DataJunkie

What is with the hating on my hating? Can't a man get a break?

Wanderer

Nice looking bike, and it should serve you well.

I have a Specialized Crosstrail Hybrid, and it really is a fine "do it all bike."

What size rubber does it have on it? 700 X ??

starla

700x32 I believe.

Fairmont

I would never ride a hybrid like that.

I'll stick with my Trek Soho.

Big M

Same here. Hyrbrid of what? MTB/Road? Commuter/Cruiser? Road/Commuter? Cruiser/Road?

Mine feels like a flat bar road bike, with somewhat of a more upright seating position. Raleigh calls it a "performance hybrid." I love the bike, but seems like such a made up category.

elTwitcho

If you already have experience with hybrids and it's what you like in a bike, rock on. I hope you enjoy that bike and ride it until every part is worn out

Fairmont

Ah, don't feel bad.

I have the Soho 1.0, and it's a great bike. Others can make fun of the rubber bumper, but the bumper is kind of cool. I get a lot of compliments on that bike from people, including serious riders. They ask what it is. It is a very unique looking bike in terms of styling. Sure, it's just a regular old bike, but it has the option for a LOT of attachments, which is perfect for a commuter.

The Trek Soho (er, valencia???) is not for conditioning or racing. Sure you can use it to get in shape (I did the hard way---forcing myself to ride it to work), but it is heavier than a fitness bike.

If you are riding for fitness or to race or to do centuries, it's the wrong bike.

However, if you want a bike to RIDE TO WORK without looking like a dork, then this is the bike. It's the most masculine-looking bike they sell, and the comments people make prove it. It's a bad-arse looking bike, like the Bad Boy from Canondale.

Plus, it can handle a ton of attachments, as I said. I now have a Topeak seatpost rack (that does NOT sway--that thing is tight), and a handlebar bag. Plus I have a handlebar light, a helmet light, a tail light, and more.

It has a ton of extra holes for gosh knows what kind of attachments.

The Soho is a commuters bike and nothing else.

Those guys who ride ten miles or less to work need look no further than the Soho (Valencia). With the internal cables and beefed up rims/tires, it can handle anything.

If I didn't have a beautiful wife, that bike would be in the bed beside me each night.

Fairmont

I forgot to add:

Check that bike. If you're paying too much, get the Soho. It's the same bike, but is probably more versatile for a commuter. And it will cost less.

I have an 08 Soho 1.0. Best bike I've ever owned.


They probably dumped the rubber bumper because it collects debris in it (the top of it is against the top tube, but debris gets into the cracks).

I wouldn't be surprised if the rubber bumper peels off after awhile.

Personally, I don't care. I just love the bike. It's a man's bike, and that's all there is to it.

I wear baggy black riding shorts, a black riding shirt, vans shoes, a skate helment, and the bike is black (ish), so I look like one bad-arse dude riding it instead of a clown in yellow and pink tights with a goofy Flash Gordon bike helmet.

rickyaustin

+1

starla

B-b-but...I'm a girl. Is that okay?



And my feelings are not hurt by the anti-hybrid folk. It's cool. Everyone's gotta ride what works for them.

Jonahhobbes

OK I'm tired and just off to bed but what is the "rubber bumper'? Any pics? Looks like a nice bike to me.

Nozzle

The "hybrid" term doesn't work the same way for bikes as it does for cars. In reality, most bikes are a hybrid of several design elements and specific components that are purposed for a certain type of riding.

So really, who cares?

That will be fine bike for you, starla.

Biker43

Long live the "Hybrid". Looks like a very nice bike, enjoy

crhilton

Because it's ridiculous and what they mean is low end road frame with low end mountain bike parts to get the price even lower? They should put racks on them and call them commuters. That'd probably hurt sales though.

somebikerider

That is a gorgeous bike, you get quite a lot for the money you put out on it.

devianb

Hybrids work extremely well for my style and what I use a bicycle for, except for jumping off things and popping wheelies. That Trek is perfect. Its everything I wish my old Diamondback was. You even have that oh so rare plastic crank guard.

Soho17.0

I bought a used '07 Soho 4 weeks ago and have been using it for commuting ever since. I have put close to 300 miles on it so far and love it. It is a great looking bike and the black bumpers really do a great job protecting the finish. I have it loaded down with a Topeak rear rack and MTX EXP trunk bag. The bike handles nicely even with the heavy load. My commute is almost 11 miles and I average 16 to 17mph with 10 stoplights. I have got many compliments and hope to put a pile of miles on her.
Congratulation and I hope you enjoy it!

Chicagoan

Wow a hitch on a Prius thats cool. You ever tow a trailer with it?

bragi

I think the OP's bike looks pretty darn nice, even though I've never ridden one before. It belies the ugly-bike stereotype of most hybrid bikes. I don't have a hybrid myself any more (I decided touring bikes do the same jobs better), but I rode everywhere, every day, on a hybrid for over four years, and it served me very well. I even used that bike, along with a trailer, to haul an outboard motor ten miles. People who make fun of hybrids, in addition to being snobby over nothing, probably just ride bikes so they can justify wearing tight Lycra clothing and uncomfortable, awkward shoes that clack on pavement like horses' hooves.

becnal

Sweet bike! Enjoy! Now go put a Brooks on it!

stockholm

Good looking bike!

I used to have a Specialized Sirrus for commuting, but then I bought a Kona Jake and my partner... did a hostile takeover. And even though I love my Jake out in the open, I sure miss the Sirrus for my downtown commuting.

Have fun!

mesasone

Have you tried riding it?

Oh boy, I crack myself up sometimes.

dynaryder

I can't find the site now,but I believe the Valencia is a women's specific Soho. Like how Specialized calls their WS Sirrus the Vita.

mds0725

Great looking bike! Congratulations. I have a hybrid (2008 Specialized Sirrus with 700x28 tires) and I like it a lot. Besides, the only "right" bike is the bike that's right for you. I hope you love it!

Brian Jr

Hybrid haters can say what they please, but if it weren't for my hybrid I wouldn't have made the commitment to commute. I wanted a bike with a feel that I was used to (I've been mountain biking for a few years now) and that would perform on the street better than my mtb. So I got a Specialized Crosstrail. I can see that at some point I'd like to get something closer to a road bike feel (cyclo-cross anyone?), but for now my hybrid is an awesome step between.

I don't care that my bike won't post the best times, carry the most weight, be the most efficient, or whatever. What matters to me is that I'm comfortable on it and that it keeps me riding.