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Hybrid Help

Old 05-10-18, 12:41 PM
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Hybrid Help

Hey Folks,

I'm looking to venture into the hybrid world I've always just rode cheap mountain bikes, but i figured i'd get something a bit nicer now. I'm looking to spend any where from 400-800 bucks on one. I've went to the bike shop and test rode a few different bikes but I feel like everyone there is a salesmen so i never really get unbiased opinions on them. The brands I'm looking at are Fuji, Specialized, Trek and Giant, I ride a mixture of smooth pavement, beat up pavement and some gravel roads. The couple things I want for sure are front shocks and disc breaks, any comments or suggestions what to take for a ride or take a look at will be appreciated.

Thanks!
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Old 05-10-18, 12:50 PM
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For the riding you want to do a hybrid is the right pick. So you're on the right track.

I have never touched a Fuji bike. I'll let others chime in on those as I'm just not familiar.

But Trek, Specialized, and Giant all make a decent hybrid in your price range. You're probably looking at about $600 for a half decent hybrid by those brands with hydraulic disc brakes.

All 3 are fine. None of them are bad bikes. Base your decision first on which one feels the best to ride, and if they feel about the same base it second on which one has the best price. Base it on which one comes in the color you like best somewhere in the middle.

In other words, you can't go wrong with your options. Nothing you're looking at is junk.
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Old 05-10-18, 01:01 PM
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Sounds like you're looking for a dual sport bike. So check out the Giant Roam, Trek DS, Specialized Crosstrails bikes. Whatever you buy, aim to purchase one with a suspension fork lockout. I myself ride a Giant Roam 2, which comes in at $600. You can ride it with the suspension unlocked for ultimate comfort, or lock it if you want to sprint or to avoid bobbing when going uphill.
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Old 05-10-18, 01:25 PM
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I was in a similar situation as you. After researching and talking to people, I ended up with a DS3. I'm loving it.

One thing I'll say about the front shock is that I mostly have it locked. The only time I open it is when I have to ride on uneven sidewalks. It seemed cool at first, but the tradeoff is not worth the effort, especially if you ride uphill quite a bit.

My .02.
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Old 05-10-18, 04:39 PM
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Get a hybrid with rigid fork (ideally with carbon fork) and as large tires as you can find. Those cheap suspension forks are useless boat anchors. So many threads here from people who end up taking them off and installing a rigid fork.
No suspension is better than bad suspension.

and welcome to BF!
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Old 05-10-18, 05:11 PM
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If the majority of your routes are on pavement with the occasional gravel tract I would suggest that you forego the suspension fork. If it is the reverse, then by all means, get a suspension fork.

I like the Giant Roam as well. For equivalent or similar components Giant will cost a tad less.
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Old 05-10-18, 05:14 PM
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A test ride should tell you most of what you need to know.

"Moving up" in these types of bikes often means getting a bike that leads you to lean forward a bit more. Some hybrids put you upright, and some have you lean forward though usually not as much as on road bikes. But if you expressly don't want that, that's fine, too. Tell the salesfolks.

All of those brands are fine and are good quality. You can't go wrong.
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Old 05-10-18, 05:47 PM
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Originally Posted by mcours2006
If the majority of your routes are on pavement with the occasional gravel tract I would suggest that you forego the suspension fork. If it is the reverse, then by all means, get a suspension fork.

I like the Giant Roam as well. For equivalent or similar components Giant will cost a tad less.
it all depends what "gravel" means. if it is just dirt road (like for gravel bikes) no suspension needed.
If the riding requires some sort of suspension (nothing here indicates that), a proper air fork is needed, not a junk fork you find on hybrids.
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Old 05-10-18, 06:29 PM
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Each of the "big three" in this category (Giant Roam, Specialized Crosstrail, and Trek DS) is an excellent bike. I would do as previously suggested and test ride each of them to see which fits you best and which colors and styles you like best. I recently bought a Giant Roam 2 (600 bucks) and I'm really enjoying it. The Suntour NEX fork on these three bikes has its pros and cons. I own two bikes with this fork and I enjoy it on both. I also own other bikes with rigid forks and enjoy those bikes for different reasons.

