1. i am looking at FLAT BAR ROAD BIKES.
2. the hybrid guys all say why do you want that?
3. they all say buy a used bike. but I can't seem to find good deals on used bikes in my size so I am getting tired of looking. and they are biased against bikes direct.
4. I have been fitted to a specialized secteur, and I need a 54 cm bike and a trek 7.2fx ( a fast hybrid 20")
5. I feel i am a competent enough mech to support a mail order bike.

i find that a flat bar would be better until I can lose my gut. the road position has my legs brushing it. I can always convert to a road bike in the future by changing to drops and brifters and stem maybe. the first 2 bikes below are road bikes that moved towards hybrids. so as I look at bikes i keep cross checking specs against the secteur (base model) and the 7.2 fx

so here are what I am looking at.
gravity avenue fb http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/.../avenue_fb.htm $300
i think this is a flat bar version of the avenue c it looks like a steal

mercier galaxy tour http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...alaxy_tour.htm
similar drive train to the above. carbon fork, the frame looks less modern. is that a problem $350

motoebecane cafe latte http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...fe_latte_x.htm
the geometry is more hybrid, and mtb bike components slightly wider gear range. (deore but not sora) 400 this is only in the running because of the price.


so I can tell about components for the drive train but I know nothing about

• the wheels / hubs (my second concern)
• the brakes (my third concern)

also if i chose one of the first 2 bikes what should be upgraded first. example the avenue fb + a nashbar carbon fork is lunch money away in price from the galaxy is that a better plan do I end up with a better wheels and frame.

if I had more money I would spend more money but I would be willing to hear about other options in the $400 max