tbird669

new to the hybrid bike world...currently have a PK Ripper Fixed Gear that is really awesome but is somewhat tough to go much distance with...lol I'm 6'1 215lbs & want a back I can cover some road miles with is good time yet still be able to venture on the gravel roads & bumpy side roads when I would like...here are some of the bikes that have caught my eye so far...want some cool looking yet with good execution & durability. Also what size would you recommend.
Sirius sport disc
Cross tail sport disc
Trek 8.3 or 8.4
Trek 7.2 disc

Want something durable for my size & would be riding roughly 5 days a week...thanks for your time & opinions

practical

You might want to add the Fuji Absolute series and the Giant Escape series. And what about the Cannondale Bad Boy?

swoodjr1

the Sirius and the Trek 7.2 are both good bikes if your riding will be on the street, greenways, or hard packed trails. I don't think I would venture over rough gravel or long distances on a very rough roads with either one of those bikes. The other 2 bikes would be better suited for this.

fietsbob

Econ 101: All things being equal they will be. ... any of those will do , if given Occasional service and Maintenance.

A bike in the same cost category will be made up of similar components and materials, that is why it costs what it does..

FX Trek Uses a regular fork DS series is made around a suspension fork .. not a super one at those prices..

I happen to think regular forks are Fine.. Arms and legs make good suspension just get off the saddle when you see something Rough ahead.

A suspension seat post softens up the bumps you Dont see early.




Specialized imports bikes made at a big Taiwan company that does the Manufacturing under contract

Trek does the same .. there are just a Few There that Make Many Brands .. the stipulations in the contract are the seen differences ..

Go test ride the Bikes .the sellers Service after the sale is what the Dealer Provides pick a shop then pick the Bike .

Go forth and Test Ride Bikes .

Ford Or GM, Toyota Or Honda , they are choices in the Market Place all trying for a Market share .

travbikeman

I ended up going with the Crosstrail myself due to it having similar equipment and a lower price of $700 compared to $800 for the DS 8.4. I tested the Trek DS, specifically the 8.5, but was thinking of going towards the 8.4. It looks good in red, what can I say? It also looks good in blue.

I also test rode the Giant Roam 2, but could not get comfortable with geometry of this bike. I was not a good fit with it. But it's an even better price of around $650.

Calder Benson

You didn't state your budget, so I'll go from $@500-$@1,000.

Agree with the Fuji Absolute that was mentioned. The 1.9 down to the 1.7 can be had for between $450-550 when sales are taken into account. The 2.x series is made specifically for Performance stores and usually have a bit better components.

Also check out:

Jamis Coda Sport and Comp
Jamis Allegro Sport and Comp
Cannondale Quick 6,5 and 4.

AU Tiger

+1 for the Absolutes.

Just a small correction. The 2.x series is not specifically for Performance Bike. I test rode a 2.1 at my local Fuji dealer and really liked it. I ended up with the 1.5 because PB put it on sale for a crazy low price after Thanksgiving last year. Otherwise it was going to be a close contest between the Absolute 2.1 and the Giant Escape 2.

Calder Benson

Really, I read on this forum that the 2x Absolutes were a PB exclusive. Also was at a PB store last Sunday and mentioned about it and they didn't correct me. Also IIRC I tried to look up the 2x online and only found them at PB.
Hmm

Can you explain the difference between the 1x and 2x line? Doesn't look like much other than better components for the price point for the 2x, and better looking frames and better colors for the 1x (my opinion).

doggiedaddy007

I recently purchased a hybrid after considering and test riding the same model bikes you are considering. I am a recreational rider looking for a go anywhere bike for fun rides around town, group rides and heart healthy miles on bike paths, gravel and pavement.To be clear, my previous bike is a 1994 KHS Pro CX 'Suspension Free' / hardtail mountain bike. I liked the Crosstail Sport and Sirrus but after multiple test rides, I decided on a Trek 8.5 DS. I love the Trek DS geometry, ride & performance on road / gravel path & moderate trails. The bike seems very fast and efficient on the street. (Just lock the fork and pump the Bontrager LT3 tires to 80lb psi) I am glad for the suspension fork when I need it. It is the kind of bike that makes you feel like a kid again. It just goes anywhere. I love the way it looks and rides...including the 3 x 9 gears & Shimano disk brakes. I bought a new 2013 closeout model during a recent spring tent sale at Bicycle Village in Boulder Colo. $859. So far I am very happy with my choice. I know it's a very personal decision. My advise is to test ride your shortlist again back to back if possible. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

quicktrigger

Went through much the same process. Wanted to be able to the equivalent of dirt road level biking (which can be bit bumpy). I ended up with the Sirrus Sport. LOVE the bike. But what may have been a significantly better fit for me, may not be for you. Also note that I grew up in a rural area, and rode a crappy old Wal Marty Huffy "Ten Speed" everywhere over everything. So my tolerance may be a bit different as well. Since I have ended up with a Road AND Mountain bike since.

Ride them all, and if not one stands out, then pick the bike that fits the riding you think you will do the most. You might even consider renting a bike or two for a day of the type of bikes you are looking at, and then riding on the different surfaces you expect to be riding on.

Lastly, IMHO, if you pick one with front suspension, then make sure the suspension has "lock outs". Otherwise, it will rob some of the energy when pedaling.

JMHO
QT

AU Tiger

What I've noticed is that there aren't a lot of Fuji dealers with a strong online presence, at least around my area. All I know is that my local Fuji dealer had a nice variety of the 1.x and 2.x series bikes in stock. I ended up purchasing at a PB a few hours away, though, just because I got a crazy good deal.

I think you're right -- the main difference is components. I don't think the 2.x line has a disc option. And the 1.x line is slightly more road-oriented... 28 tires vs 32, and a less-upright handlebar position.