paasaa

Hello,

I need your advice, so bear with me. I have tried to do my research!

I am a 5'4" female newbie who is looking to commute up to 2 or 3 miles to work, school, and groceries by bike. I live in Salt Lake City, Utah, which has cold winters, hot summers, and lots of hills. We essentially live on / inside of a lot of mountains. It is also very dry here.

Criteria: I want disk brakes. I am not looking for speed, but utility. My budget is $800, but I also want to buy fenders and a rack.

I went to 4 or 5 different LBS and tried bikes. I've narrowed it down to:

Giant Seek 3:
Seek 3 (2014) | Giant Bicycles | United States

I rode the 2013 version of this bike at an LBS that I really liked. Everyone was really helpful, it was across the street from my school, and they answered all my questions. This bike seemed very sturdy and was a very comfortable ride when I test rode it. I loved the disc brakes, and look of this bike! It costs $650.


Kona Dew Plus:
KONA BIKES | 2014 BIKES | COMMUTER | DEW PLUS

This bike is sleek, and also has disk brakes. It was a lot lighter than the Giant Seek 3, and I'm afraid about taking it over curbs / carrying a big bag groceries on it. Could I do that on this bike? Also, the seat didn't feel wide enough / hurt. I liked the Seek 3's seat better. But this bike felt fast and smooth. It cost $650 (the same as the Seek 3).

Also, I really didn't like the guys at this LBS. He was rude / cut me off / didn't answer my questions / sales pitched me.


What do you think I should get?

DBA

Which ever bike fits you the best....you won't go wrong with either bike.

WestPablo

I don't believe the Seek takes fenders. I'm pretty certain that the Kona Dew will take 'em. However, I would caution you about doing business with a bike shop that rubs you the wrong way.

If I were you, I'd try to cash in on the online one-day-bike sale at Nashbar today. You get 51% off your bike purchase today only. Bikes, Cycling Clothing, Bike Parts & Cycling Gear: Bike Discounts & Deals from Nashbar

Otherwise, get the Terry Burlington Woman's "City Bike" from Performance @ Find Bikes, Cycling Clothing, Bike Parts & Bike Shoes Or Your Local Bike Store at Performance.

If you buy from Performance, you'll get to test ride the bike at your pick point, before you actually take delivery.

paasaa

I called the shop and they said the Seek 3 does take a rack and fenders.

Could I buy the Kona Dew and take it to a different LBS for repairs/etc.? Or, do they only work with their brands. They'll known I bought it from the other store bc everyone puts stickers on the bikes they sell. Hmm. I really didn't like that.

jrickards

Yes, you could: components are what need most maintenance, rarely frames, so any store can help you out. I understand your trepidation though. If you think you have a good rapport with the store you like, you could explain the situation and they might be able to help in one way or another. The other choice is to go to the Kona store and see if you can work with another salesperson. Two of my LBSs have a staff person I don't like to deal with but they also have other staff that I am more comfortable with.

MichaelW

I don' like 29er style for small riders, the wheel clearance is too big for the frame size. 26mtb tyres can be had in summer slick and winter studded versions.
Check out marin muirwoods (esp front fender fitting?)

DBA

From the Seek link in the OP "the frame also features front and rear rack and fender mounts."
I can't see any in the pic, but the description of the bike says it has them.
It's an interesting looking bike....I like it.

WestPablo

You're right!

....Sorry OP! The Seek does indeed have rack and fender mounts afterall!

paasaa

Thanks for your help everyone.
I got a job today, and found out it starts tomorrow. So, right after posting this I went to a lot more bike stores and tried more bikes. I realized I just really loved the Giant Seek 3, so I went with that. I really appreciate everyone's posts and read them on my phone while I was shopping.
I got a rack/fender combo that is going to be installed on Tuesday. (I also got a really good lock, because my last bike was stolen off my porch because someone clipped the lock.) Here is the bike:

eastbay71

Looking at the components the bikes are nearly identical. The Giant has fatter tires so going over curbs would be better on that bike. The Kona is just a better looking bike IMHO. And I might buy it based solely on looks if the components were all the same. BUT you felt more comfortable on the Giant and liked the LBS that offered Giant. I would go with the Giant.
I had the same conundrum when buying my current bike. I went with the Giant because I liked the LBS. The Trek store guys were idiots.

WestPablo

Congrats, Paasaa!

Sorry I couldn't have been of greater assistance!

DBA

Congrats! on the job and the bike!