yosarian

I am looking for a bike. I am thinking on a hybrids because I am going to be on road and I am going to be on gravel surfaces as well.I am planning to use it for casual ride and may be on the future conmute (about 10km) to work on summer. I am 37 years old and I haven't have a bike since I was on my teens and I never use gears on a bike.
I would like to try to spend no more than $500.
The bicycles shops close at home carry the following brands: Norco, Opus and Kona

I went today and I saw the following bikes

Norco Vermount $420
Norco Yorkville $299
Norco Plateau $329
Norco Citadel $449

All are 2010-09 models, then are ~100$ cheaper than regular price.

Anyone knows any of these? Could recommend any of this?

I am going to another store to see the other brands during this weekend.
THanks for your help

irclean

I have a 2010 Norco Ceres, which is more of a performance hybrid. Norco models that are more comparable to my bike are the Indie 3 and the VFR 3.

The bikes that you listed are more comfort-oriented. Not that there's anything wrong with that, I just think you should be aware that there are more performance-oriented bikes available in your price range (~$500). Most members here would encourage you to test ride as many styles of bike as possible to determine what you like the best. Don't limit yourself to one style... there are many good bikes available for $500 or less.

There is an Opus dealer in my area, and they have some cool bikes, but I have no experience with them. That being said, I really dig the Jura.

As for Kona, their Dew series is highly-touted on these forums, and are worth a look. The entry-level Dew model has a MSRP of $449 CAD.

yosarian

Thanks for your help.
I didn't know there are different kind of hybrids. What the difference (on hardware) between a comfort oriented and a performance oriented?
I am going to try to take a look to the Kona/Opus today or tomorrow and I am going to ask to see (and possibly test) the performance and comfort bikes. THe ones I posted were the only bikes he had on my price range from 2010-09.

irclean

Comfort-oriented hybrids often have wider saddles, suspension seatposts, front suspension, wider tires, swept-back handlebars, wider tires, and a more upright seating position. They usually have MTB (mountain bike) gearing or IGH (internally-geared hubs). They are ideal for laid-back cruising around the neighborhood or on paved bike paths. Great for rides with the family. Most will have provisions for mounting fenders and racks. Keep in mind that, in your price range, suspension is entry level and is therefore heavy, inefficient, and power-robbing.

Performance-oriented hybrids are usually lighter, have a more aggressive riding position, narrower tires and saddles, rigid forks, and flat handlebars. The ride is not as plush, but that translates into more power to the pavement, crisper handling, and overall faster ride. Many are equipped with MTB gearing, but a few have road-bike gearing and are generally considered flat-bar road bikes. Performance hybrids usually make great commuters, and many also have provisions for fenders & racks.

Bikes that are marketed as "hybrids" come in all shapes and sizes. Many lie somewhere in between comfort and performance, and try to offer the best of both worlds. Some are more suited for pavement, while others can handle some off-road duties. The point is, hybrid bikes are so varied that you need to ask yourself, "What kind of riding will I be doing?" Based on your list of needs, the bikes you mentioned might be just fine, but you should still test ride as many bikes as possible.

yosarian

I tried a couple of Kona Dew today

Kona Dew Plus $550
Kona Dew $430
Both 2010 models.
The seller told me that the difference is mostly on the brake system and the wheels. The Plus has a disk brakes with compatible tires and the other has regular tires

It is worth to spend more money for disk brakes (I am going to try to avoid going on the rain). The seller said that the disk brakes last longer, is that true?

Thanks

qmsdc15

If you "don't use gears", get a nice single speed. Simpler, lighter, less maintenance, less expensive.

Sweet Norco Indie SS

irclean

I swear by disc brakes, but I'm a 4-season, all-weather rider. That being said, I have two other bikes that have rim brakes. For most people rim brakes are more than adequate, even for many of those who ride in the same conditions that I do. For me it's just personal preference. Most importantly your brakes should be well adjusted and be equipped with quality pads. Many posters here swear by Kool-Stop pads.

The Dew is a proven performer, and is a great platform for an entry-level rider. You can always upgrade to discs in the future should you decide. Besides, the Hayes mechanicals on the 2010 Plus are far from top-shelf. I'm not sure what the seller means by "compatible" tires. Wheels, yes... tires, no. Maybe he was referring to the wheels or, more specifically, the hubs (which need to be disc-specific). As far as components go, the Deore rear derailleur on the Plus is a step or two above the Dew's Altus, but again that's an easy upgrade down the road.

All in all, they're basically the same bike and the Dew platform allows for easy future upgrades. My opinion (FWIW)... get the Dew. And make sure to post some pics!

yosarian

Thanks. I got the Dew Plus. Probably is a much better bike than I really need, but I like it.

irclean

Congrats! Now post some pics!

yosarian

Here are the pictures