View Poll Results: Most Important Upgrade?
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 13. You may not vote on this poll
Am I overthinking this?
05-14-12, 12:08 PM
#1
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Am I overthinking this?
Alright...I have already done my research and tested a few. Some of you may have seen my initial thread. So I have narrowed my choices to the three listed below.
*Trek FX 7.3 - $550: Test rode it and liked it but seat felt uncomfortable. Still on list because I feel I am getting the best value even if I will need to switch the seat (pretty soon).
*Jamis Allegro Sport - $526: Test rode it and liked it...felt comfortable.
*Jamis Coda Sport - $504: Didn't test ride but hoping that it will be the same (comfort wise) as the Allegro above. On list because Bicycling Magazine June issue recommended as #2 best hybrid. So I feel it should be good (even though it is steel vs aluminum)
At times I am torn with just getting the least expensive either the Giant Escape 1 or the Specialized Sirrus both for $450 .
Now do you see why I can't pull the trigger? HELP!!!
*Trek FX 7.3 - $550: Test rode it and liked it but seat felt uncomfortable. Still on list because I feel I am getting the best value even if I will need to switch the seat (pretty soon).
*Jamis Allegro Sport - $526: Test rode it and liked it...felt comfortable.
*Jamis Coda Sport - $504: Didn't test ride but hoping that it will be the same (comfort wise) as the Allegro above. On list because Bicycling Magazine June issue recommended as #2 best hybrid. So I feel it should be good (even though it is steel vs aluminum)
At times I am torn with just getting the least expensive either the Giant Escape 1 or the Specialized Sirrus both for $450 .
Now do you see why I can't pull the trigger? HELP!!!
05-14-12, 12:11 PM
#2
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Get this and begin having fun.
*Jamis Allegro Sport - $526: Test rode it and liked it...felt comfortable.
*Jamis Allegro Sport - $526: Test rode it and liked it...felt comfortable.
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05-14-12, 01:39 PM
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Test ride the Coda. If you like it, let the Coda be the last hybrid you'll ever purchase for the rest of your life!
* In time, you can always upgrade the rear derailleur. I'd most probably shoot for a new Brooks saddle right away. I'd replace my Vittoria Randonneur tires with Gatorskins as soon as each would wear out.
The black Coda Sport looks absolutely spectacular!
* In time, you can always upgrade the rear derailleur. I'd most probably shoot for a new Brooks saddle right away. I'd replace my Vittoria Randonneur tires with Gatorskins as soon as each would wear out.
The black Coda Sport looks absolutely spectacular!
Last edited by SlimRider; 05-14-12 at 01:47 PM.
05-14-12, 01:46 PM
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SlimRider...I know that you have been a proponent of the Coda.. You now have the June issue of Bicycling Magazine backing your claim. As the Coda was ranked #2 as best Hybrids. Unfortunately none of the LBS have it. That is why I was hoping that it will feel as comfortable the Allegro Coda since I test rode that one.
05-14-12, 01:52 PM
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If the Jamis Allegro is comfortable, why worry about what Bicycling has to say? If you can't find a Coda to test ride, I'm with 10Wheels...get the Allegro & get to ridin' it.
05-14-12, 02:14 PM
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05-14-12, 03:33 PM
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Why would you have to upgrade a rear derailleur when buying a new bike? It doesn't make any sense to me. If you want a better rear derailleur, then get a bike that has one. I think the saddle would be my first upgrade on a bike. With handlebar grips being second and tires 3rd. A Trek 7.3 FX for $550? That's a great deal. Honestly, I would take the Trek 7.3 FX over them other two. I will probably still, even if it was the Trek 7.2 FX. Better components. Saddle, handlebar grips, tires are more easy to upgrade and do it yourself, than derailleurs, shifters etc.
Last edited by ChowChow; 05-14-12 at 03:38 PM.
