NOOB needs help purchasing new urban/hybrid bike HELP!
 

I am looking to start biking again, mostly road biking (commuting, day trips in NYC, etc) plus some light trail riding sparingly. I am considering Trek 7.5 FX 2011 and 2012 and the 2011 Specialized Crosstrail Sport Disc. I am looking for help regarding these three bikes plus any other suggestions one might had. Looking for a good quality, good components, light, under $1,000.

Thank you.

I just picked up a Specialized Sirrus Elite a few days ago and really like it so far. I looked at the Trek 7.5 but in the end like the feel and look of the Sirrus a little more. Good Luck!

James

YOu also might wanna consider the Trek Dualsport 8.4/5 series as well. Well proven!

My advice would be to try all the bikes you're thinking about first, then try the Jamis Coda Elite. The Coda Elite is worlds beyond any of the bikes that have been mentioned thus far, IMHO. The Coda Elite is a steel framed bike that has a very smooth and fast ride. The Coda is an award-winning bike that has warmed the hearts of thousands of American cyclists for many years. Since its frame is made of steel, you need not worry about the purchase of another bicycle within your lifetime.

Good Luck! :thumb:

- Slim :)

I just got a Trek 7.5 FX Disc for wet weather commuting. Here's my initial impressions. I don't have many miles on it because the weather has been dry. Go out and ride them all. Bikes in the same price range generally have similar component levels. You might be able to get a better model if you can find a discounted 2010 or 2011. I'm guessing that if you ride 5 or 6 bikes, you'll find you like one or two and that will help narrow down your selection.

Also, what do you mean by "light trail"? Fire roads? Or real MTB paths? I only ride on the road, so I wanted rigid frame. You might prefer a bike that has a lockable fork.

+1 on the Jamis Coda. I have an '09 Coda Sport and love the ride and handling. I've also heard good things about the Trek FX line, Giant Quick, Fuji Absolute and Specialized Sirrus-to name just a few. Try as many as you can, and one is bound to stand out for you as "the one".

We'll need photos after you've made your purchase, of course. :D

Try all kinds of hybrids and see what you like. Hybrid are all different and some are more road orientated while others are more mtb orintated. so overall, it really depends your riding style.

If a hybrid is more mountain bike orientated, it's more likely it would have a mountain bike frame style, knobbie tyres and maybe a front suspension fork.

If it's more road bike orientated it probably does have a light frame not build for "very" rough terrain. Most like will have a rigid ( suspension-less ) front fork. Their tyres are probably slicker for aerodynamic purposes.

Just look out for these chracteristics when looking around.

A good example of a road orientated road bike would most likely be the trek fx 7.5. The dual sport offered by trek is more mountain bike orientated. The trade off is between Speed/ and the type of terrain it can travel on.

Hope this helps your out a little bit.

Cheers,
Rodger

Also, I have a Giant Seek 1 which has disc brakes and wider tires than other hybrids, weighing in at 27 lbs. I've posted pictures of it. I'm loving it & it's an all-weather fast urban sport bike. I's in matte black with very little detailing. Something to consider.

+1 on the Jamis Coda. I tried a 2010 Specialized Vita Comp (the woman's version of the Specialized Sirrus), and I couldn't stand the rigid harsh feel of the aluminum frame. I sold my Vita after one year with it, and turned around and bought the Jamis Coda Femme. Love the feel of the steel frame! Give one a test drive.
Ciao