mshimala

Sorry if this isn't the right area to post this, I'm new to this community.

So I am new to biking and I am really in need of a new bike. My budget is ~$450 and I really can't go too far over that. I've been having problems deciding which type of bike that I want to buy. I want to be able to go fast on pavement but not have to worry if I want to take it out on a trail. I know very little about bike specs so I was hoping that you guys could tell me which of the bikes below you would go with in my situation.

If it matters at all I'm 6'4" and weigh 180

Giant Roam 3 - Roam 3 (2015) | Giant Bicycles | United States
Diamondback Insight STI-1 - Diamondback Bicycles - Insight STI-1
Schwinn Searcher 4 - Searcher 4 Mens - Hybrid - Bikes | Schwinn Bicycles

If there are any other suggestions besides the bikes listed above please let me know!

Thank you!

10 Wheels

Go for the Roam

Tim_Iowa

I would recommend the Giant Escape over the Roam, because the Escape has a rigid front fork. Or just get the Diamondback Insight, it also has a rigid fork.

You don't need the suspension fork of the Roam (or Searcher, or similar others). Suspension is good for absorbing hits from jumps and such, in technical mountain biking. The cheap suspension forks on some hybrids and comfort bikes are basically a couple extra pounds of dead weight. The cheap fork doesn't help in normal riding (in fact, many hurt the ride by introducing suspension bob, which robs your effort), and is worthless for technical riding.

Ride the heck out of whatever you get, and then maybe upgrade in a year or two.

jbarham

The Insight is a single speed. I think you'll find yourself wanting more gears if you live in a place that has any type of grade greater than 0.5% or is prone to steady winds of greater than 5 mph.