I recently bought a Giant ARX (rigid fork hybrid with 27.5x2.0" tires) and I did not find it to be comfortable at all. I traded that for the Roam, which is a world apart in terms of riding comfort and enjoyment, for me. We're all different; bottom line, test ride the bikes and buy what you like the best. If that's a rigid fork hybrid, that's great. If it's one of the dual sport bikes mentioned above, that's great also. #1 priority is getting out there on two wheels! Best of luck in your search.
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Old 05-10-18, 11:11 PM
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IMHO for "smooth pavement, beat up pavement and some gravel roads" gravel/adventure type bike with drop bars and rigid fork will be a better fit.
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Old 05-11-18, 07:17 AM
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I did a ride last Wednesday with the front suspension fork locked. I have 38c tires on my Roam. They were not filled up to max psi. I rode over rough pavement and I could feel the bumps, more than I wanted to. With the front fork unlocked, I would just roll through and keep pedaling. I don't know why, but the suspension fork on my Roam doesn't seem to get in the way. I'm as fast on my Roam as I am on a Trek FX, with the benefit that I'm not sore after my rides with the Roam. As suggested, it is best to test ride bikes with both a rigid and suspension fork.
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Old 05-11-18, 07:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Piechowiak11
Hey Folks,

I'm looking to venture into the hybrid world I've always just rode cheap mountain bikes, but i figured i'd get something a bit nicer now. I'm looking to spend any where from 400-800 bucks on one. I've went to the bike shop and test rode a few different bikes but I feel like everyone there is a salesmen so i never really get unbiased opinions on them. The brands I'm looking at are Fuji, Specialized, Trek and Giant, I ride a mixture of smooth pavement, beat up pavement and some gravel roads. The couple things I want for sure are front shocks and disc breaks, any comments or suggestions what to take for a ride or take a look at will be appreciated.

Thanks!
1. $400 to $800 is a sensible budget, pretty much the sweet spot for decent hybrids at local bike shops, or chains like REI, or Performance. Spend as much as you can afford. If you choose wisely, more money spend up front pays dividends later, as better components will work better, last longer, and be somewhat future proofed. (somewhat. Every couple of years the bike and components manufacturers upgrade the latest and grreatest, and thus, everything else trickles down to lower price points.) But that said, go on any well traveled cycling route or MUP on a busy spring or summer day and you will see still see people happily riding bikes from the 90s, 80s, and even the 70s, so whatever you buy now should last you at least a decade, or two if you take care of it.

2. You won't get unbiased opinions here, either. We all have our preferences and biases. Mine is, I hate suspension forks at lower price points, and I would suggest you avoid them. They are heavy, energy sucking monsters and you would do better putting your money into a better frame, better drivetrain components, or better wheels.

3. I already addressed suspension forks. Why do you feel you need disc brakes? Not that there is anything wrong with them, and it does seem to be where the industry is going, but unless you ride a lot in bad weather, rim brakes generally work fine, cost and weigh a lot less, and are simple and easy to adjust. I know hydraulic discs work better, but honestly, I wonder about having to bleed the brakes as part of a regular service. With V brakes, honestly all you have to do is replace the pads every couple of years and replace cables once every 10 years or so..
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Old 05-11-18, 09:11 AM
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Originally Posted by finch204
I did a ride last Wednesday with the front suspension fork locked. I have 38c tires on my Roam. They were not filled up to max psi. I rode over rough pavement and I could feel the bumps, more than I wanted to. With the front fork unlocked, I would just roll through and keep pedaling. I don't know why, but the suspension fork on my Roam doesn't seem to get in the way. I'm as fast on my Roam as I am on a Trek FX, with the benefit that I'm not sore after my rides with the Roam. As suggested, it is best to test ride bikes with both a rigid and suspension fork.
This.

