I'm looking to replace my bike with a new hybrid. Based on what I've read so far, I wouldn't worry about small differences in price and just pick the bike that feels best. But it's not easy to pick out differences on a short test ride, especially if I have to drive to different stores to try them all.

Right now, my range goes from the Novara Metro ($360 after 20% off) up to the Canondale Adventure 3 ($630), with the Marin Redwood and Novara Forza in the middle. I've ridden all but the Adv 3 (because lbs didn't have one built yet in my size), and they all seem to fit ok. The lbs is more conveniently located, and I think they'll spend more time getting the final fit right, but I certainly have no complaints about REI service. When I go back to the LBS, I may also look at the Specialized or else a different LBS that carries Tek.

My question is what sort of practical differences will I actually notice across this price range? The Adv 3 has narrower tires, which I think is a plus, but that's the only obvious thing I can judge from the specs. There are small tradeoffs, like preferring trigger shifters (Redwood/Forza) and quick release seat post (Redwood/Adv3). But will I actually notice differences between the derailleurs? between the stems or forks? Are there other aspects that I should be looking at?

Many thanks,
Gary

I'd buy the one that has the best components.

What you're really looking for is "satisfaction of ownership". Ride the bikes. Whichever one "sings" to you - don't over analyse why, just buy it.

Minor comfort differences are most likely due to finite differences in the saddle or handlebar position. Better shifting crispness is more likely to be due to fine tuning of cable tension than a 1 or 2 group component upgrade.

If the most expensive bike is the one that appeals to you, buy it anyway. A year from now you won't be able to remember how you spent the $300 that you saved but you'll still have the bike. If, everytime that you look at it you think "I wish I'd have bought the other one", it's not a good deal.

Thanks for a wise answer. Unfortunately, over-analyzing is in my nature, but you've reminded me that it's not always a virtue.

I think I'll go to another LBS that has both Trek and Canondale, so I can compare them both, while looking more at the Specialized at the first shop. Either way, I'll have to give the most weight to how well I think they'll do at fitting the bike, but also to easily it will be for me to adjust things myself, or replace nuisance items. And as much as I like REI, and their willingness to let me try out several bikes while having to adjust stems and seats for me, I just don't get the sense they'll do a complete job of fitting the bike at the end.

Nothing wrong with trying to analyse why one bike might appeal more to you.

In fact it's important that you do.

I've seen people buying bikes who choose without considering why and it might just be something minor like the bar position or make of saddle fitted.

For what it's worth, I've decided to go with the Cannondale. Or at least ask the shop to order an Adv 3 or 4 in my size, presumably no obligation. They only had the Adventure 5 in my size, so I tried it and it fits well enough. I believe the frames are identical, and the components, though different, are the same size. It's the sealed suspension on the Adventure 3, which I presume means less mainenance, that's making me lean towards it over the 4.

I thought I'd prefer a model with trigger shifters, since that's what I'm use to, but all the ones I tried have the up and down levers far apart, so that I can't comfortably reach them both. (I have small hands, while my current bike has the levers next to each other.) I'm still concerned about the twist shifters, but figure it's now a toss-up between them.

I can point at little things that are largely in favor of the Cannondale, but I don't know if they're real or just rationalizations. In the end, it's the attitude of the owner of one particular LBS with regard to both fitting and training that's driving my choice.