In effort to lose weight, I am looking to take up cycling, as it is low impact and its a better workout then just walking, at least in my opinion, and it seems more cost effect then joining the local Y or Fitness club, for use of the pool. As such I've been out shopping, however there only 2 bike shops in the local area (25 miles), a Fuji shop and Trek shop.

The Fuji dealer had a small selection of bikes, he had mostly cross country bikes, and the Crosstown Model (both 2.0 and 4.0) which I test rode both. The 2.0 was definitely the smoother ride as it had front shocks. He had a mountain bike but I couldn't imagine taking hour long rides hunched over like that. (Though it would probably be the better work out, with the smaller wheel and the larger tire.) I don't know what it was, but I just didn't like it, I don't know if it was the design, profile or what.

The TEC dealer also had a small selection of bikes as well, first I test drove the Kaitia 2011 (He said it was equivalent to the 8.3DS). It rode a lot like a mountain bike so we flipped the angle of handle bars, which made the ride a bit more upright, but it still felt like I was hunched over a bit much, it wasn't bad, but concerned about long rides. I also test rode a FX series bike, but the ride was acceptable but I felt the smoothness was lacking, don't know if it was from the solid forks, or my imagination.

Neither shop had the bike I was looking for originally, the Fuji Sunfire and the Trek Hybrid.

So the question is what other brands\models should I be looking at? I am looking for a bike that will mostly be spent on the road, but would like to be able to taking it off road (read "Mulched trails"). I live in rural Ohio, with standard paved roads, but in an attempt to save money the county is tarring and laying that fine stone down in the rough spots instead of re-paving. Of course not all roads, just the ones around me. Not sure on travel length, but this is more of an exercise initiative then a way to get from point A to B, so to me it will be more about workout duration and intensity, then attempting to travel x amount of miles, at least for now. For the start they will be short rides, but would like to be able to do a 3+ hour ride. Ideally my budget is about $500 +\- $100, the Fuji dealer offered me the Crosstown 2.0 for 360+tax, and the Trek dealer was willing to go to 510 for the Kaitia.

Welcome To Bike Forums, SparkIT!

How tall are you?

I am 6' tall.

So I'll be heading south for work, and should be driving by another (larger) Trek shop, technically I have 2, but it depends on which way I take home. The one dealer is a Trek and Giant the other is a Trek\Brontrager\Mirraco dealer. Not sure about Brontrager, or Mirraco as it doesn't look like they would make the type of bikes that I am looking for.

Actually, scratch that....the one town has both a Trek\Giant and a Fuji dealer, so I am going to head that way, it only adds about 10 miles.

So I plan to stop off on my way back home. Any suggestions or things I should look for or ask?

At your pricepoint, I'd stick with a rigid fork. After you've trimmed down and developed an appreciation for the sport, you just might get the yearning for a road bike. That's where the major investment should be applied. Meanwhile, I think that this entry level hybrid will suffice for now. I will therefore, recommend the following:

The Diamondback Insight ~ $400
www.rei.com/product/832975/diamondback-insight-hybrid-bike-2012-special-buy

The 2011 Fuji Absolute 2.0 ~ $600
www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1093964_-1_400316

The Jamis Coda Sport ~ $560
www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/street/coda/12_codasport_bk.html

Good Luck!

PS.

You can't beat REI's 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. If you keep your receipt and say, five years down the road something goes wrong with your bike, you can either get a total refund, or full credit for an exchange.

The rei outlet is rei's online store...

I'll have to think about that, buying a Bike online without giving it a least a short test ride, seems a little.....off...and the closest REI is 150 miles, not worth the drive. I'll see if I can find a dealer that is relatively close, any suggestion on the size for the Diamondback? I'll have to test ride the Fuji if it is at the dealer.

How would that compare to the Fuji Crosstown 2.0 for $360 plus tax?

The 2011 Fuji Absolute 2.0 at performancebike.com is actually the better deal, component wise. For $600, it can't be beat!

