I was hit a couple of months ago riding home from work. Trashed my 25 year old road bike. I plan to replace my road bike with a low cost carbon model, but I also want to buy a hybrid for commuting, and for occasional trail riding. My commute is only 14 miles round trip, and I also plan to commute in the rain occasionally. I've looked at the Cannondale Quick models, but I think I get more bang for my buck with Trek. I can't decide between the 8.4 DS, 7.4 FX, 7.4 FX Disc, or the 7.5 FX. I like the 7.4 FX Disc because of the hydraulic brakes, but it doesn't have a carbon fork. And the brakes would be nice in the rain. The 7.4 FX and 7.5 FX have the carbon fork and nice components, but not the hydraulic brakes. Then there is the 8.4 DS which has the suspension fork and hydraulic brakes. But I know it's geared more to trail riding than pavement and my commute is 100% pavement. As of right now I'm leaning to the 8.4 DS because of the fork and the brakes, and I can lock the fork for my short commute. In addition, I will be buying a nice road bike for longer rides so having a more "mountain" oriented bike would probably be a good choice.

Just looking for other opinions from those of you who have had similar dilemmas. Also, I am male, 53, 180 lbs, and am in pretty decent shape.

Thanks

I'd skip hydraulic brakes and other high-zoot stuff. I have never had an experience in hardcore all weather commuting where my V-brakes were not more than sufficient for rain riding.

Skinnier tires and disc brakes (and rain) can equal braking the tire loose from the pavement...

If you are investing in a nice road machine, I'd advise going a bit simpler on the hybrid side so you can have an all around lock-it-up-at-the-store (or bar) bike as well as something to hit basic trails and roads.

Thanks. That thought has also gone through my head a hundred times. My fiancee and I are also thinking about picking up a couple simple cruisers as well, so that would take care of the "all around neighborhood" type bike. We can finally afford a small splurge (empty nesters!), so I don't mind spending a little more. Our next set of bike purchases will be the last we probably make.

You do realize the TdF riders fly down mountains in the rain at high speeds without crashing on 23's? The 28+mm tires on most hybrids won't have any issues.

Kim:hydros require much less regular maintenance than any cable brakes,and discs not only do better in bad weather,but don't wear your rims down,don't need perfectly true wheels for maximum effect,and the pads last longer. As for suspension;that's up to how you'll ride. If you plan on doing any off roading,than suspension will be nice,if you're staying on the road,you can do without.

Hi from a happy owner of a 2013 7.5 FX. I ride mostly on the paved roads (streets and paved trails), though some of the roads on my regular routes are pretty crappy (i.e. tree roots, potholes and cracks). My 7.5 FX can handle them pretty well. I had a 8.4 DS for a very short period of time, thinking it was the right bike for the kind of rides I do. As it turned out, the carbon fork on the FX is enough. I compared the two bikes on the same bad roads. Even with the suspension unlocked, the 8.4 DS wasn't all that much smoother than the FX. And yes, the 7.5 FX is definitely lighter than the 8.4 DS. The 7.4 FX Disc would be a bit heavier due to the disc brakes and fatter tyres, but it should still be a great option for you. Good luck!

Test ride the Surly Ogre and compare the ride to anything else!

I hear you, but...they also go uphill @ 25mph. Most of us hybrid riders are not TdF level.

I guess I'm being a grauch b/c I feel like disc brakes are pretty much bling factor on a hybrid, but that is personal taste and the prejudice of my personal pocketbook.

Your other points are good ones in favor of disc brakes. I've only run disc on a large 75 pound Madsen cargo/passenger bicycle, and just sharing my opinion. It sounds like they are the right option for the OP.

I switched to discs after my V's packed up with snow and I glanced off a car. I don't consider them bling,I consider them necessary for snow. I live in a hilly area and ride in just about anything,so discs give me one less thing to worry about.

If you love the DS, go for it. It will make an awesome do it all bike. Great commuter, grocery getter, nice ride, etc. And, if you aren't concerned with pogoing, the susp fork does dampen bumps and cracks. Disc brakes will be awesome in less than marginal weather.

Always buy the one you fall in love with! Just make sure it fits!

Just-sayin' Mechanical discs are manually adjusted, the Hydraulics are designed to self adjust
for pad wear , so if you are willing to pay attention and DYI the adjustment, mechanicals are fine.

How tall are you? I have a Cannondale Quick 5 Jumbo if you are looking.

I have not been on the Trek's but I will say I like my Quick 5.

Thanks everyone for the input! BTW, I am a TdF level rider! LOL I've actually decided to go with a 2014 Trek 8.5 DS. I'm getting 10% off plus $100 store credit. Pretty good deal. The few extra bucks are worth the better components, and the 8.5 is a little lighter than the 8.4. Looking forward to getting back on a bike after three months dealing with my broken leg!

Sounds good to me.