The first number refers to the the crankset number of gears of 3 and the second number refers to the number of gears at the back. So it is a triple crankset with a 7 speed rear derailleur. 7 speed stuff came out in the early 80s and was still relevant in the early 90s now it is generally the bottom end of components (unless talking internally geared hubs, IGH) On occasion they will be one minor step up from the bottom end of components but usually an odd model designed to look more like the bottom end. Again look for something that is 1x or 2x generally 9-12. A 1x drivetrain means a single chainring at the front and then however many at the back and if you have a 10 speed or higher you will generally have a better option for a wider range of gears to help you get around most things. A 2x or in some cases a 3x will give you more gears but as you go up into the 11 speed and up 3x replicates a lot of the same gears so it is not needed but a 2x is still relevant

If you are stuck on the Quicks, 3 and above would be where to look on those below that things taper quickly. The 4 gets you an OK 1x9 speed drivetrain but you loose the carbon fork which might cut a bit of weight over an aluminum or steel fork but provide some good vibration dampening.

What about the Specialized Sirrus X 3.0 : https://www.cyclesport.com/product/s...0-401627-1.htm
Please advise and thanks.

also how is the Specialized Sirrus X 3.0 compared to the Cannondale Treadwell 2 LTD: https://www.cannondale.com/en-us/bik...eadwell-2-ltd?
What would be the better option here?

Thanks and advise.

Like I said above go for the X 4.0. The drivetrain on the 3.0 is better than the Treadwell but they both have aluminum forks and I would rather have a carbon fork and the future shock is really nice. I know people love to complain about it here and there but for the most part a nice little bit of suspension there that is unobtrusive and not super heavy is pretty nice.

[MENTION=578773]dashelter[/MENTION], how many of these bikes are near enough for you to test ride? These guys can advise you all day long, but in the end you're going to have to test ride some bikes. They're probably all decent starter bikes and will do what you want. You'll have to decide where the balance between quality and price is for you.

If you're lucky enough to have more than one bike shop to choose from, remember that you'll be having your warranty work done there so, all things being equal, you might want to go with the one that treats you well.

Good luck, have fun, and show us pics of your new ride!

Looking for a phone mount where I can also charge my phone on long rides.
Any suggestions on whether or not these exist and where I can get a secured phone mount on handlebars that can also charge my Android?

Many thanks and advise.

For a phone mount I would look at QuadLock. For charging I would want a Dynamo and probably something like "The Plug" from Tout Terrain. I think they are at the Plug6 which has the power bank as so it gives you better charging for phones.

A dynamo set up is not going to be cheap but you are generating your own power and can use it for lighting or charging. SP (Shutter Precision) makes a good lower cost hub but if you want the best SON is the way to go and I really love Supernova or Busch + Müller for lighting.

is there a mount you can recommend that can safely secure both my Android and a slim portable power bank on the bike handlebar?

Please advise and thanks again.
Looking to your reply.

Quad lock would be what I would recommend for the phone as stated above but for a power bank I might just use a feed bag like this: https://www.ovejanegrabikepacking.co...-handlebar-bag
or a top tube bag like this:
https://www.ovejanegrabikepacking.co...tube-bag-small
There are plenty of options on the market for those bags but I do like Oveja Negra or Swift Industries, they make good quality stuff in the U.S.

Thanks Veganbikes
*
The portable power bank will need to be very close to the phone mount so a USB-C cable can reach both to connect them and not hang around over.

Also, is this a good slim portable power bank:

https://a.co/d/c5vXQyE
Or
this one: ​​ https://a.co/d/8mByIoc

What other bike accessories would you recommend ?
Free bike app to track calories and distances?
Good Helmet brand?

Many thanks for all inputs.

No worries.

For powerbanks I recommend Goal Zero or at least a known quantity and quality brand.

In terms of apps I don't use many cycling ones that aren't specific to certain components. I would rather have a separate computer that uses less power and doesn't tie up my phone. If you want more basic stuff CatEye Padrone or Enduro (for wired) are good options and if I want more data Garmin makes some great stuff. The 1030 Solar seems like a really neat one but the lower ones are still good.

For helmets I really love my Lazer Z1 but ABUS makes some great helmets as well. In the past I had a Giro Aethos that was nice but I got a smaller size than I should have. In the end make sure you try the helmet on in a bike shop and don't buy a random brand from billionaires selling stuff online. Make sure it is CSPC rated (or SNELL which is more common with Motorcycles) and generally is comfortable and lightweight. Virginia Tech does some good rating on helmets so you can get some baselines however fit and comfort is key.

I am willing to spend big bucks on a helmet because I want something comfortable that I don't really notice on my head.

