Hi all,

My first post here - what a great forum!

I'm looking to replace an old, circa 1990 mountain bike with one bike I can use to commute to work (12-13 miles roundtrip), as well as handle light off-road duties when we go camping, vacation, etc. I am not talking any kind of hard core trail riding or anything - we're talking campground roads, packed dirt, gravel roads.... I estimate 80-90% commuting and sightseeing on paved surfaces with the balance light off-roading.

I have tried to put in my due diligence on Internet research and trying out several bikes over the past few weeks. I now seek the input and collective wisdom of the fine people on this forum.

Given my intended uses and the fact that I don't want to own multiple bikes, I'm looking at hybrid or dual purpose bikes. My budget is in the $500-600 range (I might go a little above $600 if that is where the best choice falls). I've kind of divided my bike choices into two categories:

1. Dual sport-type bikes, where I'm going to give up some performance on paved surfaces in return for better capabilities off road. These are my leading contenders in this category:
-Trek DS 8.2 or 8.3 (I have ridden both and of course prefer the higher priced one
-Jamis Allegro X Sport (have not ridden one but did try a Coda Sport, which was impressive)

2. Fitness/commuting - oriented hybrids, with marginal capabilities for any off-roading. Leading contenders (I've test-ridden all of these):
-Trek FX 7.2
-Jamis Coda Sport
-Novara Forza

I have tried other bikes in both of these categories - Giant, Specialized, Rocky Mountain - but the ones above are my faves.
I think I could be happy with any of the bikes listed above, I would appreciate input on what category makes the most sense and of course any advice or experience you can offer on any of these individual bikes.

Thanks

For your type of riding etc, I would look at a Trek 7.2 FX or Trek 7.3 FX. Don't get a bike with suspensions or with tires larger than 35mm. Unless you are planing on doing at least 50% off roads. Wider tires and suspensions slow you down a bit by adding extra weight. Look for a bike with 32-35mm tires and with no suspensions.

The Jamis Coda was the Editor's Choice for Bicycling Magazine's Best Hybrid of the Year Award for 2011.

Perhaps that's because, the Coda is so easy to handle. On the other hand, it could be due to the fact that the Coda is so comfortable, when riding. Of course, the Coda is also quite easy to accelerate whenever required to do so, as well. I don't know, it could perhaps be for all of the above reasons. All that I know for certain, is that the Coda is truly one amazing bike to behold. It's truly awesome!

Chow and Slim,

Thanks for your advice and it sounds like I'm on the right track with Coda Sport or the FX 7.2/3 - they should be OK for light off-road and outstanding for my hard surface use. It will probably come down to which bike I get the best deal on....

I have a 2012 Coda Sport and for your type of riding it would be a good choice, IF, you end up doing more, "dirt path", (not MTB'ing), I'd change "tires" from the OEM's, jmho. I've added a leftover 2011 Jamis Allegro 1 as a utility bike, put 700x38C Serfras Vida "treaded" tires on it so it can handle dirt roads better. The OEM tires on the Coda Sport are great for roadwork but a bit slippery for dirt path usuage, jmho, ymmv.

If you do go with the dual-sport style, I think a lockout suspension would be critical for on-road riding. I know the 8.2 DS does not have lockout, but the 8.3 does.

Thanks for that suggestion - would 38C tires fit on the Coda Sport?

You make a great point there - just based on the test rides I've done I can see how for on-road riding a suspension without lockout would actually be a detriment.

I'm looking for something very similar, and I think I've found it (though I haven't yet purchased it) in the Cannondale Quick CX 4.

After several trips to my 2 LBS's, I decided on the Trek 8.3 DS. I liked the idea of disc brakes and the suspension lockout. I wanted to start on wider tires, giving me the option for off road use. So far I have about 15 rides on it, my furthest at 7miles, and I like it a lot. I have no regrets at all even though the extent of my off road riding has been from the side walk to a park bench I will do most of my riding on paved surfaces but I do plan on making some trail runs in the future once my fitness has improved.

Yes, the Coda Sport will accept size 38c tires!

Thanks again. I have been planning on selling my old MTB and replacing it with one hybrid bike to do everything. I am starting to rethink that strategy. My old MTB is a Trek Antelope 830, one with the steel chromoly frame that I understand was made in the USA back in the day (the frame not the whole bike - it says Taiwan on it). I bought it new and have taken good care of it so it is in excellent condition. A couple of LBS's have told me these old Treks are actually in demand - which causes me to think: why should I get rid of it? I didn't want to have multiple bikes but two isn't that big of a deal.

Most of my riding will be commuting to/from work with a few longer road rides mixed in. I should get a nice fairly light and quick hybrid for this and not worry about taking it off road much at all (keep the Trek 830 for that). That narrows my selection by taking dual sport type bikes out of the equation. Bikes like the Trek FX 7.2 or Jamis Coda Sport would be the best choice then....

If I was you. I'll do just that. Get a fast hybrid or road bike for commuting and road rides. Then keep the mountain bike for the off roads. IMO, hybids that are a 50/50 mixed of a mountain bike and road bike is never that great on either.

Old steel hardtail mountain bikes like your Trek are still really prized by commuters and some intelligent bike folks. People who are in the know snap them up when they come up on Craigslist--too often someone will think that just because it's old that it's no longer worth keeping around. Since yours is still in good condition and is well-cared for, good thing you didn't make that mistake!

BTW, I would consider commuting on your Trek. You could put on some slick tires to increase your speed.

There is no need to buy a new bike if the mountain bike is any good. new 26x1.5" street tires, good saddle, fenders, rack and north bars will turn your old mountain bike into the best all rounder you can imagine!! I built up an old kona explosif and its far better than any hybrid i ever tried.

with 26x1.5" road tires and north handle bars you can commute with ease on your trek and it will do fire roads and gravel trails too! and it will be a better bike than anything you can buy new.