Hi there,
I'm new to the forum, and to biking in general. Last summer, I was riding a friends Giant Sedona for fitness and in the midst of searching for my own, I came across a cheap Schwinn and added it to my amazon wishlist. To my surprise, my folks picked this bike up for me as a gift.
See it here:
http://www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/ro...14703#/reviews
I rode it a twice, hoping to eventually use it as a commuter but wasn't to comfortable on it. The third time I got a flat and never got back on it. I am now moving, starting a new program and looking to commute via bike. The ride is about 3.5 miles one way. Mostly urban, but several trails nearby and some on the way. I'm looking for a hybrid, dual sport bike that can be used for commuting, fun on the weekend, and possibly cruising to the beach.
I don't know much about bikes, or what my options are, so forgive my naivety. Here is what I am considering.
1. Keeping the Schwinn - putting different tires on it as we'll as anything else that would assist it in being multi-purpose. (I hate the brake set-up on the bars, but I don't mind the drop set up)
2. I've been looking at these options based on some reading, what I want it for and price. I don't really want to go over a $1000.
Trek CrossRip
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...013_crossrip/#
Trek DS 8.4
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...eries/8_4_ds/#
Cannondale quick cx3
http://www.cannondale.com/2013/bikes...-cx/quick-cx-3
I'm hesitant to make a large purchase as a newbie, but at the same time, the Schwinn doesn't seem like its up to the task.
Any suggestions, advice, etc is greatly appreciated.
I'm 5'10 200lbs decent shape (if that matters)