Looking for a hybrid for about $700-$800(CAD)
 

Hey guys, I've recently decided to get a bit more serious about cycling so I've asked my folks for a new bike for my birthday. They gave me a $700-$800CAD price range(which is a lot more than I was expecting:innocent:), and I've been doing a bit of digging around locally for a hybrid. I've narrowed myself down to a few bikes, but I figured I'd like to get some solid advice before I pull the trigger. That's where you guys come in!

Right now, I'd say the three bikes I'm considering the most are a '10 Marin Muirwoods 29, a '09 Kona Dr. Dew and a '10(I think) Devinci Wellington. There were also a couple Norcos, but I can't remember the model, nor was I too fond of the aesthetics. I'm sure they'll all be better than my current bike (Miele Twin Track 150), but do you guys think one of these bikes is a clear winner? Or should I just go with personal preference? Also, this may be a dumb question, but would I be able to put fenders on all of these bikes? I live in a pretty rainy city, so that's a must.

Anyways, I'm glad to be here and looking forward to my first hybrid!

It would be worth your while to check out the following bikes:

Jamis Coda and Coda Comp.
Road style frame with straight bars; quality components.

I recently bought the Jamis Coda Elite, $930.00 @ LBS and I am thuroughly satisfied.
The Coda and Coda Comp retail between $600.00 and $800.00

I test road the Trek 7.5 fx, Specialized Sirrus and then the Coda.
I have disc brakes on mine (Avid BB7's), the Coda and Coda Comp have rim style brakes.

And yes you can put fenders and a rack on this bike.

Well that's my 2 cent worth! Enjoy the experience of shopping for a new bike and do your homework. Don't buy until you get a good test ride in.

In general, go out and ride the bikes and see how you like them.

That said, I just got a 2010 Dr. Dew that I love.

Congrats on the new ride.
I had the Dew Drop on my wish list before I pulled the trigger and purchased the Coda Elite.

How's she handle?

Quick off the line, fast, nimble, and even quicker to stop (gotta love hydraulic discs). :) I only have two complaints.

First, you can have a 700x40 tire (actual width including tread) on the front, or you can have proper fenders on the front, but not both. This is somewhat irritating.

Second, and more significantly, I'm having a weird problem with the headset not seeming to want to stay tight. It got loose enough that the stem would rattle over rough ground shortly after I took it home. I got it adjusted at the shop this past Friday, and it's already starting to get loose again. I think I'm going to post on the Kona forums about it. That ain't right, and I'm wondering if it's a problem with the bike or a problem with the shop or what.

I really do love the bike, though. She's a great little multipurpose number. I've got her kitted out with a rack, fenders, an Alfine dynohub wheel, and a set of Busch and Muller lights.

Marin makes good hybrids. So does Devinci. Their models are stylish and sexy.

Ride the ones you are looking at at the bike store and see which you like most, then find it online for cheaper than the LBS and use the rest of the money for add-ons or changes you may want.

-I know this idea is shocking to some of you but its about fair market competition, if the LBS wants to compete they need to price match(or at least come close). Brick and mortars are on thier way out anyway, it's inevitable. Sorry if you dont agree.

Just went to Bike Depot today in TO and they have Specialized Sirrus/Vita Sport for $759CAD. Not sure if that's their 'lowest' they can go on this bike but it falls on your budget range. We test rode the Sirrus Sport and it felt great. I am surprised how light the Sirrus is and how the technology changed since my last bike purchased. :D

Though I found Bike Depot's price $759CAD for a Sirrus/Vita Sports is kind of overprice as US Specialized website has the Vita/Sirrus Sport listed MSRP $660USD. Considering CAD$ & USD$ are almost 1:1 right now. What do you all think about this?

If I lived that c lose to the border, I know where I would be buying......... throw a little dirt on it, and bring it home....

What about the warranty? If bike is purchased from US, I assumed it's like no warranty unless someone likes to cross the board often.