05-14-12, 03:42 PM
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The Giant Escape 1 can be compare to the Jamis Coda Sport. Just that the Escape is aluminum and has Sram components. Specialized makes pretty good bikes, but IMO they are very expensive for what they have to offer (as in components etc).
05-14-12, 03:53 PM
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I agree about test riding the Coda first. It has a more aggressive geometry than the Allegro and FX. What this means is that for a given size the handlebars are about 1 3/4" lower on the Coda and the top tube is about 3/4" longer which stretches you out more. You may love the more aggressive position or hate it so take it for a test ride first*
*I say this as someone who bought a Coda before test riding one. YMMV.
*I say this as someone who bought a Coda before test riding one. YMMV.
And get the Trek 
05-15-12, 02:19 AM
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SlimRider...I know that you have been a proponent of the Coda.. You now have the June issue of Bicycling Magazine backing your claim. As the Coda was ranked #2 as best Hybrids. Unfortunately none of the LBS have it. That is why I was hoping that it will feel as comfortable the Allegro Coda since I test rode that one.
a comfortable seat is the most important part on your bike. nobody wants to ride an uncomfortable bike. the serfas RX ($50) is a seat i highly recommend.
any decent derailleur that's set up and tuned properly will work really well.
Last edited by jimnolimit; 05-15-12 at 02:48 AM.
05-15-12, 07:05 AM
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Alright...I have already done my research and tested a few. Some of you may have seen my initial thread. So I have narrowed my choices to the three listed below.
*Trek FX 7.3 - $550: Test rode it and liked it but seat felt uncomfortable. Still on list because I feel I am getting the best value even if I will need to switch the seat (pretty soon).
*Jamis Allegro Sport - $526: Test rode it and liked it...felt comfortable.
*Jamis Coda Sport - $504: Didn't test ride but hoping that it will be the same (comfort wise) as the Allegro above. On list because Bicycling Magazine June issue recommended as #2 best hybrid. So I feel it should be good (even though it is steel vs aluminum)
At times I am torn with just getting the least expensive either the Giant Escape 1 or the Specialized Sirrus both for $450 .
Now do you see why I can't pull the trigger? HELP!!!
*Trek FX 7.3 - $550: Test rode it and liked it but seat felt uncomfortable. Still on list because I feel I am getting the best value even if I will need to switch the seat (pretty soon).
*Jamis Allegro Sport - $526: Test rode it and liked it...felt comfortable.
*Jamis Coda Sport - $504: Didn't test ride but hoping that it will be the same (comfort wise) as the Allegro above. On list because Bicycling Magazine June issue recommended as #2 best hybrid. So I feel it should be good (even though it is steel vs aluminum)
At times I am torn with just getting the least expensive either the Giant Escape 1 or the Specialized Sirrus both for $450 .
Now do you see why I can't pull the trigger? HELP!!!
05-15-12, 07:46 AM
#13
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I agree about test riding the Coda first. It has a more aggressive geometry than the Allegro and FX. What this means is that for a given size the handlebars are about 1 3/4" lower on the Coda and the top tube is about 3/4" longer which stretches you out more. You may love the more aggressive position or hate it so take it for a test ride first*
*I say this as someone who bought a Coda before test riding one. YMMV.
*I say this as someone who bought a Coda before test riding one. YMMV.
05-15-12, 08:15 AM
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my LBS only had the allegro in stock, and it was a good bike. i wanted to try the coda and they ordered one in for my. i currently own a 2012 coda elite. just to tell you, the sizes don't correspond from the allegro to the coda, a 19" allegro = 21" coda.
a comfortable seat is the most important part on your bike. nobody wants to ride an uncomfortable bike. the serfas RX ($50) is a seat i highly recommend.
any decent derailleur that's set up and tuned properly will work really well.
a comfortable seat is the most important part on your bike. nobody wants to ride an uncomfortable bike. the serfas RX ($50) is a seat i highly recommend.
any decent derailleur that's set up and tuned properly will work really well.
