Hi,
Obviously from the title, I have a decision to make, and am finding it difficult to choose. I have no expertise with bikes, but I read these forums a lot and have found most here to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Please allow me to tap your thoughts.
I'm looking to buy a new, fairly high end hybrid. Budget is around $1500 Canadian, which I think works out to around $1200 US, but I'm somewhat flexible based on your input.
I ride aprox. 50km per day, purely for fun and exercise. My usual routes feature aprox. 75% smooth road and 25% off-road trail. The off-road is not tame trails and fairly challenging, so the bike need handle it. I've had MTB's, road bikes, and hybrids. I have found that the hybrid, by far, allows for the most enjoyable experience on these routes, so am looking to upgrade my current one, which is a very poor model.
Disk brakes are a MUST - I don't care to elaborate why, because it would only make this post more long-winded then it already is. Comfort is definitely a priority. Wind is my biggest enemy it seems, so riding posture is a consideration. Tough trails, and that I am a big guy, make strength and durability a priority, as well as wheel width and tire type. I definitely am not interested in any shocks or springs, etc. - they only seem to absorb my energy and slow me down. I like to ride very fast, as I bore easily, so performance is a key.
I have narrowed my selection to the following models, for which I hope you may comment on and help me to decide, or perhaps suggest an option I have failed to consider.
1. 2006 Devinci Sydney - $1350 @ LBS
http://www.devinci.com/2006/eng/bike...rid/sydney.htm
Pros:
From what I can gather from the research I've done, the components seem excellent for the price. It's a Canadian company, so I might save any import costs. The wheels are on the thicker side of the hybrid range, which makes it more suitable for off-road.
Cons:
The gears seem for stronger riders (please excuse my lack of proper terminology) - I am referring to the 52/42/30T figure, and how it is higher then with most bikes I've seen. The mounting of the rear disk break is done in an unconventional manner...perhaps this may result in a loss of performance in harsh conditions or may reduce it's overall stopping power...not sure.
2. 2005 Devinci Tosca - $1539 @ LBS
http://www.devinci.com/english/tosca.html
Pros:
In addition to the pros that apply from the Sydney, I assume this will perform better in wind and for speed.
Cons:
Less comfortable. Apparently, no 'Granny Gear' at all, which is sorely needed in those tough times? For rough trails, I can't see how any stability or handling can be acheived with this handlebar system, although the LBS assures me it can be done...I just seem to believe that a MTB handlebar is much easier to balance on and manouver in tight situations.
3. Trek 7.5 FX Disk - cost currently unknown, assumed >$1500
http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike...d=1342000&f=26
Pros:
I trust the Trek brand and have always known them to make extremely good bikes...from what I know, anyways. Call it loyalty born from experience...maybe foolish, i know. Standard, reliable setup resulting in risk free expectations and less unknowns. Wheels/tires, as like the Devinci's, seem adaquate for my needs.
Cons:
Less then stellar component quality. Specifications seem vague. Paying for the name is a possibility.
So those are them. Please provide whatever commentary you can regarding these selections. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thank you!