Hello all
I need help choosing a new bike i was after something below $1100 I usually ride on road, paths and the odd trail. I was thinking
The giant seek 1
The giant Cross City 2
The Cannondale quick 3
Or the Avanti Inc 1

If any of you have rode one of this bikes a would appreciate it if you could write a quick review on it. I would also appreciate it if you would leave any suggestions.

Thanks

What happened to Trek 8.5 DS?

I tested it but i wanted something faster, however it is still in my options

Definatly look at a Trek DS 8.4 or 8.5. I have the Utopia which is now the 8.4 and have been very happy with it.

By "faster" do you mean less weight, narrower tyres, better aerodynamics in riding position or something else? They all have the same motor after all.

I'd think that the Trek 7.5 FX would be a contender in that price bracket?

I donno, the DS line is pretty fast. I have taken it over 25mph on my onroad rides. Over 30 on some instances going short down hills. If you consider the 8.4 or 8.5, put some street tires on them..the Stock knobbies do tend to create drag on the streets but are very capable on the trails..

I have not yet made my purchase, but I have decided on the Trek 7.5 with disc. It has not the lightest bike in the stable, but the frame has a road like geometry. If I don't like flat bars, I'll replace them with drop bars. This will be my wet weather (CA winters) bike. I also have a road bike.

This Giant Cross City 2 looks the most like a road bike to me. The Avanti has 37mm tires. Can you describe your off road riding expectations? What kind of trails? Fire trails? MTB trails? I specifically did NOT want any suspension, lockable or otherwise.

I mean faster by better aerodynamics and slimmer tyres something good for commuting but can handle paths, urban streets and the occasional trail smiler to the one below. I wouldn't mind suspension but it isn't a must.

I mean farster by slimmer tyres and less weight. I wouldn't mind suspension for i do occasionally ride on some packed gravel paths such as the one below.

That's tree-lined road. Why on earth would you even consider suspension for something like that?

Because every now and then their are roots etc.
Do you think that the trek 7.5 fx could handle that?

I've done about 2 mi of dirt trail in groomed condition with a Scott SUB20 with the tire depicted below in 700x32. I didn't dare go fast since it's shared with pedestrians but the bike rode just fine.

I kind of assume you can see far enough ahead that you can avoid the roots though. If anything, I'd just throw some fatter tires on the bike to smooth out the ride, maybe 700x35 or 700x37. My daily commute bike has 700x42 and I can get it up to pretty good speed.

The Trek 7.5 and the Giant Seek should both be fine on that type of road. I would take them over the Giant Cross City -- I think might not handle the terrain as well due to the steeper head angle.

The one without the seat - so it turbo charges the engine while riding!

It'll be fine. I've done far rougher tracks than that on my 7.3.

Did you upgrade the stock tire to a more of a mountain bike tire ?

No. Just the stock tyre, 32mm slick(ish) (2,500 miles without a flat so far). Seriously, that path looks pretty smooth to me. I doubt people on proper road bikes would avoid that. Hell, you can get worse surfaces on paved road. I think you're complicating things a little in trying to get the best material for your riding. Honestly, any bike would be fine for that path.

Your problem just might be, that you're looking at all the wrong bikes...

Test the Jamis Coda Elite and compare its ride with that of all the others.

You can then promptly return here to BF and report the good news!

- Slim

I'd go with the Cannondale Quick 3 because I have and love this bike. Like it's name says, it's pretty nimble and Quick for a hybrid. In fact, I've been trying road bikes the last two months and many of them aren't any faster than the Quick 3. which is why I decided that when I get the road bike it'll be carbon.
I've had mine set up in a less upright, more roadbike-like position (more aggressive). I do ride trails like your picture and it's fine. I feel more stable and balanced on the Quick 3 than I did on the Trek 7.3 or 7.5. I feel very much one with the bike.

Jamis Coda Elite is a very nice bike but I don't think they sell them here in Aus

I quit like the Cannondale QUICK 3. If you could you please leave a quick review and does the SAVE feature work well?

The quick is a great bike, and the SAVE feature does work. My Cannondale bad boy has the SAVE and for an aluminum rigid it rides great. My wife has the quick and it also rides real nice.

Be sure to ride each bike before you buy, and don't waste your money on a suspension for that smooth road like that, when you see a root steer around it. Suspensions and fat tires are overkill for hybrid bikes.

Thanks I will use your advise

What is SAVE?