NYYankeeGirl

Hello!

I was hoping you would be able to help me out. I haven't seriously ridden a bike since I was about 12 years old (I'm now 23), and am looking for a bike to ride around my neighborhood in Brooklyn. I want to use the bike for fitness and to get around from place to place. I can definitely see myself going a few miles here and there. After doing a bit of research it seems a hybrid bike might be the best choice for me.

Unfortunately, I have a bit of a budget. Ideally I would like a bike around $300, but can be convinced to go a bit upward to $400.

I visited a few bike shops here in NYC and was basically laughed at with my budget. However, I was recommended, and tested a few. These were the models:

Trek FX 7.1 ($400)
Giant Cypress W Women's ($300)
Schwinn Voyager 7 Women's ($300)
Scott Sportster p6 Women's ($360) - would possibly need to buy a different seat though - wasn't very comfortable
Specialized Globe Carmel 1 700c Women's ($400)

Based on test riding them, I think I liked the Trek and Giant the best, but does anyone have any comments/experience with the above? Or, could you recommend any alternatives to the above? Any tips would be super helpful.

Also, if you live in NYC could your recommend a bike shop that would be good for me? I checked out Bicycle Habitat, Sid's, Toga, Frank's and Paragon.

Thanks!

-Rachel

Wanderer

Both the Trek, and the Giant, are good bikes.

The FX is a really nice series, and you would probably like it.

That being said, you seem to always get more bang for your buck with the Giant - since they make bikes for soooooo many others. Giant makes nice bikes!

no1mad 

If it came down to either the Trek or the Giant, I'd pick the Trek. Main reasons are that I think that the Trek is a tad bit lighter (if the OP has to carry up/down stairs) and that the Trek is better suited to "fitness" rides.

Either bike will work for casual rides for the beginner, but the Trek lends itself more towards performance better.

godeacs

Did you test the Trek 7000 series? More upright than the FX series, adjustable handle bars...starts at $359

GO YANKEES!

EDDIE1963

Try Globe Vienna. They made by Specialized. Nice looking bike and can be purchased for under $400.00 if you look around.

snafu21

Somebody posted a pic of the Schwinn Tourist on here in response to a similar question. I have never seen or ridden one, but it to me, seemed like great value for money and a nice looking bike. Whatever you get, you'll spend another $50+ or so on locks, pump, seat bag, spare tubes and a bottle cage & bottle, unless you already have those. :-) And you may need a woman-specific saddle.

I can comment on the Scott Sportster, I have the very similar 2009 Scott Sub hybrid, build quality is exceptional, alloy frame is comparatively light and the Shimano Acera components all work well. Sportster has a very slightly changed frame (disk brake brackets added and aero 'hump' removed) and the P6 in the UK has the Scott rigid aero fork. The finish of the bikes is very good, and the manly saddle is good for 45 minutes. Yep, I changed mine.

However, the bike is designed as a fast urban hybrid, alloy rigid frame and forks are very sporty, although Scott tamed the frame design for 2010, as the 2009 Sub was on the hard side of 'radically quick'. 2010 bikes have shorter stems to get weight off the wrists, one of the complaints of the 2009 SUB's and a Ritchey headset - loosing the NVO adjustable headset of the 2009's. It's no real loss.

You want a sporty fast NYC hybrid, this could be it. You want complete comfort and an easy life - it may not be. Left-field and a bit European? A little.

P6 2010 - almost the same bike as my 2009 Sub 30, has eyelets for rack and fenders (the 'Scott Urban/City kit' is just that), the frame and forks have brackets if you want to change to disk-brakes later, and the bikes, both the Sportster and SUB are ridden by staff from local bike shop, who describe them as the Hummers of the bike world. Tough, and not much goes wrong.

The alloy framed Scott 2009 Sub and 2010 Sportsters are 'fast' road hybrids, but do have plenty of granny gears for hills. There are a few Sportster user reviews here, and I'm delighted with my bike for fitness and sporty smooth rides. Top speed with my legs is about 30 mph, or 3 mph up any hill. Spares are cheap and plentiful for the Sportster. Tyres are also tamed for 2010 with trekky type rubber (knobbles) , but a fast urban slick like the Conti-Sport-Contact as fitted on the 2009 bikes, adds zest, and possibly, more punctures. The Sportster frame is the same as the upmarket Scotts at twice the price.

