Jamis Coda vs. Trek 7.1FX
 

Ah dear, I was so set on the Coda until I saw someone's Trek today... it doesn't look too shabby.

So, what should I go for? It's definitely 100% urban commuter, and I will mount fenders, rack, and milk crate.

The Trek 7.1FX is $100, but the Jamis is steel. I've never compared steel vs. aluminum for a similar bike, my aluminum bike is a road bike so it doesn't help. I'll try to test ride both of them, but that depends on the availabilities of the dealers near me.

How about components? I have no idea how to compare mountain bike components (which I assume these use?).

I do know that the 7.1FX comes with 35c tires stock, while the Coda has 28c tires stock. I was hoping to go with thicker tires for the potholes in Philly, so I assume the 7.1FX has that in its favor.

Coda comes in ghost bone, but the 7.1FX's matte black is dead sexy... which one is easier to take care of?

Ok, with a few more inputs, these are the bikes I'm looking at:

Jamis Coda: http://jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/s...a/09_coda.html
Jamis Allegro: http://jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/s..._allegro1.html
Trek 7.1FX: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/fx/71fx/
Trek 7.2FX: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/fx/72fx/
Trek PDX: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/urban/pdx/pdx/

I'd prefer to stick to these two brands as I have dealers nearby, although I think there is also a Specialized dealership somewhere close as well...

Any opinions?

I'd go with the Coda. As much of a Trek fan as I am, the 7.1 is the rock bottom of the Trek FX lineup. You can get better components by going to a bit lesser known brand. Jamis, Fuji, etc.

That said, if you're looking for a solid commuter, the 2010 Trek PDX is essentially a FX with disc brakes, and a much better wheelset. I have one, well, at least it started out as a PDX, only thing original at this point is the frame/fork.

The PDX looks pretty nice.

Why are there so many variations on a simple hybrid??

And I'm not so sure if components are really that necessary... I find that I only shift between maybe 3 gears in riding, since I ride in the (relatively flat) city.

Well, I just looked at both websites, and I don't know either :)

According to the MSRPs though, it looks like the regular Coda would be more comparable to the 7.2, which is slightly less expensive, or even the 7.3, if you can find a deal. Both of those have the alpha black frames for 2010, which would be lighter than the white of the 7.1. I believe the 2009 7.2 was alpha white, but the 7.3 in 2009 was alpha black.

Of course there are other Coda models too. Which one are you considering?

For the record, I recently purchased a used 7.3 and I love it. I rode it tonight to Kenpo, to the bank, then I mounted a new light and took a test ride around the neighborhood. Any excuse to ride.

I also have a Felt x City, which is a great bike, and seems tough as a tank. I like them both, but they are very different bikes. The Trek is fast. With the Trek, you are getting basically a flat bar road bike. I really know nothing about the Jamis, but many people love them.

Hope that helps some.

Posting links to the 7.1 FX and the Coda and/or pictures of each will likely get you more responses. IMO both bikes are similarly equipped, so it comes down to money and feel; feel being more important. Ride both bikes if possible and choose the one that feels best. Saving $100 isn't worth s**t if the bike doesn't feel right. FWIW I like the Coda better - chromoly frame and fork vs. the Trek's aluminum frame and hi-ten fork, but that's only on paper. Riding them is the true test.

If you're going Trek, start with the 7.2, since for 2010 you get the better alpha black frame. For 2009 you had to buy the 7.3 to get the better frame as waynesworld already said....

Well, I'm hoping to stay as low priced as possible... I don't have time for recreational biking anymore so I'm sticking to a good bike that will get me to school and back.

I thought steel was historically better than aluminum frames, but is the alpha black frame good? I know I'll have to test ride it, one of these days I'll trek over to the trek store. The Jamis store is right next to school, I test rode the Allegro today since they didn't have a Coda in my size... even if it was an aluminum frame that was pretty decent.

So that also throws the Allegro into the mix... shifting was rough but the ride was so smooth. I'm less worried about aluminum frames now.

I think it comes down to the frame choice:

Jamis Coda: steel
Jamis Allegro: aluminum
Trek 7.1FX: white aluminum
Trek 7.2FX: black aluminum
Trek PDX: ???

Let me update my original posts...

Can't tell from the pics if the Allegro or the PDX have eyelets on the rear dropouts for both fenders and racks - not that you couldn't get around that with a couple of p-clamps, but something to look into. The Allegro retails for almost $650. For that price you might want to consider the 7.3 FX. That would upgrade you to Deore components, Alpha Black aluminum, and still give you 32c tires and all the needed eyelets for fenders and racks.

That allegro looks nice. That seems like pretty much a direct comparison to the FX, having an aluminum frame. I guess Sora components are rather low end road stuff, but I've personally never tried them, so can't comment. I've ridden 105, and Tiagra, but never Sora. The aforementioned two are just wonderful.

With the allegro MSRP, you seem to be in 7.3 FX territory, though. It has deore rear d., which is pretty good mountain stuff, or so I read. I can say that the deore on my 7.3, and the one on my Felt, for that matter, shift very well.

As was mentioned before, you'll have to ride them. Once you do, you'll know. I wouldn't give up on the Trek before riding it.

To further muddle things, that PDX looks great to me. Nice price too. Good luck :)

At the LBS I believe the Allegro was going for around the same price as the Coda, which was why it was an option.

What's the difference between road and mountain groupsets?

PDX has eyelets both front and back. As a bit of added info, the PDX lists for $559. I paid $450 for mine but that price will be hard to get - I buy a lot of bikes and send a lot of business to my LBS.. MAP which a lot of stores sell at is $499

"What's the difference between road and mountain groupsets?"

Not much. Main diff is the gear ratios. Road gruppos will allow you to go faster with less effort, assuming that you are fit enough and that you have smooth roads with low traffic volume and minimal stops. Mtn's geared lower to climb hills better.

If you do have a Specialized dealer near you look at the Sirrus also. Nice bike.

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...nuItemId=12189

Time to muddy the waters a bit more. I took the liberty of finding the zip code for your school to find other brands that merit consideration, especially if you want to keep the price down. Mind you that a dealer search based upon the zip code will give the mileage from the post office associated with that zip code.

Kona Smoke- I've got an older '06 model with 26" wheels. This won't win any races, but if you are concerned about potholes, this steel frame wearing size 47 rubber should smooth it out some.
KHS Urban X- Comes with fenders and rack installed.
KHS Urban Express- A bit better, but doesn't come with fenders/rack, but can take both front and rear.

Kona's is the 2010 pricing, KHS is the 09 pricing.

Oo I like the Kona Smoke, I'm partial to steel frames. I also found out that the Kona dealer is also the Jamis dealer in the area (Trophy Bikes).

Where's the prince on the Smoke??

To see the price of the Smoke, scroll to the right of the screen in that black banner.

Wow. For some reason that wasn't showing up when I loaded it the first time.