Another newbie which bike thread!
 

Hi All,

I'm looking to get a new hybrid. My first thought was to hit REI with a 20% off coupon for Diamondback. Combine it with my dividend and I could ride away on an 2016 Insight 2 for $250, but it's a 21 speed with a freewheel and pretty poor shifters.

Next step up from there is the Insight 3, 27 speed, better components etc... but now I've got the option of the 2015 Insight Disc which is on clearance for the same price ~$600 (~$350 with coupon and dividend). Both of these bikes I'd have to order before I could try them.

Fast forward to an impromptu stop at an LBS and they have some 2015 Cannondale Quick 4s that I can ride away on for $540 or a Quick 5 that'll cost me $440. I will admit that the colors on the 4 are nicer than the 5 and I'm already justifying the extra $100 for the better components and carbon forks. Also I can take my REI dividend as cash so that would bring the real out of pocket costs down to $390 vs $290.

My local Trek LBS appears to have some offers on the 7.2 and 7.3 but nothing on the 7.4.

I'd appreciate any thoughts/recommendations.

To add anothe option the Giant Escape 1 fits in the mix. 27 speed but aluminium forks and the 2015 is listing for $550 at an LBS and they might come another 10% off that!?!?

Get the bike that fits you the best.

Tell us about The Motor.

It may be the wrong approach, but given that the fit can be tweaked with with post/stem etc... So with that in mind is there anything that should make me run screaming from a $540 Quick 4? Or would I be better saving another $50 and moving to the Giant?

That Escape has composite fork, ie: better than alu. It was a comfortable bike when I test rode one,
and at $550 (or better), it is a screaming deal for what you get. I haven't ridden that Cannondale.


Escape 1 (2015) | Giant Bicycles | United States

I went with the Cannonade Quick 4.

The other LBS that sells Trek couldn't do anything on the prices of the 7.4 and at $540 for the Quick I couldn't really say no! Took it out for a quick 5.5 miles when I got it home yesterday and I'm happy with it. Now to buy some more toys...