Looking for a new Hybrid!
 

Hi,

My name is Scott and I'm a graduate student in Chicago. I originally moved here from Central Missouri, where I mostly rode gravel and paved city trails (KATY trail). When I moved to Chicago I had my bike stolen last year and am in the process of looking for a new hybrid to hit the trail with this spring.

I had a Gary Fisher Librano (SP?) hybrid which I had quite a bit of trouble with broken spokes. I am looking more at Trek or Giant now.

I am a hefty fellow (290 lbs) and try to ride quite often and am working on losing weight. I need a bike that can handle my weight but doesn't feel like I'm pedaling a monster truck. I am in the $7-800 dollar price range and wondering what a good model to look at would be. I will also definitely be investing in a Kryptonite lock as well, lol.

Any questions or info would be appreciated. Thanks! Glad to be a part of the forum.

Gary Fisher was Trek (depending on year).:D Just so you know, the spoke trouble was not used by brand name brand name. Any of these might have wheel problems if not properly maintained.

In this price range, I'd ride any of them. Go for best component package, they are all good. I myself look for best price and color. Then save up a little here and there for a good rear wheel.

I'm not an expert cyclist AT ALL, but we've also been looking for bikes, and we've learned that within that price range, the good bikes are generally comparable, so you should get the one that fits you best on as long of a test ride as you can get it out on and the one with the best components (that you want). I was surprised to learn that in this way, buying a bike isn't like buying a car (where even in the same price range, quality can depend on who makes the car).

We've ridden the Specialized Crosstrail/Ariel, will try the Giant Roam, and and might try the Fisher (made by Trek) Kaitai and Bodega.

Take a look on-line ... no tax and free shipping :thumb:

Shimano Deore, 27 Speed Bike 2011 Motobecane Cafe Sprint DISC $649
Powerful DISC BRAKES, Carbon Fork + Al Frame, Flat Bar Hybrid = Speed+Comfort
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...print_disc.htm
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...isc_xi_600.jpg

A couple of things, first Gary Fisher bicycles is a part of Trek, they had a falling out last year, and I guess have kissed and made up, so Fisher is no longer a division of Trek, but part of Trek. Generally all bicycle makers used components by one of three companies, Shimano, Sram and Campagnolo, the last one is only found on mid to high end road bikes. Generally the manufacturers will stick to the same line or lines at the same price point, a $700 Trek a $700 Giant and a $700 Bianchi will all be similar bikes, and they are probably all made by the same Chinese contractor. The differences are generally the geometry, one may have a longer or shorter top tube then another or different angles. This is where shopping gets important, you need to go to several dealers and try as many bikes as you can, see which one fits the closest.

Now have the rear wheel sent to a wheel builder to be properly tensioned for a rider your size, then ride it like you stole it.

Do you mind if I ask why a hybrid? I ask because my original plan was to buy a hybrid. I rode a mountain bike on the streets, Trek 3900, but wanted to get something a bit more road worthy. Being 315 I thought a hybrid was they only road style bike that could handle my weight. Then one day I rode one of my brothers road bikes, and I was hooked. I did some research and realized I didn't have to get a hybrid, a road bike could handle me. I found a CAAD8 on sale at my LBS, exactly at your price range, I put 50% down, and a few months later I rode her home. That was last October, and here I am 30lbs lighter, and having a blast.

If you want a hybrid get a hybrid, all I'm trying to say is don't feel your options are limited because of your weight.

+1 :thumb:

Look at the Trek FX series, I have a 7.2 FX and then put down some cash for your LBS to build a nice back wheel for you, let them bomb proof it for you, and if you buy the bike there, you could probably work a deal for them to take off some cash for building the wheel.

In your price range there are a lot of choices. At 290 #'s I don't think you would have much trouble on any bike. Look around and check out the used market. You might be able to find some good deals.

This is true, you might be able to get a few bucks for trading in your old wheel. Or you might want to keep it for a spare wheel in case the beefy one is temporarily down. Your call on that one.

I went with a nice Giant Hybrid I found at Kozy's in Chicago. I'm really excited to get out on it. I have some alterations (a new seat, special nuts/bolts for the seat and wheels to prevent theft and a new computer). Ready for it to warm up and hit the trails!