The Crosstown 2.0 has a suspended fork without a lockout feature. I usually discourage suspension forks without the lockout feature. Rigid forks are usually encouraged, unless you're getting a mountain bike. Especially at this pricepoint.

The Diamondback at REI comes in your size at 21". That's why I asked for your height, initially. While sizing and fit may be somewhat of a complexed issue, it's generally considered a normalized artform, and definitely not a fine tuned science, when not done in the person.

Therefore, what I'm actually saying here, is that the average person your height will be able to comfortably ride the Diamondback Insight at 21".

REI is currently having a big sale and membership drive. If you become a member, you don't have to keep your receipts in order to get a refund. You will also be entitled to receive certain discounts.

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You might also consider bikes on bikesdirect.com like this Cafe Sprint:

The Motobecane Cafe Sprint ~ $600
www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/cafe_sprint.htm

Nashbar.com has this flatbar road bike:

The FB1 Nashbar Flat Bar Road Bike ~ $525
www.nashbar.com/bikes/Prouduct_10053_10052_534870_-1_202398

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If there's a Schwinn Dealership nearby somewhere, you might want to checkout their exclusive Signature Series models.

Perhaps the Schwinn Sporterra Sport may be of some interest to you:

The Schwinn Sporterra Sport ~ $495
www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/hybrid/2012-sporterra-sport-mens-14586

* For the Schwinn Sporterra Sport, you'll have to locate a Schwinn dealership.

SparksIT--it sounds like you're interested in a more upright sitting position. Is that correct?

You also say you're interested in tackling some pretty lengthy (3+ hours) rides. The conventional wisdom is that for a long ride like that, a drop-bar bike or a flat bar bike with more of a road bike riding position is ideal. It may not seem intuitive, but often times riding for long durations with an upright position can cause more discomfort that bending over, as weight distribution becomes a factor (your back actually might start hurting more!).

Still, the expression "your mileage may vary" (YMMV) gets used on bike boards like this often for a reason--one person may be more comfortable leading over on a drop bar bike, someone else may be able to cruise along sitting upright for a long time and not have any complaints. This is a good post which goes into that.

I think at this point, your main objective should be to find a bike that you're comfortable on, and most importantly, one that you'll look forward to riding!

From what you've laid out so far, Trek, Fuji, and Giant are the brands that your local shops carry. The bikes that SlimRider mentions are all good, but it seems like you want to be able to test ride a bike to make sure that you like it--a wise decision. Plus, a local shop will usually include a certain amount of time for free adjustments and services on the bike...some shops do it for a year, others for the life of the bike! Make sure you ask about that before buying.

You mentioned that you didn't like the ride of the Trek FX that you were on. Trek also has the 7000 model, with a more upright position and a rigid fork. Check that one out. I'd also recommend trying out some Giant models. They get consistently positive mentions, especially the Escape line.

Happy shopping!

I've seen the errors of my ways...I've test rode several more bikes, including Trek Hybrid, Trek DS, and the Giant Roam...If I want a mountain bike, I'll buy a mountain bike. I agree that going with a shocked front is unwise. I also test rode a the 7.2 FX bike, which was more enjoyable, though this time it was about a 20 minute ride. So I'm purchasing a Trek 7.2 FX or a 7.3 FX, and advantage one way or another? Is it worth the upgrade to disk brakes (apart from better stopping)?

I also test road a Scott Matrix for $600?

If you're referring to the Scott Metrix 30 and not the Metrix 20, then the Trek 7.2 is the better deal. For the small upgrade in componentry, the extra cash for the 7.3 FX, just might be worth it. However, if it adds any financial pressure, it's not worth it. Disc brakes are always a nice option, but definitely not necessary, unless you cycle during monsoon season somewhere with hills.

PS.

The Scott Metrix 30 for $600 is not a bad deal at all. If it's a Scott Metrix 20, grab it immediately!