05-15-12, 08:17 AM
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05-15-12, 08:22 AM
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05-15-12, 08:33 AM
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Why would you have to upgrade a rear derailleur when buying a new bike? It doesn't make any sense to me. If you want a better rear derailleur, then get a bike that has one. I think the saddle would be my first upgrade on a bike. With handlebar grips being second and tires 3rd. A Trek 7.3 FX for $550? That's a great deal. Honestly, I would take the Trek 7.3 FX over them other two. I will probably still, even if it was the Trek 7.2 FX. Better components. Saddle, handlebar grips, tires are more easy to upgrade and do it yourself, than derailleurs, shifters etc.
05-15-12, 01:31 PM
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jimnolimit...I tried to have the LBS ordered it but they don't want to get stuck with it...so based on your advice and dunbar I will have to pass on the Coda. I definitely made a not of the serfas RX for the future...which will come in handy if I get the 7.3...will keep you guys posted...thx
p.s. my best friend swapped out his factory seat for a serfas RX (my recommendation) and can't imagine ever using the factory seat again.
05-15-12, 01:46 PM
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[QUOTE=jimnolimit;14226913]i rode my factory seat for 4 miles, then i swapped out the seat. after having a lot of seat time with the serfas RX (on my mountain bike) i couldn't imagine using factory seats.
my best friend got a giant escape 2 a few weeks ago, he's very happy with it. i have only test rode it about 2 miles and it's the wrong size for me, but i think it is a very good, high value bike.
p.s. my best friend swapped out his factory seat for a serfas RX (my recommendation) and can't imagine ever using the factory seat again.[/QUO
jimnolimit...is there a specific model # for the serfas RX?
my best friend got a giant escape 2 a few weeks ago, he's very happy with it. i have only test rode it about 2 miles and it's the wrong size for me, but i think it is a very good, high value bike.
p.s. my best friend swapped out his factory seat for a serfas RX (my recommendation) and can't imagine ever using the factory seat again.[/QUO
jimnolimit...is there a specific model # for the serfas RX?
05-15-12, 01:59 PM
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05-15-12, 02:03 PM
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05-15-12, 03:41 PM
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I have both the 19in. Allegro 1 (2011, the Sport is same, just 2012) and the Jamis Coda Sport (2012), the ALLEGRO is much "sportier" than the Coda, jmho. The Coda Sport is more like a "touring" bike, again, jmho. I use the Coda as my utility/touring bike and my allegro as my "club riding bike", I call it my, "roadster". The Allegro has the "S-bend chain and seat stays" and with a "switch" to 700Cx25 road tires, it's faster than the Coda but not as "over all comfortable" as the Coda.
Also the 19" inch Allegro top tube is "1 inch" shorter than the 21 inch Coda so if you've got longer arms the Coda should be a bit more comfortable, if you've got shorter arms the Allegro would be a better fit. The Allegro has a "up sloping" top tube the Coda has the slightly down sloping, (compact) top tube. That's WHY the "standover" height is so close between the 19 inch Allegro and the 21 inch. Coda. YMMV, whatever you get, ENJOY! BTW I also have that Serfas RX SPORT seat and like it. FYI.
Also the 19" inch Allegro top tube is "1 inch" shorter than the 21 inch Coda so if you've got longer arms the Coda should be a bit more comfortable, if you've got shorter arms the Allegro would be a better fit. The Allegro has a "up sloping" top tube the Coda has the slightly down sloping, (compact) top tube. That's WHY the "standover" height is so close between the 19 inch Allegro and the 21 inch. Coda. YMMV, whatever you get, ENJOY! BTW I also have that Serfas RX SPORT seat and like it. FYI.
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05-15-12, 03:43 PM
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A 12 Trek 7.3 FX is about $689.99. $550 is a steal. You are over thinking too much. A decent saddle only cost about $50. You'll still save $89.99.