Orex

My budget is 700$, but I may be able to go 800$ if the bike looks really good, like the Vita Elite, which is the one i'm leaning to..
It would be used for mainly 'Paved' bike trails in orlando, and getting around in town...

So which one is better? other suggestions are also appreciated...

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes.../fx/7_3_fx_wsd
vs
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...name=Multi+Use

EDIT: forgot links...

SlimRider

Skip both of those bikes.They're overpriced! To both save money and contribute to the starving world of bicycle aesthetics, consider the following:

The Schwinn Sporterra Comp ~ $660
www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/hybrid/2012-sporterra-comp-mens-14564/

The Jamis Coda Comp ~ $775
www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/street/coda/12_codacomp.html

PS.

Have you considered single speeds?

Since Florida is primarily flat, you'll have little use for many gears. That automatically translates into a greater selection of quality bicycles, at a less expensive purchasing price. Also, single speeds require less maintenance. They are therefore, cheaper to maintain.

* Currently, the 2011 Schwinn Madison is on sale for $275 at Nashbar.com *

www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_540608_-1_202614

The Schwinn Madison of 2012 ~ $585
www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/urban/2012-madison-14401/

Orex

Sorry about that, but I found out those were ladies bikes, and i'm not too sure if I would like a single speed, but here are the ones i'm considering now:
QUICK CX 3 ( https://www.cannondale.com/2012/bikes...ick-cx-3-21063 )
7.4 FX ( https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...ness/fx/7_4_fx )
Sirrus Elite ( https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...name=Multi+Use )
Crosstrail Sport Disc ( https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...name=Multi+Use )

I'm 15 years old, and almost 5'9 if that helps... I just want something that is reliable, and that LOOKS good, thanks...
So which one of those are the best? And yes, other suggestions are appreciated..
PS. I was reading a few places, and they said Schwinn's are not good, is that true? And I don't really care to save money, at the expense of anything... thx

SlimRider

Hey there Orex!

Sorry about the gender thing. However, in your first link for the Trek 7.3FX you gave us the female model, "WSD", which stands for "Womens Specific Design"....Again, sorry about the mix-up.

At any rate, there are basically two different tiers of Schwinn bikes. There are the lower class, big box store outlet, or department store Schwinn bikes, and there are the high class, Signature Schwinn bikes.

The Schwinn bikes that I recommended are all Signature Schwinns. The type of Schwinns that you would find within an actual bicycle dealership. So they're all very reliable and higher in class, in terms of performance.

PS.

From your original list, at fifteen years of age, I'd say that the Trek 7.3FX would suit you just perfectly. However, you must bear in mind that you're still growing. Since Orlando, Florida is flat, I say, keep your expenses down, forgo the extra gears, and get the 2011 Madison single speed.

OTOH, if your parents are rich, get whatever you want! Certainly a Trek 7.5FX would be better than a 7.3FX...

ChowChow

Save your money and also get a better bike https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...64_-1___400316
More sizes with this model https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...64_-1___400316

Tom Bombadil

Those are all nice bikes. I like the Cannondale Quick CX 3, but I don't know why you would need front shocks on level, paved bike paths. They add weight and they can rob you of some of your energy by bobbing/absorbing energy as you pedal. Same goes for the Crosstrail.

The Trek 7.4FX and Specialized Sirrus Elite are very similar. They are difficult to compare because they use a lot of their own company's parts. The Trek does have a slightly better rear derailleur and uses a Shimano rear wheel hub. They use some of the same parts, such as shifters and cranksets. I'd say this comes down to which bike feels best to you or which bike shop offers the best service.