A coworker just ask me to recommend a few bikes for him to test ride. He's looking to spend around $800 and wants a decent all-arounder. Something he could possible throw a rack on for grocery trips but still take out on the weekend for a 50-miler. Certainly don't need a race bike but not a full-blown comfort ride either.

Can you guys post a few options of what would fit the bill? Looking for new, not used. This is a coworker...I don't have the time to shop for used bike with him. Thanks!

Should consider a specialized alez, you can get em for pretty cheap and they are just amazing for what you pay for em. If he gets a bike trailer for grocery getting (which is what I use) it can adapt easily with the skewer provided with the trailer, fits all bikes, even my Roubaix.

Your coworker needs to go hit up the LBSs that are accessible to him and needs to tell the staff what he wants to do and how much he's wanting to spend. Go for some rides. Then he'll seek guidance from you (might consider cutting out the middle man and suggest that he join BF).

That being said, the Giant Escape, Specialized Sirrus, Trek FX 7.3/4, Jamis Coda, Raleigh Cadent, Kona Dew... basically any performance orientated hybrid will do the trick. Or an entry level roadie. But he's got ride them to figure out which he likes better.

+1

He's going to hit up some shops to ride a few. I just wanted to point him to the best of the bunch for the price range. Thanks for the recommendations. Any comments on the Giant Defy 5? Comes in around $700.

Raleigh has a nice line of steel bikes that should do the trick.

For weekend club rides, it will be acceptable. For grocery runs, not so much, unless he's using a big backpack or mess bag. If he could extend the budget a bit, sounds like a CX would be the way to go- offers a bit more versatility.

Gearing and drop bars like a rb and a little stouter frameset like an MTB. There's a couple on www.bikesdirect.com(click on 'road' and scroll down to 'cyclocross') that would fill the bill. One's 2x10 and the other's 2x9. 800.00USD for one and 550.00USD for the other. Free shipping. They're great bikes for the money, but no snob appeal. Good to excellent comps and bosses for racks. Get a lbs to assemble it unless the OP's willing to help.

Btw, I've got the 2x9 version and have no trouble keeping up w/group rides. Just strip off the rack/bags and roll.