Sportster P6 is also available in a women's step-thru frame with slightly relaxed geometry, so try both frames if the bike appeals. It's fast, and sporty as the name implies, but will also pootle, do hills, and carry luggage.

My Sub 30:

https://i47.tinypic.com/1zob614.jpg

meanstreak

Check around to see if any dealers have TREK 2009 models, which may be cheaper by 100 - 150 less.

urbanlegend

if you're looking at a fitness hybrid, the giant rapid and dash are more up your alley. when i purchased my rapid i also tried the specialized sirrus, trek fx and kona door prize. lots of really good bikes at the entry level to hybrids...

Wanderer

Ya know, Yankee Girl, that Schwinn Tourist, from Target, really is a steal of a deal - and a pretty decent bike considering it's price.

If they have one that fits you, it is a decent looking, and functional bike. Keeping it clean and lubricated will keep it functional for quite awhile.

Just have someone competent go over the lubrication, and adjustment of it, before you use it. It's definitely worth it's price plus the cost of a tuneup at a LBS.

If you decide later, that it's not for you, you should be able to get half it's cost back - and a long term rental for $100 isn't a bad deal at all.

NYYankeeGirl

First, thank you all for your help! Some more questions...

How would this compare with the Giant Cypress, specs and reputation wise? They seem similar. I just found a bike store that has the Trek for $350.

Nice. This also seems better suited than the Carmel 700 I tried. On their site they have a Vienna 1 and a Vienna 1 Step Through. The Step Through seems to be the women's model, right?

Is this the Tourist? I can't seem to find anything labeled "Tourist" on their site. https://www.target.com/Ladies%E2%80%9..._com_brand-bin

Wanderer

Are you looking for a ladies specific bicycle, something with a step thru frame?

NYYankeeGirl

Both, I guess. I just read the wiki on step through frame... I think I'll feel more comfortable with one, simply that it's "potentially safer than a high crossbar; a rider who loses balance can step through the bicycle without becoming entangled."

Obviously the Trek fx 7.1 doesn't have that, but I think I can deal.

I appreciate your patience with this. I'm a novice!

Also, my parents in the 80's got Fuji road bikes and always tout how awesome they are. I always figured Fujis were out of my price range, then I saw the Absolute 4.0 and the Crosstown 4.0. Any thoughts on those? I think I really need to decide if I want a sportier bike (ala Trek FX) or more pedestrian (ala Trek 7000).

specialfx

For what it's worth, the 7.1 does come in a step through version- I just got my wife one.

dingster1

^^ True. Just ask for the "staggered" frame. I'm surprised no one has said it already. Make sure whatever you get FITS. The problem with the Schwinn Tourist is that its a Walmart/Target bike, not an LBS which means no custom sizing which is not a good thing especially if you are smaller.

Wanderer

The Fuji Absolutes (and others) are nice bikes - and affordable.

The Tourist (Schwinn) was a 2008-2009 model, but I was under the impression that they had a bazillion of them - if they are gone, they really were a nice buy for the money, and looked pretty sweet too.

If you end up with an FX (hold out for at least a 7.2 for the better frame) or an Absolute, you will be happy.

Ya know, YG, when you are talking major manufacturers (and yes, Schwinn is among them) you will almost always get a nice bike - they are just more focused now, than in the past.

My advice, from an old grandpa, (who has a big soft spot for Grandaughters,) get the FX or the Absolute - and beat the snot out of your boyfriend on those rides...... LOL

Then, learn to fix and adjust it yourself - get lots of tips here and from Sheldon Brown,or Park Tools, and then start embarrassing the guys when you fix stuff without a hickup. It's not hard, just pay attention, and do it slow.

NYYankeeGirl

OK so the list right now seems to be the following. I still need to decide if I want to be more upright or not.

Sportier (leaning towards Absolute, after what Wanderer said):
Trek FX 7.1 ($400)
Specialized Globe Vienna 1 ($400)
Fuji Absolute 4.0 ($400)

More Upright (leaning towards Cypress):
Giant Cypress ($300)
Trek 7000 ($350)

Is there any cons to these bikes to help with the decision?

