Hello everyone,

Been lurking a long time trying to figure out which type of bike to buy. Leaning toward a performance hybrid.

We live in a very bike friendly area of south florida (long stretches with bike lanes), but also want to hit bad paved trails and hard packed dirt (lightly). I definitely foresee a tri in the future so I want something that won't kill me, but can finish in a pseudo ok time.

Went to all the lbs and one tried to sell me a Giant Escape 2 ($420) another (also giant dealer, btw) told me the Escape is for leisure and I should get the Cannondale Quick 6 ($499), another wanted to sell me a Jamis Coda (dismissed), and as soon as I mention that cyclocross is the coolest thing Iv'e every seen, they show me the $1000+ bikes.

They aren't high pressure, but they aren't very helpful to my needs. Perhaps my questions are strange. I don't know.

Any suggestions?

1. Rigid Fork
2. 700c wheels that can take a more rugged tire if wanted
3. Would like to keep it around $400 or less.
4. I'm not against getting a model with low end components I the frame is good.
5. Would like to fit aero-bars. (not sure if this )

Thanks, Great site
Ive already gained so much info just searching around

The following are possible in that price point:

Thanks for the reply!

About the frame:
I noticed that the cannondale quick series, from 4 down, uses the same frame and Giant escape 1 and 2 use the same frame, but the Trek 7.1 and 7.2 use different frames. So I would prefer the 7.2, as I could upgrade it to a better bike as opposed to starting a whole rung lower. I hope that makes sense.

I really don't know how the bars attach, just wanted something to stretch out on. So if all straight bars can take the clip-ons...its a non-point

I thought it would be in the right price range, but I'm getting quotes that are quite a bit above that. Is the escape a leisure only bike?

Again thanks

Any bike can be a leisure bike if that is how you ride it. The Escape is classified by Giant as a Sport bike and not a leisure bike. The frames don't usually differ across the same model. The difference in price has to do with better components. The Trek 7.1 and 7.2 are two different models in their 7 Series and the reason for their different frames. If you are planning to upgrade components at a later time, you don't have to have a different frame to do so. As long as the frame geometry fits you, any components can be added later. The important thing when buying any bike is getting one that fits you, regardless of who makes it.

There are those who will tell you that Trek is the best bike on the planet and others will tell you that another brand is best. Bikes are like cars. Some swear by Ford, others by Chevy. The difference is that Ford makes Fords and GM makes Chevy. Bikes differ in that most of the bikes you find in bike shops are made by two companies; one in Taiwan and the other in China. I have two Giants. Not because they are any better than the other bikes, but because they just seem to fit me better than the other bikes.