Hi all,
My first post here - what a great forum!
I'm looking to replace an old, circa 1990 mountain bike with one bike I can use to commute to work (12-13 miles roundtrip), as well as handle light off-road duties when we go camping, vacation, etc. I am not talking any kind of hard core trail riding or anything - we're talking campground roads, packed dirt, gravel roads.... I estimate 80-90% commuting and sightseeing on paved surfaces with the balance light off-roading.
I have tried to put in my due diligence on Internet research and trying out several bikes over the past few weeks. I now seek the input and collective wisdom of the fine people on this forum.
Given my intended uses and the fact that I don't want to own multiple bikes, I'm looking at hybrid or dual purpose bikes. My budget is in the $500-600 range (I might go a little above $600 if that is where the best choice falls). I've kind of divided my bike choices into two categories:
1. Dual sport-type bikes, where I'm going to give up some performance on paved surfaces in return for better capabilities off road. These are my leading contenders in this category:
-Trek DS 8.2 or 8.3 (I have ridden both and of course prefer the higher priced one
-Jamis Allegro X Sport (have not ridden one but did try a Coda Sport, which was impressive)
2. Fitness/commuting - oriented hybrids, with marginal capabilities for any off-roading. Leading contenders (I've test-ridden all of these):
-Trek FX 7.2
-Jamis Coda Sport
-Novara Forza
I have tried other bikes in both of these categories - Giant, Specialized, Rocky Mountain - but the ones above are my faves.
I think I could be happy with any of the bikes listed above, I would appreciate input on what category makes the most sense and of course any advice or experience you can offer on any of these individual bikes.
Thanks