My hybrid decision was narrowed down to a handful of bikes from the local shops...

Trek FX 7.4 Disc
Trek 8.4 DS

Specialized Crosstrail Sport Disc

Cannondale Quick SL2
Cannondale Quick CX3


I road all of them, in that order.

I was convinced I would be doing plenty of light off road trail riding, so I was sure I needed front suspension. Plus I wanted a plusher ride. So the Trek FX 7.4 left the list(but I also just didn't like how that bike felt under me), and the Quick SL 2 left the list.

Then it basically came down to which shop I liked better, so it was the Cannondale Quick CX3.



After owning it for a little while, I have a mixed opinion about it.

Opinion 1 is about the bike itself. Its a wonderful bike. My only real complaint, is very minor. I would have like to see the Deore RD and FR for the price.. but truthfully.. really doesn't matter. Its a nice all rounder, I dont feel like Im riding a mountain bike on the road, but I have confidence if I go into the gravel. If you want a do it all bike, this is a nice choice.

Opinion 2 is about my riding. I have discovered very quickly that I have no desire whatsoever to go offroad. I definitely bought the wrong bike for the type of riding I want to do. I either should have bought the Quick SL2, which is basically a flat bar road bike, or I should have got a road bike. Im currently in the process of doing exactly that.


But like I said in opinion 1.. the bike on its own, is really a wonderful bike. I would suggest it to anyone looking for a front suspension do it all hybrid, you would not be dissapointed in the slightest. And the Hydraulic disc brakes are BUTTERY smooth... its a really nice feature IMO. And Im not saying hybrid vs road yada yada yada.. Im actually probably keeping the CX 3 instead of returning it and making my road bike cheaper, because while my main riding is on the pavement distance rides, the Quick CX 3, with the addition of a rack and maybe some panniers, is going to make a serious all around town bike. Disc brakes for wet weather, front suspension fork for shortcuts through the trails, relaxed geometry for those longer errands, and panniers to make trips to the market or the convience store.

this bike made me really like Cannondale. Its a super awesome looking bike, and because of how much I liked it, I straight away looked to Cannondale for a road purchase. Not that I disliked the Specialized(not at all actually, I really liked it), or the Treks(if the shop was better my first choice was the Trek DS).. its just that everything lined up with the Cannondale options. My likes, plus the shops fortitude.

Again if you're looking for a hybrid with a suspension fork, Id seriously consider the Quick CX3. For what you get for the money, I think its hard to beat. 2nd choice would probably be the Trek 8.4DS, for a little more money you get some Deore parts.