There are people who just HATE low end suspension forks and nothing you say will convince them they have any value.

But I'm with you. I love my low end suspension fork on my Crosstrail. LOVE IT. It makes for such a smother more comfortable ride absorbing the dings and dents of roads. And when I want to cross the occasional rocky/bumping grass field, that suspension fork earns it's money. It's a calm enjoyable experience, not a bone jarring mess. (And I've done many of these same paths with rigid forks and hate it. So I'm not just biased towards suspension. I've done it both ways.)

On a hard packed rail trail or a long stretch of good pavement that's fairly flat I'll lock out the suspension and be happy that way too.

But I like having options. And the suspension fork is not THAT much heavier. Some people describe low end suspension forks like they are made of solid lead. They are a little heavier. And the difference in weight is within what I like to call the "I have or I have not popped today" range. Meaning the weight differential is less than other 'variables' on the bike.

Short version of this is that if you like your suspension fork, you're not nuts. And you're not wrong. And the ride improvement is not in your imagination. It's real.

If you hate suspension forks, you've also not wrong....but neither are the people who like them.
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Old 05-11-18, 09:47 AM
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As a person who once started a post proclaiming my love for the cheap suspension fork on my Roam, a year later I have to agree with the anti cheap suspension fork crowd. It's just not worth having in my opinion. I racked up roughly 700 miles on the Roam I bought last year before I sold it. I rode about 70% paved trails and 30% rails to trails (Katy Trail, gravel etc.) and kept the fork locked the vast majority of the time.

A friend of mine has a tough rode SLR - the one with drop bars and it is better in just about every way. The fork does a great job of absorbing the bumps and it just feels more agile. It's lighter, more manageable and it never feels like you are fighting the bike. I'd go for something like that if I knew then what I know now.
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Old 05-11-18, 10:09 AM
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Originally Posted by NameTaken
As a person who once started a post proclaiming my love for the cheap suspension fork on my Roam, a year later I have to agree with the anti cheap suspension fork crowd. It's just not worth having in my opinion. I racked up roughly 700 miles on the Roam I bought last year before I sold it. I rode about 70% paved trails and 30% rails to trails (Katy Trail, gravel etc.) and kept the fork locked the vast majority of the time.
100% of your riding was on surfaces that had no use for suspension.

Cut across a bumpy field sometime and the suspension fork has value, even a cheap one.

Hop off curbs, hit a pothole, ride a rough poorly maintained paved surface, cross bumpy maintained hard packed dirt fields, etc etc and the cheap suspension fork has value.

Ride clean pavement and maintained rail trails and it's doing nothing for you.

I find that when I ride rough pavement for more than a few miles, my hands and arms feel better with a suspension fork than without it. Some people like the natural flexibility in a rigid fork and prefer to 'feel the road' through the handlebars and that's cool, but I don't find it's enough to smooth my ride out to my liking.

It call comes down to this though...

If you like it, you're right! If you hate it, you're right!

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Old 05-11-18, 11:20 AM
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I’m joining the pro suspension fork crowd. The roads in my area are very potholed and alligator cracked. The sidewalks have those expansion cracks and many have been pushed up by tree roots. My Trek DS smooths out the surface for me. Also, I have the option of trying out some beginner single track trails. Yep. I chose correctly for my situation. Take your time and choose what’s right for you.

Good Luck. Let us know how you’re doing.
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Old 05-11-18, 02:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Skipjacks
100% of your riding was on surfaces that had no use for suspension.

Cut across a bumpy field sometime and the suspension fork has value, even a cheap one.

Hop off curbs, hit a pothole, ride a rough poorly maintained paved surface, cross bumpy maintained hard packed dirt fields, etc etc and the cheap suspension fork has value.

Ride clean pavement and maintained rail trails and it's doing nothing for you.

I find that when I ride rough pavement for more than a few miles, my hands and arms feel better with a suspension fork than without it. Some people like the natural flexibility in a rigid fork and prefer to 'feel the road' through the handlebars and that's cool, but I don't find it's enough to smooth my ride out to my liking.

