I recently moved to a new area that makes bicycling more feasible.

1. I currently have a 4.5 mile commute to work over mainly flat terrain. Not sure I'd commute every day, but would like to when the weather is favorable.

2. Would also like to ride on some rail trails. No off-roading.

3. Could see doing some utility bicycling to local stores for groceries, etc. Maybe add a trailer down the road.

4. I'm over 6' tall, and in 40's.

5. Previous bike was a Mongoose Paver.

So I've looked around at both big box stores and local bike shops...

Initially I looked at a Huffy Perfect Fit Parkside 7 Speed at Walmart. Yeah, I know, it's a Huffy. But it does have a number of good reviews and seems "decent" for what it is.

I've also looked at the Giant Escape 0, Trek FX1 and FX2, Raleigh Detour, and Jamis Citizen 1.

I like the overall ergonomics of the Huffy, but the weight comes in a 42 lbs per Amazon, which seems excessive to me. And I'm sure the parts aren't the best, such as the Shimano Revoshift shifters. The 2 LBS's I shopped at were both really pushing me more toward a low, straight handlebar, which I'm not sure about. I'd likely be adding a rear rack and chain guard no matter what I buy. Fenders could be a plus.

Help me out here. Not sure what direction to go. Please make some suggestions, even if not listed above.

Thanks!

Paver

Why not start out with a straightish handlebar? You could switch to a drop bar later.

I agree that in the long run you wouldn't feel satisfied with a 42 pound Huffy. I also don't think there's any point for a bike with shocks; you'd be paying for something that doesn't improve the bike (for what you're using it for), and it's one more thing that needs maintenance.

If you like the geometry of the Huffy, I think you'd be really happy with the Raleigh Detour.

there a proper bike shop where you live? go back & talk to them ... only advantage to a Huffy is you wont care when it's stolen.

I have a fuji absolute 2.1 that i put fenders on, a rack, and I use Timbuk 2 panniers that are water proof, fold into a shoulder bag, and can hold a 12 pack in each side.
The bike sells for around $450 - I love it - but i'm not a fussy guy.

Be open to spending some extra $$ on comfort--seat especially. I'm not saying buy an expensive seat right away, but if after a few weeks, it is not comfortable, first try adjusting it forward/back, up/down, then try something different. Same thing (to a lesser extent) on the handlebars.

If you are comfortable, you will keep it up. I had an expensive bike for years that was uncomfortable, and I didn't ride much. Now I have a cheaper bike that I am comfortable with, and use almost daily.

My requirements were the same as yours. I'm pretty happy with the Raleigh Merit 2. I was skeptical about the drop bar at first but it works great.

Where are you located? For what you described I'd recommend a good City Bike: City Bikes | LocalMile

I would avoid a big box store bike like the huffy. In my experience, they are not carefully assembled, need to be tuned up more often, rust out, and just don’t age well (not to mention the weight). The stuff you can’t see (quality of bearings and hubs, grade of steel) becomes obvious after a year or two when you just don’t want to deal with all the problems that have cropped up.

There aren't any shocks on the Huffy.

I think I'll test ride the Detour on Saturday.

Thanks!

No lack of Bike shops in the area. Most have good reviews. I guess some test rides or even a rental is in order...

The stock seat is actually one of my bigger objections to the Trek and Giant hybrids I looked at. I can't imagine those being comfortable for much more than a spin around the block. Maybe I'm wrong. I much preferred the seat on the Jamis Citizen and Raleigh Detour.

I'm totally open to spending more than the Huffy because this is something I wish to own for a while without the worries of replacing ever year or two.

Guess I'm also skeptical of the drop bar. And this is also beyond my budget. Joping to stay around 300.

I'm in PA Dutch country. I like the bikes on that page. Not sure about long rides with them. Also not sure of the cost. I haven't seen any for sale in the 3 shops I visited.

I was initially hoping to buy a bike made anyplace but China, but sadly, they all seem out of my budget.

Thanks for passing on that most intestesting page!

Is the Giant Cypress similar in spec and price to the Detour? The local Giant shop didn't have any on the floor last week, but I saw a couple online and thought they might be worth checking out as well if I can find one.

The Raleigh Detour and Giant Cypress are very similar. I notice the Giant Cypress line has at least one model with a front shock; my inclination is to get one of the models with a rigid fork.

By the way, the Specialized Crossroads is also on that same category.