I ride a folding downtube nova 7 speed 20" wheels. It's a great bike

I have a short commute ~6miles, but a couple decent hills. The 7 speed is plenty for flats but I feel a need for wider gearing up and down hills. Also some stop signs and lights, so I prefer something lightweight for good acceleration and climbing. I also live in a 2nd floor apt so ideally not much more than 25 pounds.

I also want a bike that is more comfortable for longer rides on the weekend. There are some junky roads here and the 20" bike gets uncomfortable after 10 miles. I want to start doing some longer rides when I'm not commuting

I am looking to get something used, so I've been checking craigslist. But I want some help with ideas of what to look for

My research so far reveals Trek 7.3 and Jamis coda (without suspension) are considered "light" and the Jamis is supposedly great for the $

I've also thought about getting a used entry level road bike (like a a giant defy 5) and putting a cargo rack and wider tires on it, which would still be plenty fast if somewhat ridiculous looking.

any ideas? thanks!

Welcome To Bike Forums, BikeBreak!

So what's the upper limit of your budget?

Do you live near a major city within the USA?

The Giant Defy is pure road bike. You're not going to get 'wider' tires on there- especially if you want to use fenders.

I know you said you wanted to get away from 20" wheels (even though they accelerate faster than larger sizes- which you also want to do...), check out this mini: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/nano.htm. It will be easier to maneuver indoors and stairwells.

Started commuting with Dahon Speed TR (24 speed originally)... while having plenty of gear range, etc... just wanted something lighter, faster, maybe fancier once my commute moved from 8 miles a day to eventually 25-30 miles a day (or more). Got myself CF road bike thinking I will switch between two... Was I wrong or what... I rarely use the Dahon for commute. It's been rehashed for family bike ride only... If you think you might like road bike... go for it. If you think you will be happy with hybrid, that would be good too.

You could look at cyclocross bikes. They seem to have everything you're looking for. However, some models are geared pretty high while others are wide-range, so make sure you check that out. I have this one: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...fantom_cxx.htm It's great, especially for this price (unfortunately, they appear to be pretty low on stock at this time).

I have the frame that comes with this bike, and like it: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._cross_cx2.htm I can't comment on the components, because I just bought the bare frame and headset. They also sell a version of this bike with a triple crank, which is perhaps what you would want: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._cross_cx3.htm

I test-rode the Surly Cross Check at a LBS, and I liked it a lot. The geometry is essentially the same as the first bike I linked above. It's a good option if you prefer to go the LBS route (provided it's available near you).

[QUOTE=bikebreak;14392147
I've also thought about getting a used entry level road bike (like a a giant defy 5) and putting a cargo rack and wider tires on it, which would still be plenty fast if somewhat ridiculous looking.![/QUOTE]
That's exactly what I did, I commute 61 kms everyday and a roadbike is much faster!

the Specialized Sirrus is a great bike very similar to the trek 7.3fx and in my opinion its a much more comfortable ride. However from what you seem to be looking for I would say that a cyclocross bike would be ideal for you. Aside from bikedirect's cyclocross selection I would recommend the Specialized Tricross.

consider a surly pacer ?
a good balance for commuting and road riding.