Thanks for the replies guys, I'm thinking now that I might throw in a bit of my own money. Right now, I'm comparing these two bikes:

2010 Devinci Oslo

http://devinci.com/bikes/browse#4_10_21

2010 Devinci Wellington

http://devinci.com/bikes/browse#4_10_22

The Olso is $200 more, but it seems that most of its components are upgraded over the Wellington. Do you guys think it's worth the price difference for the better components?

Looking for a new hybrid
 

Don't discount other makers such as Opus (Canadian) and Giant. Both have some nice hybrid/comfort bikes. Just picked up an 09 Opus Mondano myself.

Where you get those pricing from? I can't find any pricing info on their website. As well their website has some problems that I can't even locate a dealer close to my house which is weird.

The pricing is from my LBS, $999 for the Oslo and $799 for the Wellington. My dad's friends with the owner of the store though, so we might get some kind of deal.

Also, has anyone tried the KHS Urban Xtreme? Looks like the kind of bike I want, anyone know how it compares to the Devincis?

Online bicycle buyers will never reach 100% of consumers. There will always be a market for local purchasers. Regardless of what % upcharge the LBS offers.

Not everyone needs or cares to get the absolute rock-bottom price for a particular item. Also, there will always be impulse buyers or those that 'need' a bike, 'right here and now'.

Using LBS for 'test rides' when you already know you will be purchasing online is unethical.

If you do this, please send some money the way of the LBS via initial setup, tunes, accessories, or what not.

With online shopping you won't get the service (adjustments, hands on expertise) you do with a brick and mortar store. And if the stores eventually disappear there won't be anywhere to test ride a bike. Remember, although they don't make a lot of money, the LBSs that you see are somebody's livelihood and a lot of them do it for the love of cycling.

In regards to having prices match or come close to online, remember there is no overhead with online shopping.

While we're on the topic of online stores, does anyone have any experience with the Motobecane bikes on bikesdirect.com? More specifically, the Cafe Noir? It seems like a pretty good deal for the money, although I tried doing some research on them and it was inconclusive.

I think you got it backwards - I agree that it is unethical to shop this way - if the on-line sellers want to sell, they should provide test rides, and support.

Who does this, by the way? I guess it would be your LBS ---- Maybe the online buyer, who first shops the LBS for test and fitting, owes the LBS a finders fee, or, at least a decent commission.

Search for bikesdirect or motobecane. You will find plenty of opinions on sites like this forum, roadbikereview, and mtbr.

I have purchased TWO motobecanes, a hybrid for my stepmom a few years ago (great bike, forgot the model) and a 29er (Fantom29) for my girlfriend. We just got the Fantom and it is a well-spec'd, good fit and finish, and crazy value bike. Local would have pushed us up 50%+ (or $300-$400 more) for a similar ride.

Very few people are NOT pleased with BikesDirect. If you have a warranty problem, it may be slow going and cost extra money to ship stuff. You also have to get the bike assembled and tuned. You also don't get Brand Name Cache. That matters to a lot of people. 'Motobecane' is not sexy like 'Trek', 'Cannondale' or some boutique manufacturer might be.
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I build and tune my own bikes, so its a no brainer for me to normally buy online, but its not for everyone.

The Cafe Noir is one of the bikes I would consider getting for my Dad. Obviously, I would recommend taking the leap on it.

I don't necessarily have a problem with a person using a LBS to find a fit. But pay for it!

Many shops have fancy technical fitting programs that they may charge up to $100 to perform. Lesser money for less technical fits.

If you are THAT CHEAP and still want to just go sit on bikes, buy an accessory at the LBS and then bring your online bike there and pay them to set it up.

Now, if you are SUPER DUPER CHEAP, don't go to a LBS at all. Find a friend and sit on their bikes to get a fit. Worse case, have at it at WalMart!

Unfortunately it's really not fair market competition to waste a brick and mortar's time knowing you have no intent to purchase. It's one thing to browse and sit on a few bikes. It's another to take time away from an owner or a salesman who has to make a living. I purchase a lot of things online but I don't go into a store to do my research. In general, if I buy online, I research online.

Going to look at the Coda Comp in two days, looking forward to it!

Have you considered Brodie's bikes? I have the Dynamo and it's very good. The components and build quality is better than Kona and Devinci.

What did you think of the Jamis Coda Comp?