It call comes down to this though...

If you like it, you're right! If you hate it, you're right!
I wouldn't say 100% was, I regularly take a 5 mile path to the recplex that weaves through several neighborhoods. It's not maintained at all. Roots everywhere, sections of large gravel to just plain rocks. Does it help on those sections? Absolutely, but I could get by without it for that portion of my ride, in exchange for the benefits of not having one in the areas that it does absolutely nothing for me.

I do agree with you though. If OP just likes it then it's fine. I'm just sharing because in the end I regretted my purchase. The money spend on the suspension, as little as that may have been, could have gone to other components on the bike. OP might not feel the same way and that's okay. But at least he is getting some differing opinions.

Ultimately, I'd say go test ride at an LBS. Yes they want to sell you something but they want you to like what you are buying so you come back every week to drop more cash on lights, then on pedals, on shoes, helmet, bike computer, trunk rack, saddle bags, new wheels etc... and eventually a new bike when you are ready to upgrade.
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Old 05-11-18, 03:06 PM
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Originally Posted by finch204
I did a ride last Wednesday with the front suspension fork locked. I have 38c tires on my Roam. They were not filled up to max psi. I rode over rough pavement and I could feel the bumps, more than I wanted to. With the front fork unlocked, I would just roll through and keep pedaling. I don't know why, but the suspension fork on my Roam doesn't seem to get in the way. I'm as fast on my Roam as I am on a Trek FX, with the benefit that I'm not sore after my rides with the Roam. As suggested, it is best to test ride bikes with both a rigid and suspension fork.
What psi was it? the max psi written on the tire has nothing to do with actual pressure you need, it is just a safety maximum pressure. I have about 25 psi on my 2" front tires (probably could have 20 psi) (I'm 175#)

funny how they give the Roam only 38mm tires from factory. Go to 50 mm an that coil suspension becomes meaningless. and no, rolling resistance on real world surfaces does not increase.
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Old 05-14-18, 07:05 AM
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Originally Posted by HerrKaLeun
What psi was it? the max psi written on the tire has nothing to do with actual pressure you need, it is just a safety maximum pressure. I have about 25 psi on my 2" front tires (probably could have 20 psi) (I'm 175#)

funny how they give the Roam only 38mm tires from factory. Go to 50 mm an that coil suspension becomes meaningless. and no, rolling resistance on real world surfaces does not increase.
I always set my pressure based on the range stated on the tire. The max psi on my Roam's stock tire is 65 psi. My guess is I was riding around 50-60 psi. Can't tell for sure because I did not check my tire pressure before that ride. I filled up the tires a couple of days ago and didn't fill it up before that ride. I understand that setting tire pressure is different for each person depending on the person's weight, riding environment, tires, etc... I haven't spent time trying to find the perfect tire pressure for me and quite frankly, I don't really want to spend time doing that. This is exactly why I got the Roam. I wanted a bike that I can pick up and ride, whenever I want to. The suspension fork gives me the comfort that I very much appreciated when I had an older Trek Verve.

