I rode a friend scott sub45 - large. It fit well, loved the disc brakes...shifted smoothly. What size is that bike, so I can gauge what I should buy? I cannot really find proper sizes on it (I guess 56cm?)

I was wondering, new/used, what could I get for around $300-$600? I'd really love a black/white bike, but that's not needed.

I found REI has a new 2011 sub20 for $719, but that's a bit above my range.

I love the look of the Cannondale Bad Boy Bike - 2011, but how does it compare? Is there a different model I should look at for cannondale? Something to stay away from?

look at a base model specialized sirrus/vita (m/f), not sure about the price of the 2012 models but the 2011 should be in your range. also, giant makes a few cheepies, though i don't know how good they are.

nice bike, but was hoping to pick up one with disc brakes...I love em!

How's the Cannondale Bad Boy Solo? I've seen a few around 700~ Would a size large fit me (about 6 foot)?

You might want to check out the Cannondale Quick cx4 https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/recr...011-quick-cx-4 I found a 2010 model called the quick rigid, for about 600 dollars. I am real happy with it. Its pretty fast for its weight. 25.4lbs.

Raleigh Misceo has disc brakes. $500 new. That is the 2011. There are a bunch of Misceos: plain Misceo, plus several with numbers after them. Not sure about a of them, but the one I was thinking of is just the plain Misceo.

Click this link: https://www.scott-sports.com/gb_en/pr...0/55902/218054

Then click on geometry.

I've got a Scott Sportster 20 - the geometry seems pretty small on the subs compared to the Sportsters.

Woah, I like that bike. I have a reservation down for a 2012 cannondale bad boy..they want $740~ after tax, but I wont get it til winter. I can always cancel that.

How is the quick cx4 compared to bad boy, component wise?

Not quiet sure how the components compare, you can check em out on cannondales web site though and have a good time looking for the right bike at the right price.

Not sure i like those tires.

sounds like you're looking for something a little more 'dirty' but FYI, there is a sirrus model with disc brakes....well hell....just went looking for it on their website to give you a link and it looks like they dropped that model for 2012!

Not to be repetitive, but given your price range I think you should at least take a peek at the 2011 Raleigh Misceo - $500, disc brakes, components similar to the Quick you mentioned, and it's got "that look."
https://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/hybr...rid/misceo-11/

I fell in love with the look and wanted to love it, but the geometry was not right for my body. So sad.

That looks mint! How are the components on that bike compared to bad boy? I don't know much about Raleigh, but I like what it has, assuming it's decent stuff!

How's the 29er Marin?

https://www.marinbikes.com/2011/bike_...?serialnum=885

Giant sells one called Seek 2 https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/....2/7342/44058/ and Trek has one, PDX https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...tility/pdx/pdx# but looks like the raleigh misceo that mysterious lady told you about has them all beat on price. The giant, trek and cannondale are about 600 bucks unless you can find one at a dealer that will cut you a deal.

Jamis has some great quality hybrids in your price range

https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/index.html

How are they all component wise? Like hub/gears/etc? That is what I know nothing about. Or are they all really similiar, and pretty decent quality for this price range?

General comments about components in that price range: They will all be pretty similar, provided that you are looking at 8-speed or 9 speed cassettes. Typical base models are 7-speed cassettes (typically listed as 21 speed bikes). which makes for big jumps when shifting.

Wheels are all going to be basic OEM wheels, that you could buy for $100 or less, if they are even sold to the public. Shifters and derailleurs are going to be Shimano or SRAM, which are very comparable and totally a matter of preference. My Sirrus started with Alivio (shimano) components and my son's has SRAM X4 stuff: no real difference.

Get what fits and what you like the looks of. In a $600 or less LBS bike, some may be slightly better equipped than others, but unlikely would the difference be appreciable.

Thanks, I am going to stop by a Marin dealer, they have a few nice bikes...especially that 29er.

How are those tires, compared to ones that are like 'slicks'? With no tread? Really no difference in pedaling requirement? Or would I notice needing more power from my legs? Could I put slick style ones on, like my sub has?

I looked at the C. Bad Boy Solo on their site -- definitely a step up from entry-level components (Deore front and rear derailleurs, etc) but the retail on that one is over $1000. I didn't see the 2012s on the site, although I didn't really spend time looking. If they're selling you a 2012 BB for $750 out the door, then I'd assume the components are downgraded from the 2011s. I've seen other companies do that; typically the price either goes up a bit each year or it stays the same (with a some little drop in components). But I really don't know enough about that line to speak authoritatively.

If you can find Deore derailleurs, then that would be very nice -- all the others in the $400-$600 range are very similar to each other and just good entry-level stuff.

As for tires, people here always seem to say that is changeable, not a huge deal. I've not changed out mine, so can't speak from experience. if you definitely want to make that change, your LBS could change it out and put the credit toward a different set of tires. But as alwas, a test ride will likely help you determine your opinion on the matter.

Thanks lady!

The Marin has deore rears, and IN STOCK for 629...I might just go ride it and pick it up and be done with it, haha.

The 2012 has :

FRONT DERAILLEUR - Shimano Altus, 34.9mm Clamp
REAR DERAILLEUR - Shimano Alivio

is that worth waiting on? I really want quality hardware.

https://www.bikelab.co.nz/products/bi...bad-boy-9.html

I purchased a Matin last year and regret the choice somewhat due to the very heavy weight of the bike. It has a Deore rear derailleur. It looked like a lot of bike for the money and it is a lot of bike if you know what I mean...

I'm pretty green compared to these guys, but I would say...no. Not worth waiting for, not at that price. I don't see anything special about that for components. It looks, to me very similar in components to the others, but for more money. (I hate to be wrong, so hope I'm not! lol)

The Marin 29er is a good looking bike. With the Deore derailleurs and the disc brakes you want -- if you like the ride and can swing the price, that sounds like a good one!

Thanks again Mysterious.

Would love to know more about the 29er components, if they suck, or are reliable enough?

qsmdc, what bike did you get?