Another "Which Bike"
 

I have been looking for a new bike, I currently own a good road bike that I have had for a few years now. I am looking for a good hybrid that I can take off paved surfaces, not mountain biking, just dirt roads. I have been reading many threads here in this forum on this same subject. I am considering the Trek 7.3FX, Jamis Allegro Comp and the Cannondale CX4. I see the obvious differences (disc brakes), but am unclear if they are really necessary. Most people I talk to seem to think that disc brakes are nice, but really not needed.
My plan for this bike is to take up only about 10% - 15% of my riding time, the remainder will be on my road bike. At this point, I have not ridden either of these (3) bikes, but hope to soon. Any suggestions/comments?

Hey there Mi77915!

These are my ordered preferences:

1) Jamis Allegro Comp - Has the best drive train + rapidfire shifters

2a) Quick CX4 - Has relatively decent drive train + disc brakes + ez shifters.

2b) Trek 7.3FX - Has better drive train - no disc brakes + ez shifters


PS.

If you get to the Jamis dealership to try the Allegro Comp, check out the Coda Sport, as well. :thumb:

Hi SlimRider,

Thanks for your list. I see that you list the Jamis Allergro Comp has having a lockout. I don't think we are talking about the same bike, or did I just miss something in the specs? Here is the link to the one I listed http://jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/s...legrocomp.html I am interested in the 7.3FX without the disc brake (budget), I appreciate the list, it has given me much to think about. :)

Thank you,

Hi there Tom,

Yes, sorry about that. Jamis makes two similar models. One is the Allegro Comp and the other is the Allegro X Comp. I mistakingly gave you specs from the X Comp model.



- Slim :)

As stated, mi77915 is not looking at the 7.3 disc model due to budget considerations.

I can't comment on the other bikes, but the 7.3 is a very nice bike.

Regarding disc brakes: I'm a huge fan of disc brakes. They really come to the fore where rain and mud is concerned (that's quite often if you're in the UK like me). I don't know what the climate in Michigan is like, but if rain and/or mud is unlikely to feature in your riding, then disc brakes will likely be 'nice, but not really needed'. If they are likely, then I'd seriously consider disc brakes.

I have rode the 2012 trek 7.3 fx and the allegro sport. Another to consider in this range is the specialized sirrus.

I like the sirrus better than the trek and it was on par with the allegro sport. because of the disc breaks and poor roads in my area, I opted to get an allegro X sport. I liked the 7.3 but felt like the handlebars should have been h igher, I couldn't get a comfy position on it. The sirrus was love, but I've been off of a bike so long, I didn't like the skinny tire. The Allegro was the goldilocks bike for me.

Of course, this is me being 5'9 with longer torso than legs. Your fit will obviously vary.

*get my bike tomorrow, yay!*

If you are looking to keep cost down, give the Diamondback Insight 2 and or Insight 3 a look. Make sure you get a 2011 model. They've cheapened the 2012 models. The Insight 3 has been seen on Nashbar for $449.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...1#post13278725

It's interesting that since you already have a good road bike that you are looking at the more road oriented hybrids instead of the more off road oriented ones. I have a 7.3 fx and really like it, but I ride 80 percent paved roads (some pretty bad), and while the 7.3 can handle dirt roads and gravel it probably wouldn't be my first choice for only them if I already had a good road bike. But then neither would any of those others. If you're looking to do fast road bike type riding on fairly smooth dirt roads and just don't want to get you road bike dirty they are probably good, but for if you're looking for a bike for bad dirt roads or loose gravel I would consider something with a suspension and maybe a little bigger tires.

Of the three you listed the Jamis I think has pure road gearing while the Trek and Cannondale have mountain triples so if you need lower gearing for hills or really bad roads that is a consideration. If I already had a road bike and was only considering those three I would probably lean toward the CX4, but that's just from the specs. I never rode one.

Jim

I was thinking the same thing. If that's the case, I would also suggest taking a look at a Specialized Crosstrail. It's a very versatile bike. Most at home on trail type rides. But sturdy enough to take a single track or two.

I'll clarify my original post: One of my intended routes that I intend to ride is approx 19 miles loop with a 1.5-2 miles of unpaved surfaces (dirt roads). I have tried this loop with my road bike, but I am uncomfortable taking this bike down this road. My plan is to get a second bike to use while riding this loop.

The remainder of my riding will be on different routes that are near my home (all paved surfaces). That is why I mentioned that this new bike will only be used about 10 - 15% of the time.

After reading all your suggestions/comments, I am leaning toward the Cannondale or the Trek. I plan on riding each of them this weekend!!!

Thank you all for your input !!!!!! :thumb:

If you got a Kona dealer close by, go give the Dew a once over.

Maybe a cyclocross bike would be better for what you are wanting to do? Same road frame and riding posistion with MTB gearing and MTB style tires? I own a 2011 7.3 and love (got it in July and have over 500 miles on it)it but not sure I would want to ride it on dirt roads.

I got my 2012 7.3 fx in August and have about 800 miles on it. Mostly on pavement, but I have about a hundred miles on packed limestone rail trails and a few miles on packed gravel and it does fine. Some of the paved roads I ride are pretty bad and might be worse than a good dirt or gravel road. I wouldn't want to use it on mountain bike trails or really loose gravel, but it does fine on packed limestone and good dirt roads. The stock 700cx32 Bontrager Race All-Weather Hard-Case tires seem to be a good compromise too. The specs on the CX4 look good also so probably will come down to what feels best to the OP.

+1 Should be taken under consideration, you might end up with a good substitute to your roadie on even surface, all you need is a set of wheels.

Well, After much research and a lot of help from people here on this forum, I purchased my new bike today, the Cannondale CX3 w/dics brakes. I rode (4) different bikes (and brands) and this bike felt the best to me. The others where good, but didn't "feel" as good as this one!!!.

Congratulations, looks like a good choice. Enjoy.

Congrats! I'm a Cannondale fan, so I think you made a great choice. Enjoy!

I think you'll like the discs :)