MacHeath

Hi all,

I'm in the market for a bike - and confused by options.

Background: I'm 52 now and good health, and when I was in my 20s I was a mad-daredevil bike messenger. Recognizing the incredible threat to life and limb, I gave that up (after doing it about 3 years). The entire time as a messenger I used road bikes. I have never owned a mountain bike, and always avoided them like the plague. I haven't ridden ANYTHING in several years.

My aim now is to get a good hybrid that would tilt more toward road bike, maybe 70/30 tilt toward road (but I'm flexible on that). I plan to ride casually with my wife, often on pavements and sometimes on dirt trails. So I want something for some light off-road riding, and basic city riding.

Price range is not an issue, but naturally I want something lightish and not overly expensive. I'm seeking any suggestions for good bang-for-the-buck in the $400-$700 range. I was looking at Cannondale Adventure series but was thinking they are too mountain bikey for my tastes.

Thanks, Mac

Hokiedad4

Hi Mac,

I have a Specialized Sirrus but the tires are too narrow for our nearby dirt/gravel path. If you really want one bike for both surfaces, you might want to look at a comfort hybrid. The tires are definitely going to be more amenable to a wider variety of surfaces.

JGM411

looks like the cannondale adventure is more a comfort bike rather than a hybrid or a mountain bike. Is that what you want or are you looking for a hybrid like a trek fx 7.3, cannondale quick?

NormanF

There are two types of hybrids:

One are dual sport bikes. They are go anywhere bikes equipped with wide 700C or 29 tires. DS bikes are typically built around a mountain bike tough platform. They're as nimble in the country as they are in an urban setting.

The other are commuter/fitness bikes. They are urban commuters/pavement/adventure bikes equipped with wider 700C tires. They're typically built around a road endurance platform. They are bought either for fast riding like a road bike or to take all-around riding like a gravel/adventure road bike.

Your choice of a hybrid is determined by the kind of riding you like you do and there is no need to stick with just one. Most people have one of each for maximum fun.

MacHeath

I just tried out a Trek FX 7.3 and it was pretty nice. I also tried a Trek Crossrip, which I liked better (better that may be because of my history as a bike messenger using inexpensive road bikes). The Crossrip seemed much closer to a road bike. Both are pretty neat bikes.

My intended use is mostly urban, with a frequent trip along a maintained dirt path by a river. So I would expect a patch of gravel here an there, some ruts in the path, but nothing major. Basically, I want a road bike that can handle some light off-road work.

I hear what you're saying about having different bikes for different uses -- but for now it's got to be only 1 bike (I may be moving cross country in the next year and want to limit my baggage).

I'm not familiar with the term "comfort bike", as comfort had nothing to do with my previous life as a messenger. I gather that comfort bikes are for those who want slow pace and sitting upright...not for me.

So, more suggestions are welcome, and thanks in advance for the assistance

JGM411

comfort bike = more upright posture, higher handlebars, and a cushy seat which is what the adventure seems to be.

NormanF

Since you mention you can have only one bike, a DS or 29er is the way go. Either the Trek DS or Marin Muirwoods would fit the bill. You can ride just about anywhere with it.

MacHeath

Still looking for advice. So I'm looking for a hybrid that is mostly road bike but can handle some light off-pavement work, as in dirt paths that have minor ruts.

I went to a local shop and tried the Trek Crossrip and I liked how it handled. I've some positive and some mildly negative comments about the CrossRip. Anyone have thoughts on that bike?

Again, it would be manly for urban riding with a weekly trip on various dirt paths that are mostly well maintained but have a rut or a tree root here and there. I'm not a racer, but I like to go fast. Is this a good bike for that purpose.

Also, a couple comments in reviews in other sites suggested it was somewhat overpriced. Thoughts?

Thanks again

pippin65

Paid $449 for my trek fx 7.2. More than enough bike for your needs

NormanF

The Trek Crossrip at $989.00 is Trek's only gravel road/adventure bike. Its nicely priced for an alloy all-around road bike. Its certainly fast enough for a do it all bike.

If steel's your feel and you can dig up $300 more in loose change, the Fairdale Weekender Drop is similar to the Crossrip at $1250.

Between alloy and steel, there are good choices under $1500.

Trailroaster

Check it out for the Giant Anyroad. Surely fits what you want.

AnyRoad | Giant Bicycles | United States

As stock, the Anyroad 1 is an Aluminium frame and composite rigid fork that comes with 700x32c tires that allow you to enter into hardpacked dirt paths. Is a huge climber with the gearing it comes (34/48 chainrings and 11-34 cogs).

Surely you can grab one for less tan 1200US$.

practical

If you're going mainly on pavement, then go with a light "performance" hybrid. Trek 7.5 or higher, Giant Escape 1 or higher, Sirrus Comp, Cannondale Bad Boy, Road Warrior, etc, Fuji Absolute... These are some of the better-known brands to look at. Here are the specs that I would recommend:
Weight: Get under 25 pounds if possible, but don't worry if it's a few pounds more. Avoid bikes over 30 pounds.
- Tires: Have the dealer put on narrower tires designed for pavement. Don't go narrower than 25 or wider than 32. 28's may be the sweet spot.
- Whatever bike you choose will have good drivetrains and shifters, but if you have a lot of good hills, you may want to consider a triple crank front with a climbing gear in the back. If your terrain is fairly level, go with a double (or even single) crank but make sure you have 9 or more gears in the back.
- Expect to pay between $600 to $1,000. Of course you can always pay more and get more bike, but that price range will get you a good choice of good bikes.

Wanderer

Out of curiosity - the OP specifically said it would be used on dirt, ruts, and gravel. Why suggest tires narrower than 32? Surely, 32 (or even bigger) would be the sweet spot. MO

Little Darwin

I ride my 2011 Trek 7.3 FX mostly on crushed stone and gravel with 35 mm tires. I think the FX (or similar bikes from other manufacturers) is what you are looking for to give you the road/trail mix.

I have ridden on 28 mm tires for a few weeks recently, and it was ok, but when I knew I would be hitting some softer stuff last week, I went back to 35 mm, which is what I use most of the time. I don't notice a significant performance difference on pavement between the two widths, but that could be because my 35s are higher end tires. On solid crushed stone/gravel the 28s did ok, but on anything with a little sandiness to it (like crushed stone after a lot of rain in the preceding week), the 35s help me to float over it a little better.

Good luck on whatever you choose.

one4smoke

I have a Giant Roam 2, and in my opinion... the best bang for the buck. Has a front suspension (which most road riders despise), with a lockout for when not applicable. But... when needed on rough terrain, you are damn glad you have it. You also have disc brakes, which are obviously an asset.

Highly recommend.

practical

This is the part of the OP's post that I paid attention to:
My aim now is to get a good hybrid that would tilt more toward road bike, maybe 70/30 tilt toward road (but I'm flexible on that). I plan to ride casually with my wife, often on pavements and sometimes on dirt trails. So I want something for some light off-road riding, and basic city riding.
I don't think the OP said anything about dirt, ruts and gravel.

Wanderer

"My intended use is mostly urban, with a frequent trip along a maintained dirt path by a river. So I would expect a patch of gravel here an there, some ruts in the path, but nothing major. Basically, I want a road bike that can handle some light off-road work."

Which is why it usually pays to read the whole string. Info is usually pulled out during the discussion ... your suggestion really threw me for loop.