Wanderer

Looks like it's decision time.

The FX has slightly better (in my estimation) gearing, and is 8 speed. Has better components. Has larger tires for a better ride. Easier to use trigger shifters. frame is not much higher than the step thru of the Fuji.

The Absolute has better (heavy duty) wheels . Has narrower tires making it slightly easier to go fast, with a drawback of a lower high gear, and fewer gears. Fuji has twist shifters-not quite as nice. Fuji has a step thru frame (more of mixte configuration) not totally step thru

The Globe leans a little more to the comfort side, IMO.

Do you want a Performance Hybrid (easier to go fast) or a Comfort Hybrid (rides a little nicer, but not as nice over a long distance.)

In my estimation the FX WINS, because it should be easier to go faster , longer, farther - and can still carry a load and fenders. (tires can be changed when the originals wear out if you want to go faster - or leave it the way it is a better ride.) A set of Schwalbe marathon Supremes in 32mm width, will roll very nicely at 90-92# PSI.

specialfx

We went through the same process, but only looked at Trek and Jamo. Mrs Specialfx tried both the 7.1 and the 7000. Not being on a bike for years, I thought she would go for the 7000 (suspension, comfort), but she opted for the FX, as she preferred it's light weight and she found the 7000 heavy. We also looked at the 7.2 but the LBS said given the type of riding we were going to do (once a week- recreational), he'd rather we spend the additional cost on the accessories we'd have to buy.

I totally agree with dingster- go with an LBS- the benefits of a good LBS far outweigh a few dollars saved in the long run- you get a good fit, good advice (if they are sincere and not looking to upsell), after sales service and good prices if you build a long term relationship.

godeacs

Quite honestly, I couldn't tell any difference in the weight of the FX vs 7000 series! Realize the suspension is heavier but unless you really plan on going fast I don't think that's a major issue. Biggest thing I noticed was the lower handlebars on the FX - I prefer the upright feature on the 7000 series (and the option of adjusting as needed) so am leaning towards the 7300 over the 7.3FX. Decisions, decisions..... both are great choices!

specialfx

I was actually deciding between the 7.5FX and the 7500, and like you, didn't feel a great weight difference when riding, but when I tried carrying the bikes up the steps to the LBS- the weight difference became apparent- to me at least! :-)

stephen9666

The 7.1 FX, which I believe is the model the OP is considering, is a 7 speed. You have to step up to the 7.2 to get an 8 speed.

More info on the Trek here.

I have a 2010 Trek 7.1 FX that I've had for a few months and I like it. I kind of wish I had saved a little more and stepped up to a higher level bike. But, I bought it during a Trek sale, so I only paid $350+ tax. Like the OP, I didn't want to spend a lot on a bike. I hadn't had one in a while and I wasn't sure I'd ride it that much.

NYYankeeGirl

I'm a bit confused - shouldn't one of the comfort hybrids like the Trek 4000, be easier to go on long rides?

Wanderer

NO - comfort bikes are NOT as comfortable on long rides, as more performance oriented machines. Sounds reverse of what should be true - but comfort oriented bikes are more comfortable on shorter rides.

I made a mistake on gearing for the 7.1, as it is 7 spd. Reason: probably in my recommendation to hold out for a 7.2 for the better frame - I just lost my way...... sorry

snafu21

" I'm a bit confused - shouldn't one of the comfort hybrids like the Trek 4000, be easier to go on long rides?"

Almost anything you buy will need adjusting to fit. Stem length, angle and height, handlebar back sweep, brake lever angles, seat height. Upright comfort bikes can put too much weight on the rear, sporty hybrids can put too much weight on the hands, or have bars low enough to cause neck-ache. Comfort bikes should be an easy ride, but not always. You won't find out until your first two-hour ride.

Most people give up and just buy a Trek. :-)

Whatever you get, light can be more fun than heavy.

Tome

Rach, I ride Trek and love them. I had a 7.5, now I've got a 7.9. A 7.1 is on the bottom of the list but is still a pretty good bike. Have you checked Craig's List??