perusing websites of other manufacturers you are interested in.
Don't drive 40 miles to see a bike if you don't like how it looks or if it is too expensive. (don't underestimate looks, you will ride a bike more if you like the looks of it)
I say drive if you have to, saving a few gallons of gas isn't worth it if the local bikes aren't good for your riding or are uncomfortable.
Also recommend not buying a bike you can't ride, unless you are certain it will fit.