Originally Posted by
johndionysus
I am in the market for a hybrid, and am hoping for some helpful direction. Don't anticipate much trail riding, but the more upright position will be better for my lower back. I am aspiring to be able to use it to commute to work (15 miles or so each way) when the weather is not too foul.
I plan/expect to test ride, but was hoping for advice on narrowing the bikes I consider. I'm a dude in my late 40s, a hair under 5'11" with a healthy weight
My ideal budget is under $600, but I am willing to go up to $800 if the benefit is there.
I am able to get a discount on some Diamondback bikes, while the savings would be nice, it is not a driver for the decision. I'd willingly pay more and at list to get a better ride. FWIW, I think it is roughly 30% off of list for the Insight series (Clarity, too if "gender" for hybrids is marketing fluff).
Thanks in advance from this n00b.
Glad to hear your decision on getting a new bike and also that you want to start commuting back and forth to work with it that is awesome to hear. i live in a very small town and rely on my hybrid to get me around town (bank store, lake to go fishing) as well as work but my commute isnt nearly as long as yours. i have maybe a mile and a half which is uphill on my way to work. when i went searching for the perfect bike for me i was at 3 different LBS and test rode 4 different bikes and then narrowed it down. i know a 15 or so mile ride in a car for me is like 25 30 minutes where i live. so on a bike thats gonna take some time and effort. I would get to every LBS you can find in your area and start riding around on what they have to offer in your price range. if it isnt comfortable for you or cant be made comfortable for you i would simply just move onto the the next one. i know kind of generic advice but with your post saying 15 miles each way thats alot of pedaling.