Old 02-09-15 | 09:55 AM
  #7  
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Little Darwin
The Improbable Bulk
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,379
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From: Wilkes-Barre, PA

Bikes: Many

Originally Posted by avidone1
For a fist bike I would lean towards the trek. The Raleigh has coolness factor for sure, but the trek has up to date styling and features.
I think vintage bikes are great for tinkerers and those with multiple rides. The trek can be serviced anywhere.
If I brought that Raleigh into any shop and they couldn't or wouldn't work on it, I would look for a new shop regardless of whether I wanted a vintage or modern bike serviced. Any shop that will only work on the latest technology isn't worth giving business to. With that said, I have never encountered a shop that wouldn't service older bikes...

EDIT: As far as the original question, I would lean toward the FX, but not because the Raleigh couldn't be serviced everywhere.

However, if you have ridden both, the difference in weight will make a minor difference on the hills, but not a huge difference. Buy the one you enjoyed the most on the test ride, if neither one gave you a better feeling, try longer rides. Also, remember that any bike can be tweaked for fit and comfort.

I don't recall the Capital Hill area very well, since I haven't spent a lot of time there, but if they are like many of the hills in Seattle, and you are like me, you will probably be pushing up the hills at least sometimes anyway. I grew up for much of my younger days in Seattle (Queen Anne Hill, Beacon Hill, Fremont, and right next to the mouth of the I-90 tunnel before they extended it).
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Last edited by Little Darwin; 02-09-15 at 10:04 AM.
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