Sorry, that's probably one of the most popular forum topics here, but I do need help.

To start, I'm completely lost so I'll start with what (think) I know.

1. I want a hybrid/fitness bike and prefer a more upright seating position.

2. Use - Exercise for myself as well as my boxer with a Walky Dog

That's literally all I know, I haven't owned a bike since I was I don't know, 12?

Without trying to make this sound like a personal add here's a bit about me. I'm a 6/2 225LB (slightly overweight) 32 y/o male who lives about an hour south of Seattle, WA and there a ton of amazing bike trails around me, and the rural rodes around my home work great for riding as well.

What I'm trying to avoid is walking into Dick's Sporting Goods, walking up to a random bike, sitting on it and saying, "yep, that will work" without having a clue what I'm doing.

What I have managed to think I know based on the ignorance fueled research I have been able to do is think I need a size L frame (21"-23"?) and that I like the looks of the following bikes:

1. Giant Roam Series - 0,2,3? No idea which one but I think I like this bike.

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...0/14821/66246/

2. Trek FX Series - Way too many models I know nothing about but this seems to be the Trek version of the type of bike I would like.

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/town/fitness/fx/

3. Specialized Sirrus or Crossroads? They seem to have a lot of multi-use bikes

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/fitness

I'm looking to be as close to under $600 as possible but money isn't the most important part of my buying decision.

Sorry this post is a bit of a mess, it probably resembles how my brain feels trying to process this. Thanks for any guidance/advice.

-Doug

Welcome to the Forums

You really can't go wrong with any of the models that you listed (though I'd put the Specialized Crosstrail in the same vein as the Giant Roam instead of the Crossroads). If you're looking at the "dual sport" type of bikes (fitness bikes w/front shocks), get one that allows you to lockout the suspension.

Fit is the key, so do as many test rides as possible. For example, I really like the Giant Escape line on paper/monitor, but the geometry/ergonomics feels a bit weird to me...

I just cant get into any of the FX line of Treks in the 500-600 dollar range. The paint scheme and styling is out of date to me. I would look at the Giant Escape line cause with your height its probably a good match since Giant bikes are more stretched out shoulder to bar than most other brands. Specialized Sirrus line was too harsh of a ride when I tried it.

I would get the Roam 2 for 650 bucks and just put some skinner tires on if you can't decide Dual sport or fitness hybrid.

It was a very tough choice for me so I ended up getting both types of bikes and a big credit card bill to boot.

Not that I really want to entertain the idea of self assembly (lol, paying someone to do it) but a friend here at work told me to look at this...

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...print_disc.htm

Not having a clue what I'm looking at it's an awesome looking bike! Is it that good a deal? I'm not really scared to buy online because it's one of those "I don't know anything else" situations.

If the Giant fits you, and you really like it, you always seem to get more for your dollar, from them. Buy the highest grade you can afford, in whatever line you settle on. If 650 is your max, spend it all. Mho

theRoam 2, is speced prety nice, in that price range. You would pay 200 more at Specialized or Trek.

Hard to believe, but I think the Roam is a better buy, and better bike, than the Motobecaine....

I am in the same position as the OP. I couldn't decide which hybrid to get. I narrowed it down to one brand... Giant. As it has been stated it seems you get more for your money. I was debating whether to get the Roam 2 or Escape 1. I wasn't too crazy about the colors offered on the Roams. So I started looking at 2013 models. I saw a 2013 Escape 0 that was being sold at the same price as a new Roam 2. So I ran to buy it. To my disappointment, the lbs did not have it. They claimed it was an error on the website. I am back to square 1 but now I know I don't want shocks. So now I'm torn between Escape 1 and Escape 0. Tough decision. I'm a novice but I want a good bike.... I have a tough decision ahead.

2 days ago I was in the situation, Escape 0 or Escape 1. Took home the Escape 0, simply put I was thrilled by the ride compared to the other makers at the same price point and if I wanted to see a Escape 1 I had to pay for it as the LBS would not order it without me buying it first. So I made it simple buy the one that made me 100 percent happy with the ride and forget the Escape 1.

Welcome to cycling! I think you've figured most of it pretty well. Size is key! A quality bicycle functions well and lasts for decades... get one that looks good to you. You might own and ride it the rest of your life.

