Marc461

I am new to the forum and to cycling. I think it's time for me to get a 'real' bike. After spending the last year in the gym on "Spin" cycles, I want to get out of the gym and begin hitting the roads.

After talking to several friends who are into biking, I think the best way for me to begin is with a Hybrid Bike. My goal is to ride 20 miles or so 3 times per week. I really don't have any ambitions to do 'serious' riding or long distances. I just want to use it to get some exercise and get around town when appropriate.

I have gone around to several different LBS and read quite a bit online. I think I have narrowed it down to a Trek FX 7.5 or Specialized Sirrus Comp (or perhaps even the Sirrus Elite). The 7.5 & the Comp seem to be very comparable bikes and very close in price with a Elite being a couple hundred dollars less. Does anyone have any thoughts one way or the other?

I look forward to your thoughts. Thanks!

no1mad 

Your new here, so welcome! That being said:

-Since your new to cycling, I'd suggest you find a LBS that you like first. Then let them help you select what fits your wants/needs.
-Since your new to cycling, I'd suggest not spending that much on your first bike. Your first bike is a learning experience and will have you considering upgrading in time- whether higher end of your current one or branching off into different areas altogether.

The lower end of each of those model line ups will work for your intended purposes. Just make sure that the bike fits or you will be turned off of riding in short order.

up4speed

All those bikes seem like nice choices. I also narrowed it down to the same exact 3!! I decided to go with the Trek 7.5FX. I liked the bike when I rode it, and I liked the dealer and it was the closest dealer as well. I have a 2011 for about a week now, and love the way it feels, handles and rides. I have only about 20 miles on it because the weather has been cruddy around here.

creativepart

Welcome! I haven't ridden the other two, but I bought a Trek FX 7.5 one month ago and I'm really enjoying the bike. I've put just under 200 miles on it so far and its been a sweet ride.

Good luck with your choice.

badger1

I would second no1mad's points above: LBS first, then Fit, Fit, Fit. I would offer one qualification: if your budget easily permits, without strain, I would buy 'in the middle', e.g. either the Sirrus Comp or the Trek 7.5fx, of the range. Reason: using the Sirrus/FX examples, that's about where in each case the bikes get 'really quite nice' without getting silly expensive (and possibly therefore a silly expensive mistake). In each case, the Sirrus Comp or 7.5 will be just that little bit nicer/lighter/more comfortable (carbon forks)/more durable (component quality) than the model(s) below. But that's just my take on this question.

up4speed

badger, that was exactly my thought process. I could have afforded any bike, but the 7.5 seemed to be at the point of diminishing returns. If I was the type to put a huge amount of miles on it, I would have went way better. I am more like the type that will put a few hundred miles, now that it is new and exciting, then taper off to non-use for a half year or so. Then I will remember I have it, and use it for a few rides, then forget again.....and so on....and so on......

renegaderider

Try the Specialized Sirrus Expert. So far this week I've put 75 miles on it, and average about 150 weekly miles. It climbs well and accelerates quickly. I've made a few upgrades, but they've all paid off. Love it. Good luck, welcome...

Marc461

Thanks for your input. I found a 2010 Trek FX 7.5 at my LBS today. Got some money off, fit perfect, so pulled the trigger!

pixelharmony

Congrats on your purchase! I originally was looking at the 7.5 or the Comp, there was a great deal on a 7.5 at my LBS but after some consideration (and a little disapproval from the wife) I'm probably going to go with a more entry level model. If I lose some weight I'm sure my wife wouldn't mind at that point to let me buy another bike next year