Model / Shifter / FD / RD / Price

1. Trek FX 2 ------ Shimano EF51, 8-sp / Shimano Altus / Shimano Alivio 519
2. Trek LiveStrong FX ------ Shimano EF51 / Shimano Altus / Shimano Alivio 570
3. Kona DEW ------ Shimano EZ Fire / Shimano Altus / Shimano Altus 489
4. Jamis Commuter 2 ------ SRAM 3.0 Comp / -- / SRAM VIA rear 525
5. Jamis Allegro X Sport ------ Shimano Acera Rapidfire / Shimano M191 / Shimano Altus 575
6. Bianchi ISEO ------ Shimano Alivio / Shimano Tourney / Shimano Alivio 600
7. Specialized Sirrus Sport ------ Shimano Acera / Shimano Acera / Shimano Acera 550-580
8. Specialized Crosstrail ------ Shimano / Shimano / Shimano Altus 530
9. Novara Forza 2012 ------ Shimano Acera / Shimano M191 / Shimano Alivio 540

I need a bike mostly for recreational/fitness/commuting and maybe sometimes some non-pavement trails (not extreme).

I would appreciate any comments on the pros and cons of the bikes in the list or suggestions about bikes out of the list.

A test ride will tell you a lot more than looking at a spec sheet.

Your choices are all over the place. Do you want suspension or not? What is the land around you like? Hilly? Flat? Some of those bikes only have single chainrings and they're 42 teeth so it wouldn't work well if you rode all over in San Francisco like me.

For recreational use, I personally don't care for them. I ride dirt on rigid fork and fat street tires just fine. Yes they are inside a park and are really walking trails. My bike does just fine.

The two Treks, unless you know something I don't, it looks like you're paying $50 for stickers. The look the same aside from the paint and Livestrong branding.

The Jamis Commuter only has one 42 tooth chainring. If your area is flat, it will work well. If you have hills, consider something with at least two chainrings.

Have you tested any of these bikes?

Word.

That being said, I'd eliminate anything with a suspension fork, the Livestrong, and the Bianchi ($600 for Tourney??).

Added direct links to the bike's details.

I am in North Texas and it's predominantly flat here. Suspension is not required. I believe I could live without it. Just thought it would be nice to have it in case I'll force myself occasionally into some "wild" trails. Of those listed only Jamis Commuter 2 has single chainrings.

I am planning to test at least 3-4 of them tomorrow. Will start with Trek FX2, Novara Forza, Bianchi ISEO and Sirrus Sport...

Are they all the same as far as durability is concerned?

Chains and gears are wear items so they need replacement periodically. Bearings in teh chain wear out and it will elongate. Gears wear out due to friction and elongation of the chain. The chainrings (big gears at the cranks) generally last longer.

Personally I advise you stay away from anything with 7 speed (on the back wheel unless it's internal gears) because all of them use freewheels instead of freehubs with cassettes nowadays. Freewheels are an older design and parts are still available, but you have a much larger selection with freehub cassettes. It looks like that list you have are all 8 or 9 speeds though.

If you have a warranty issue, who do you want to be dealing with? If you have fit or adjustment issues, who do you want to work with you? If you think that you need a pump or such, whose advice would you respect more?

Shop for a bike shop first. When you find the one that has the "right" people, that's it. There's much more significant differences among bike shops than there is among bike brands. Once you find the right shop buy a brand that they carry and you'll never go wrong.

to Bike Forums, Amtex!

We're all trying to answer all of your questions as best we can, I can assure you!

I just have a couple of comments:

1) I'd try to avoid anything with a suspended fork at that pricepoint. Usually, after only a short period time, with continual use, they end up being more of a hindrance, than a help. Besides, it's just more moving parts. Therefore, they're just more opportunities for things to break! ---> No1Mad said this already!

2) If you're going to be riding over hills, like someone has already stated, you're going to need gears. Not just one chainring! ---> JSDavis said this already!

Therefore IMHO, you're choices, should be reduced to three with both Treks being esentially the same bicycle. ---> JSDavis said this already!

Good Luck with your choices!

- Slim

PS.

BTW

You really should go to bicycle dealerships and test-ride your remaining choices, in order to place an exclamation point on that choice! ---> Retro Grouch said this already!

I should've had my coffee before trying to post!

Thanks for the comments! I am going to test drive the bikes today.

P.s. There are three really good shops around here plus REI, so choosing a shop is not going to be a problem. But thanks for the tip!

Avoid the suspension fork. It adds cost to the bike; so if you are looking at two bikes with the same price tag and one has suspension, the manufacturer will have cut costs elsewhere. The bikes all look comparable in terms of components. Test ride them. A few things to look at are the low/high gear range covered, tire width, shifters, bike weight (I'm guessing most are in the 24 lb range depending on frame size). You'll probably be able to narrow down your selection based on test rides. Those are all reputable brands and I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

If you shop around, you might be able to find the 2011 next model up for the same price.

Definatly look at that 7.2 FX, I'm actually considering picking up one of those to ride around NYC. I would say don't go for the Livestrong as it is pretty much the same as the 7.2 with a bigger price tag.

Finding the RIGHT shop isn't the same as just finding a shop.

Thanks to all for your comments and advices! I tested 6 bikes today and yesterday and my choice is Specialized Sirrus Sport!

Hey that's just great, Amtex!

I just know you're excited and guess what? ...I'm happy that you're happy!

In fact, I guess it would be fair to say that most of us get happy when other prospective cyclists become one of us!

I think it's time for all of us to be happy and celebrate your introduction into our ranks!

Post here, once the deal is finalized and we'll make it official.

If you have anymore questions, please don't hesitate to ask us!

Good Luck!

- Slim

But did you get the white or the black? That bike is popular choice on the Hybrid forum. I think you'll like it. The tires are wider which will make it easier on trails and rough roads, it's a 9 speed and it has rack/fender mounts.