Originally Posted by
SparksIT
So I'll be heading south for work, and should be driving by another (larger) Trek shop, technically I have 2, but it depends on which way I take home. The one dealer is a Trek and Giant the other is a Trek\Brontrager\Mirraco dealer. Not sure about Brontrager, or Mirraco as it doesn't look like they would make the type of bikes that I am looking for.
Actually, scratch that....the one town has both a Trek\Giant and a Fuji dealer, so I am going to head that way, it only adds about 10 miles.
So I plan to stop off on my way back home. Any suggestions or things I should look for or ask?
At your pricepoint, I'd stick with a rigid fork. After you've trimmed down and developed an appreciation for the sport, you just might get the yearning for a road bike. That's where the major investment should be applied. Meanwhile, I think that this entry level hybrid will suffice for now. I will therefore, recommend the following:
The Diamondback Insight ~ $400
www.rei.com/product/832975/diamondback-insight-hybrid-bike-2012-special-buy
The 2011 Fuji Absolute 2.0 ~ $600
www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1093964_-1_400316
The Jamis Coda Sport ~ $560
www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/street/coda/12_codasport_bk.html
Good Luck!
PS.
You can't beat REI's 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. If you keep your receipt and say, five years down the road something goes wrong with your bike, you can either get a total refund, or full credit for an exchange.
The rei outlet is rei's online store...