Sure I could get a bike with 50mm tires, but my Roam can fit tires wider than 38mm if I really wanted to. I don't even care about rolling resistance. What I care about is a bike that keeps me pedaling. My Roam with the suspension fork keeps me pedaling through the rough roads and I think that is pretty awesome.
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Old 05-14-18, 04:25 PM
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Alright guys I went and rode the giant roam and the ds2 they both rode well I'm thinking about the giant more though, but the guy at the shop brought up the idea of getting a mountain bike and throwing different tires on it in case I ever wanted to get into mountain biking the frame would hold up. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Good ? Bad? Indifferent? I'm not opposed to the idea just not sure how a mountain bike would handle with road tires on it.
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Old 05-14-18, 08:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Piechowiak11
Alright guys I went and rode the giant roam and the ds2 they both rode well I'm thinking about the giant more though, but the guy at the shop brought up the idea of getting a mountain bike and throwing different tires on it in case I ever wanted to get into mountain biking the frame would hold up. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Good ? Bad? Indifferent? I'm not opposed to the idea just not sure how a mountain bike would handle with road tires on it.
I am a noob and I faced the same choice. I looked at a DS2 and considered a Trek Marlin 6 since my LBS was a Trek dealer. The shop mentioned getting different tires for the Marlin. In the end though I decided on the DS2 because I was more comfortable on it. Also, after I really thought about the riding I would do, I realized I would be mostly on rail trails (paved and unpaved) until I was in better shape and more experienced, and then could possibly consider a more off road bike. My older age factored in the decision too. I would defer to the experienced folks on here as to their thoughts. So far I am happy with my choice. The roam sounds like a great bike as well.
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Old 05-15-18, 05:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Piechowiak11
Alright guys I went and rode the giant roam and the ds2 they both rode well I'm thinking about the giant more though, but the guy at the shop brought up the idea of getting a mountain bike and throwing different tires on it in case I ever wanted to get into mountain biking the frame would hold up. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Good ? Bad? Indifferent? I'm not opposed to the idea just not sure how a mountain bike would handle with road tires on it.
Sounds a lot like they have an MTB they need to get rid of and try to talk you into it...
A real MTB will have terrible geometry for the road and be expensive for all the MTB qualities. If they sell you a fake MTB, like the Roam kind of tends to be (suspension fork), it isn't good at MTB stuff anyway. Buy a bike for YOUR use case, not what the the LBS has overstocked.
our opinions here are biased, but at least they are free and we don't have a financial motive to talk you into something...

Maybe add a fatbike and a roadbike while you are at it. You know, in case you ever go to snow or take part in the TdF. Just in case.
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Old 05-15-18, 06:51 AM
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And, don't be afraid of "trekking forks", which is what these hybrids come with. They are wonderful at what they are designed for, and they really do work very well! I suggest they have a remote lockout to be the most effective. They make great do it all bikes!

My guess, is that you would love the Roam - it's a great bike!
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Old 05-16-18, 10:59 AM
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I've owned a Roam 2 since 2015, and I'll echo some of what others have said here. I would say that more than likely I'd be a little happier had I gone with an Escape 1 for about the same price, which has a carbon fork instead of a suspension fork. But that's because the roughest thing I ride is loose pea gravel on canal paths here in Arizona. I definitely unlock the suspension for that but pretty much leave it locked the rest of the time. Admittedly, if I had a rigid fork I would probably reduce tire pressure on canal rides, and the fork allows me to keep my tires pumped up at all times for good rolling. Honestly my Roam really never feels too heavy and I've got a rack, front and back lights, pump, and saddle bag so I can commute with it. Something "might" feel more agile if it weighed less but I can't argue with the versatility of the fork. Mine is hydraulic, meaning I can open and close it while riding (mechanical forks may let you unlock, but not lock while riding). I'd definitely recommend going with hydraulic lock out if you choose to go that route. I do think it depends on how you ride. We just bought a trailer to take our dogs on rides with us and the canals will be a great place to do that so in the very near future I may be very glad I chose the Roam. I think it just pays to think about what type of riding you enjoy the most and do the most. It might be in your case a good idea to buy a new/nicer bike to do your main riding and get a used one for mountain biking or trail riding, in some cases a more specifically "talented" bicycle might give you more enjoyment. I was looking for a swiss army knife and definitely have that, but a good quality carbon fork might be sufficient for most, YMMV.
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Old 05-16-18, 11:21 AM
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Get what fits you and something you like. I started out with a giant Sedona and soon wished I had chosen better. After 2 years I then went in and got a Roam 2. The hydraulic disk brakes are what really sold me, I've starting to get arthritis in my hands and the easier squeeze just felt a lot better. It also had a better spread on the gear ratios. The 700c tires were nice too, just looked and felt better. I'm happy with my choice. It may take a few tries but unless you're happy with what you have then riding won't be enjoyable.
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