Hi All,

Looking at getting a hybrid to replace a Mongoose Solution my ex wife gave me in 2003. I always felt it was too small, I have the seat post up to the limit, and even then I feel like a clown in a circus, but rode the bike on and off. Took it to a local bike shop to see what could be done, they could put in new seat post, handlebar post and rewire it all but even then the frame is really too small for me. I'm 6'1". The Mongoose had a front suspension, suspension on seat and in middle of body, a mountain bike. Finger tip shifters, 24 speed, if was my size I would have been happy with it.

I realized I enjoy riding a bike more than going on elliptical for cardio. At least I can ride the area and change my scenery. I am in south florida so summers may be hard. I just turned 60, but have no issues on elliptical, walking, doing any cardio...

One shop showed me a Specialized Crossroads Sport at $519 and would give me $50 for my old Mongoose. IIRC the Sport model went to 24 speed and had the suspension on the saddle. He had a large frame one but not already put together so I couldn't sit on one.

Another shop showed me a Trek Verve II, came in black and bright red. Ergonomic grips, seat suspension, etc. He had a 22.5 size frame. Got on it, may be a bit tight when straddling, have about 1" below the crotch. Got on seat, can touch ground with tip toes, which is good. He has it for $549 and will give me $100 for the mongoose.

So I have not bought a bike in a while. Any ups or downs to one make over the other? These are the two shops in town. There is one more about 30 mins south of me. I can see what they have.

Another option is to restore my 1974 Schwinn Sports Tourer. I had to find the right frame size in a shop far from my house back then. It has Campangnolo Gran Tourismo gears, nervar crank, TA Headset, weinmann rims, double butted spokes, Brooks saddle, center pull brakes, QR hubs ( don't remember brand) . It also has rondonneur bars with campy end shifters that I put in. Have not rode it in 8-10 years so needs tires, a "tune up" and cleaning. I know its not a hybrid, but its a nice riding bike on the road. We do have some areas here where you can ride on dirt roads that can be bumpy and this is not the bike for that....

So input on these two brands appreciated, input on other models/brands too in the $500 +/- range...