The nice spring weather is here in Chicago I would really love to bike around town rather than drive. I will primarily be riding on city streets, and Lake Michigan paved bike trail. Sometimes going on dirt trails. I'll be moving to Florida coast next year, so not much "mountain terrain" down there. Been to a few bike shops in Chicago and have been asking for information. So far here is what I have been recommended: Del Sol Projekt 21- (around $375) Specialized Sirrus Disc- ($550) Specialized Sirrus - ($500) Specialized Sirrus Sport - ($750) My price range is $750 or below. Here is what I will be using the bike for: -General riding around town (5-20 miles at a time) -Having either a child seat on back or a bicycle trailer for my 1 yr old on the back Hoping to pick it up in a week or so. Not sure if the Specialized is overkill, and at the same time, see more people talking about Specialized on the net, than Del Sol bikes. Any help is very much appreciated.

Diamondback Haanjo Metro:



From REI @$549, well within your budget. A solid bike from the value bike company of Raleigh.

Description:

"Streamlined transportation is a must for your urban life. Enter the Diamondback Haanjo Metro bike. Its flat handlebar and endurance geometry are ideal for getting to work or cruising on the weekend."

You can't go wrong for a nice commuter/city bike to ride around town and on dirt trails.

Here:

https://www.rei.com/product/108638/d...etro-bike-2017

All stores in Chicago Out of Stock on that model.
Reason you recommended that over the ones I listed?

You can order online and have it shipped to your REI store or LBS.

Its based on their more expensive gravel road bikes and lets you ride anywhere. You could upgrade to wider tires and go off-road at some point in the future, so you have that option.

And the components can be upgraded to better spec when they wear out so you have a sweet-riding rig for not too much money.

The Weekender by Fairdale is similar but more expensive since it made with double-butted cromoly.

Its hard to argue with a mid-price bike in this range.

You could also take a look at the BD Omni Strada @ $699, also a good value:



Would do nicely for a commuter/city bike.

Here:

Save Up to 60% Off Disc Brake Road Bikes - Motobecane Omni Strada Trail

People are looking for a do-it-all bike these days and if they can have ONLY bike, they're popular for riding everywhere.

Giant Escape 1 Disc is Giant version of the Sirrus Disc you are looking at. It's $650 USD, and slightly better equipped in terms of component level than the Sirrus:

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/escape-1-disc



If you lived in Canada I'd recommend the Giant Rapid, it's similar configuration, but a much nicer bike all around with a slightly more robust frame, but unfortunately for you 'Muricans it's only available to us Canucks.

Personally I like Giant quite a bit better than Specialized or Trek, primarily based on value. They are all great brands (Giant actually manufactures Trek's frames for them), but I find that in most cases the Giant bikes are either better equipped at the same price point, or are lower priced if the component levels are exactly the same.

Cheers
TRJB

That Escape looks interesting. Ill read up on it. Yes, the price is ballpark with the Sirrus Disc 2017 model. Ill have to decide if I need disc brakes or not.

The Escape comes in models without disc's too, if that suits you better.

Cheers
TRJB

Ill go look at the escape today, and see how it compares to the Specialized

These are some solid choices as well.

https://www.raleighusa.com/catalogse...esult/?q=redux

https://www.raleighusa.com/catalogse...sult/?q=cadent

My daughter just bought the Raleigh Alysa 2 (womens version of the Cadent) and I assembled it and put it together last week. It's a solid ride.