JazzGtrSteve

For the last year and a half I've been riding a Diamondback Edgewood. I use it mostly for 20-40 mile rides on the weekends and for my 6.5 mile daily commute (so 13 mile round-trip). I've been pretty happy with it, but I already feel I've outgrown this bike with its bulky suspension fork and very-upright riding position.

Therefore, I'm looking to upgrade to a more fitness/performance-biased hybrid. I figure I need to stick with hybrid territory because
1) I'm an NYC bike commuter, so I am rarely on long, uninterrupted road trips, and am frequently bouncing around on uneven pavement in heavy Manhattan traffic.
2) I want to start riding in less-than-perfect weather, so I want to put full front and read fenders and (eventually) a rack on my bike.

That said, I think I'll eventually be putting bar-ends on whatever hybrid I get so I can get into a deeper tuck position (I don't casually ride in to work on my commute, I try to improve my speed/time every day. So it's more of a workout/commute). Seeing as I can only have one bike in my apartment and will use it for commuting and fitness, I'm looking for your recommendations for bikes under $800 USD.

Personally I'm leaning towards the Diamondback Insight 3 right now. I think it's attractive and seems to fit my needs (especially the fender/rack mounts). I like my Edgewood and would trust a slightly more upscale Diamondback (that said, my Edgewood is kind of a noisy bike, even after having my LBS repairman give it a once-over multiple times!)

Thoughts, anyone?

NormanF

I had a generous $1200 budget. In the end, I bought a GT Eightball on sale for $900 and with the work the shop had to do with all my upgrades, I came within budget.

Remember, its not just the bike you have to budget for, its parts changes, the build and shop labor.

I would say if its in the budget, buy it! Good luck.

JazzGtrSteve

Thanks, NormanF.

Being new to cycling, really, I have a hard time distinguishing between hype around certain bike brands, and actually valid criticism. I know some people say Diamondbacks are B-tier bicycles, but it doesn't make sense to me why they do.

DanPLC

I've been happy with the Trek FX 7.4 I recently bought ($769) which is considered a fitness hybrid. It's a huge improvement over my old Diamondback Sorrento mountain bike. It accelerates so smoothly and changing gears is effortless. It also has rack and fender mounts.

practical

I really like my Giant Escape. It accelerates well, goes fast when I want it to, and overall performs well. A flatbar is good choice for city riding. GET A MIRROR. Mirrors work exceptionally well on flatbars and being upright gives you better vision and makes you more visible.

mrodgers

Another Giant Escape here, tier 1 with a 9 speed and carbon fork. I bought it in the spring of 2014 (2014 model) and the only thing I've done so far is a bit of adjustment on the barrel of the front derailleur because I wanted it to be quieter when in the upper gears on the middle chain ring.

I really love my Escape. Looking at the differences between the Diamondback you mentioned (I'm seeing $600 price tag) and my Escape that I paid $600 for is my carbon fork vs. the Diamondback having alloy fork but disk brakes.

Looks like a great bike to me.

sail

I'd get a FX 7.4 again. Ride it, a Sirrus, Giant, and the Diamondback all on the same day if possible. See what trips your trigger.

JazzGtrSteve

Thanks for all the input, everyone!

One thing I'm thinking of doing it getting a flatbar bike and throwing bar ends on so I can get in a speedier position when I happen to catch a series of green lights going down 2nd avenue.

Good to hear my about Trek and Giant, I see them parked around town a lot but don't know anyone personally that owns one.

JazzGtrSteve

I just came across a 2014 model online at a great price. Something I will most definitely keep in mind.

What are folks' thoughts on Disc Brakes and non-disc breaks?

DanPLC

In regards to the 7.4, I believe the disc break version doesn't have the carbon fork. I wanted that you help dampen some of the road vibrations.

I've been happy with the V-brakes on the standard 7.4. I rode in pouring rain the other day and they worked very well.

sail

I agree

I didn't want disc brakes but it seems the rest of the world loves them. For commuting defiantly better in rain, but V-brakes work fine if your aware and don't mind the squeal.

I did want a carbon fork, that with the grips helped my hands a lot.

+ on bar ends

DanPLC

Yeah carbon fork was definitely more important to me than the disc brakes. And really like the grips on the 7.4 FX.

I'm also thinking of getting bar ends. Sometimes on rides I feel like I'd like to change my hand position.

JazzGtrSteve

The other day I did my first "long" ride (for me that was 33 miles) and by mile 25 I was sick of having my hands in the same position. It was killing my wrists.

I like the idea of v-brakes myself because I simply understand them better. I think I'd be more proficient at making adjustments with them than having to completely learn about disc brakes.

Also, does the carbon fork really make that big of a difference? (again forgive me if that's a stupid newbie question)