Hello! I am looking for a new bike. I have an older Marin Hybrid that does not fit well(to small). So I am looking to get a new bike that fits better and will be more enjoyable to ride. I will be doing mainly pavement with some dirt roads and would not rule out some light off road in the future, but it would be packed trails. No rocks, jumps or high speed down hills etc. I am 5'9" and 240lbs. SO I am looking to get on a decent riding program to help loose weight and get in shape.

I am looking at a few bikes and have road some but was looking for personal experience on some bikes.

I am looking to stay under $600

Here is the list so far:

Cannondale Quick CX 5 ($529)
Raleigh Misceo 2.0 ($529)
Kona Dew($429 but no front shock)

I really liked the Dew. But as I mentioned it doesn't have a shock. It road great on pavement, but I know my off trail would be very limited. I also rode a Trek 8.4 DS and was looking at a Specialized Crosstrail Sport Disc, but those are out of the budget unfortunately.

So what are your opinions on these or what else would you suggest?

Welcome to the Forums

I think that you pretty much answered your own question- you like the Kona Dew. Since the majority of your miles is on pavement and what trails you will be riding aren't overly technical, the Kona is the best tool for the job IMO.

I actually test rode a few more bikes today. Trek excaliber that a lbs just got in, 7.2 FX, 7.3 FX and 8.3DS. I really liked the 7.2 and 7.3. I ended up with the 7.3 FX. The price wasn't much more then the 7.2 and I got a few upgrades like 9 speeds and a little nicer fork, better grips. It was very 'zippy' The LBS traded out the stock tires for a little deeper tread to help on the dirt roads etc. and a little shorter handle bar stem. I can't say enough about how they helped me! Now to just put some miles on it!

Good buy. The 7.2 and 7.3 are both nice bikes.

Congrats on your purchase! I love my 7.2FX and am sure you will will have fun with the 7.3......