jerseytrvler

After riding the same bike, $99 1980 Sears Free Spirit 10 speed, for 36 years, it’s time to finally upgrade, I feel bad for my riding buddies who can’t keep up with me. I put on about 125 miles a week(but expect to increase it with the new bike) over 80% paved surfaces and 20% rail trials, some fields, sand (living at the Jersey Shore), hard packed dirt and gravel. I ride for exercise, stress release and for social interaction. I’m 63, a 2 time kidney transplant recipient, Papop to Kayla, semi-retired technology sales exec who drives limos because I get to meet people and drive really nice cars.

My adventure started out with me looking for more of a touring bike (Trek Verve 3, Cannondale Adventure 2) and my budget was about $650. After some research and discussing my riding habits and activities with my friends I decided to look at the dual-sport/hybrid category. I think this is the right category for me. Initial bikes, Cannondale Quick CX4, Trek FX 7.3, Trek DS 8.3, Fuji Traverse 1.5; never got to ride the Cannondale no dealer had one available unless I wanted to wait a week, road the Trek FX 7.3 but liked the Trek DS 8.3 much better, Fuji Traverse 1.5 was fun and looked very cool. The Fuji dealer suggested I try the Fuji Traverse 1.3 and it was all over except it’s way over my budget. I liked the bike and the upgrades and I deserve to have a good bike but was $200 over my budget.

This got me thinking in a whole new direction and maybe a few more dollars would be worth the investment and an increased pleasure/enjoyment return on investment. So I started looking at the Fuji Traverse 1.3, Jamis DXT Comp and the Trek 8.4 DS. There are no Jamis dealers in my area that carry that model they would have to order, I really, really liked the Fuji Traverse 1.3, then I rode the Trek 8.4 DS and I was blown away. You have to remember my only riding experience is on a 36 year old 10 speed Sears bicycle. I was overwhelmed and impressed with what the Trek allowed me to do. Now I was torn between the Fuji and the Trek.

Shimano Acera, Alivio, Bontrager, Altus, Deore, Tektro, double wall rims, 700 tires, 38c, 35c, 3x9, single lock on, suspension lock-out, all new to me but I am getting an education. My brother rides strictly road (Myrtle Beach, SC) and he said just get the one that rolls the nicest and feels the most comfortable but I think there is more to it.

I am leaning toward the Trek 8.4 DS but all things being equal I would take the Fuji Traverse 1.3 but all things aren’t equal. They ride about the same with the slight edge going to Trek, looks: I really like the Fuji but the Trek has red, both LBSs are really nice and very helpful and the same distance from my house, have not seen many reviews on the Fuji at all.

Any input or advice would be gladly appreciated. Take care, be well, live and enjoy life.

“we are all angels with but one wing, when we embrace we fly”