I will be in the market soon. I am just starting well enough to see what I like. I won't be doing anything more extreme than light trails. fields,and dirt roads.

I will probably look for a 1-5 year old bike. I was hoping to get some recommendations for some of the lightest, highest quality hybrid bikes in the last few years, without going carbon.

Thanks all
Randy

If you're not doing anything more extreme than light trails, which I assume are relatively flat, a lightweight bike isn't doing much for you on the trail.

Lower weight will help you accelerate a tad faster, but it's not earth shattering. If you were racing where seconds make a difference over 50 miles, weight has a factor. For joy riding on light trails...weight is a non issue.

Now if you're going to do steep climbs for extended inclines weight becomes a factor. Or if you are going to carry the bike across streams or stuff like that weight becomes a factor.

But riding long distance on a relatively flat trail? Nope. Non issue.

Spend the extra money to get good tires and a nice drive train instead of low weight.

And of course if you live on a 5th floor walk up or something a light weight bike comes in all kinds of handy no matter what kind of riding you're doing.

I agree with the comment above that the tires are important.

My bike has 700x35 tires that I find work really well for the type of biking you describe. You don't mention what you consider "lightweight" but my Trek FX 2 weighs in at about 26.6 lbs. It's an aluminum frame and fork. It's plenty light to carry up/down stairs, etc.

The drive train is lower end but works really well for what I do.

You will have tons of choices depending on your budget (used, new, etc.). Get the one that appeals to you and seems the best fit.

No flat lands here guys. Let me give you nice folks a bit more information to go on. I'm in NW Alabama which is the foothills of the Appalachian chain. I have 93000 acres of mostly closed to motor vehicle dirt roads and trails in the National forest riding distance from my house. The forest starts close to 6 miles from my home.

I am not however yet up to the task. I am a 51 year old man who has worked as hard as any human on this earth for nearly a year to get young and in shape. I have lost 140 lbs in a year. I have done it healthy. My diet and exercise is as good as I could possibly make it. I am 6'2 and 190lbs now. I'm only telling ya'll this to know where I am in this journey.

2 weeks ago I bought a Trek Singletrack 820 and have been learning on this wonderful bike. I have rode several miles every day since getting it and I'm even riding some walking trails around my 16 acre property, learning maneuverability and control in tight places.

Then I rode a Trek DS2 from a local shop and saw how much more responsive it was. Not knowing the bike world at all,I didn't know which models to be comparing in this type bike. At my age and feeling as great as I do now. I actually feel better than when I was 20. I don't want to be jumping across or off anything that will hurt my old self. I mean, I am right now awesome, but I want to stay that way. LOL

Thanks a bunch folks
Randy

resolved ?









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I do enjoy the shock on this 820 though, and will likely spend around $700 or less and likely used when I know what to be looking for.

Check out the Giant Toughroad SLR. I think it ticks a lot of your boxes. Not carbon, but lightweight aluminum frame. Nice fat tires for those trails (easily swappable for something more appropriate if you need). I'm sure you can get one used for around $700. We have examples on this forum of pretty light builds around the Toughroad SLR 2.

Appreciate it. That's the kind of info I need.

I like my Dual Sport 2, I mention that because you said you rode one and liked how it rode. If you want light bikes, gotta spend the money and go for carbon fiber - with your budget that's out of the question. PS Congrats on your weight loss that's freaking awesome - went from 350 to 230 myself.

My giant fastroad sl3 weight 23 pound, anything lighter is road bike territory. Bought mine new for 720, after switching saddle it rides like a dream. I can cruise at 17 mph with ease and great comfort.