If you haven't cycled since you were 12.... your idea of fit might not be ideal. Often when I was a kid... parents bought bikes with "growing room". Or... you may have had a BMX and not be familiar with a full leg extension while seated. I know even today some cyclist think they should be able to put there feet to the ground while stopped and still sitting on the saddle.

Local bicycle shops can help explain fit. You can also view bicycle fitting videos on YouTube (there are many). The proper fit will be comfortable and save wear and tear on your body parts.... particularly knees.

Find a cyclist friend to go out with you for a ride.... to reintroduce you to cycling. Always wear a helmet, and carry your cell phone in a zip-lock baggie. I am sure you'll find cycling is still just as much fun today.... as it was when you were 12.

Correction......... it's more fun now. Becaue, you don't have to do it.....

I should clarify a few things, I haven't had my own bike since I was about 12, throughout high school I borrowed my dads road bike more than a handful of times and I frequently do 20 miles on stationary bikes so those factors go into the fitness/hybrid decision. I also know I don't want shocks. No one around me seems to really carry Giant bikes but there is a very nice little bike shop that carries specialized bikes. They also offer free lifetime tune-ups if you buy from them which is awesome!

They have this bike on sale for $450 which I'm pretty sure I'm going to get for the wife, she went in with me and made sure it fit her well, is it a good bike?

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik...sc-eq#features

For me I'm still a bit lost but am looking for recomendations in the Specialized line.

OK, here's what I think I've arrived on,

For me - Specialized Crosstrail Sport Disc

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik...ail-sport-disc

For the wife - Specialized Ariel Sport Disc

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik...iel-sport-disc

I'm sure this is probably one of those can't go wrong moves, but am I making a mistake with either of these bikes?

I would get one bike with suspension fork and one without. So you can swap rides if the bikes fit both of you. Its nice to have a bike to go faster and one to go over light trails.

Test ride a Sirrus, while you are there................. the Crosstrail comes with a suspended front end.

That Vita Sport Disc, is an awesome bike, at an unbelievable price..............

You can't go wrong with Specialized, they are all nice bikes...........

ok, I bought a bikesdirect off of a dealer on ebay. I bought a touring style road bike and it was cheaper than the trek hybrid (which I was frustrated with at the time)... The dealer gave true to fit sizing for the bike and it was a good buy... haven't really checked for new listings but I would not hesitate to go back... if you are interested: look for "chicabike"... she was good for answering email questions...

just for info:
I only have about 2300 miles on the bike. I did eventually buy a rear wheel for it because the free wheel axle was bent after a bit and I also wanted a free-hub system (which allows easier cluster replacement)... I also added a stem extension to bring up the bars (I like my bars at seat level or even a bit above as I tend to ride on the hoods of the levers)

my other bike the trek 7100, I did eventually *have* to replace the wheel as the original kept breaking spokes or going out of true after a couple of rides, so I got a tandem wheel and that seems to work well and am now using it for a winter bike... I don't anywhere near the miles on it as I do with the dawes because of that issue...

Is this a unisex bike? It's not listed at all under the womens section and the bike would be for my wife.

Nevermind, found the answer for myself. I'm still stuck between a fixed fork and a lockout fork. (Sirrus vs Crosstrail basically)

Well it's official, I'm an owner! Bought myself the Specialized Sirrus Elite and bought the wife the Specialized Vita Sport!

Now I have to wait until Christmas to touch it again...

Thanks for the guidance and letting me rattle my brain in front of you all!

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik...s/sirrus-elite

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik...ita/vita-sport

Thanks for the picture. You've basically helped make my decision. Now the challenge is having to wait for my LBS to get the bike in. Evidently, the bike in my size "small", is on back-order. What size is your bike? Does it feel light? Also, if possible can you take a close up photo of the pedals?

My bike is a Medium and I had them weigh it and it came to 24pds and something ounces. The shop put on the cheapest plastic pedals on for me, which I don't feel comfortable with in the rain. So I intend to change them later.
Its fairly light to me, if you want the lightest in this price point of 700-800 I would like at the Cannondale Quick SL 3, which is the most nimble but too harsh for a long ride so I returned it.

Very nice choices. Now pull out the credit card for all the must have acessories,water bottles,tools,pump,patchkit,rack,helmet,lights and so on!