There are tons of accessories out there. What do you need and don't have?

The Goal Zero is not slim and is very expensive.
Looking for something slim, portable and affordable not a battery-type charger.
If we could keep it at under $40, that'd be great.

regarding the Quad Lock mount, i have an Android, which one of the QuadLock mounts should I get:
Stem/handlebar mount?
Out front mount?
Out front mount pro?

The thing is: I already have a case for my Android and buying another case for the Quadlock may not make too much sense. Is there a good, reliable handlebar bike mount that I can use to hold both my Android and the slim, portable power bank? This will help with not having too buy another phone case I really don't need.

Lastly, anything to hold water bottle while riding on the bike?

As always, many thanks.

Goal Zero is recommended because Goal Zero makes good quality stuff. I don't buy cheap stuff I want stuff that might be lower in cost but works really well and has good support. I have had two Goal Zero power banks for 4 years now and zero issues in that time (have gone through more cables) but for a while I would have a power bank that would last me maybe a year or less and most of them low cost and maybe well reviewed but not long lasting. I have a Flip 12 which is small and takes little space and a Flip 24 which take up the same width but double the length (who would have thunk it) No not flat but easy to stash in a pocket. In the end though the Flips are $20-40 so not very expensive and they have a nice promotion going on now if you buy two flips you get a charging dock (which I now want as they didn't have that when I got mine). The Sherpa and Venture are both more expensive but they are also quite a bit more featured and much bigger battery wise. Unless I was touring or constantly traveling I probably would skip those but for a normal weekend ride or commute I would skip them anyway.

I will hate to break it to you but all the chargers are going to be battery type, they are power banks but they are batteries in the end. You don't want to just charge from solar or wind or something as most phones don't love the on and off charging they like constant power.

For Quad Lock mounts I would pick the one that suits you the best. For me it would be an OutFront mount probably the Pro but I like that position for my phone if I was going to use while biking.

They do make a stick on mount for other cases but if your case isn't LifeProof or OtterBox I would probably just go for the QuadLock. I know quite a few folks who have them and love them and use them all throughout life as they don't just make bicycle mounts but mounts for the home and car and office and motorcycles and more.

In terms of bottle cages King Cage or PDW Animal Cages are the best and all I use on my bikes (aside from one specialized cage they recommend for holding their range extenders (it came with the bike). I have zero interest in other cages and have used most of the PDW ones and the Titanium King Cages (and Ti Flask Cage they made for me) and really truly couldn't complain about them at all, they hold bottles really well and look good doing it. Ron is a super nice person and his small staff is also super great to work with and they are all made right here in 'Merica. The PDW stuff adds some fun to the bottle cage world but also their cages hold on to bottle really well and can handle a little wider bottle or narrower bottle in many cases (though I only standard cycling bottles)

OK.
I went to the website and saw Flip 36 as well as Venture 75.
Will the Flip 36 be good enough to charge my Android while on a ride or should I get the Venture 75 instead?

Like I said the Venture is for long distance sort of stuff where I need to charge over several days (like while touring/bikepacking) or charge larger items. A Flip 36 should charge your phone a 3 times at least. How much do you need to charge the phone is the question? If I am just going out for a day I probably would have a 12 or maybe a 24 if I am using my phone a bunch of super power hungry or you had my old 1st gen SE which eventually after many years lost a lot of battery capacity and needed more constant charge.

Thanks Veganbikes for all your suggestions and help here.

No worries happy to help.

One other bit of help if you put the (at) symbol @ in front of someones name they will get mentioned so they get an alert when you post. So it will read (at)dashelter but will show up like dashelter

Just a thought...have a look at pre-owned bikes. If you find the right one, you can save quite a bit. IMHO, it's a good way to get started into cycling and learn what you like and don't. Later, sell the used bike and get what you really like. For some, buying a new lower end hybrid is a bit of a waste, since you may outgrow it within a year or so.

Thanks or all the feedback and suggestions here.
Also looking for a good digital tire gauge with the capability to inflate as well if tire pressure is too low.
Which would be a good one to own?

Please advise and many thanks.

If you're in California and are familiar with Orange Cycle, you're in my hood. Another place to try is the Trek store in Tustin on Prospect St. These guys helped me out quite a bit.
Full disclosure, I've bought bikes from both places over the years. My new bike is a hybrid, an FX 3 Disc, which I love.

My digital gauge is one from Topeak and works well. It doesn't inflate and I don't need it to I have a pump for that. I would recommend a Joe Blow ideally the Ace or Twin Turbo but the Sport III is a fine cheaper pump. They also make the Pro Digital which has a digital gauge built in but I like my analogue pumps I just do.

As always, many thanks, Veganbikes!!!