Hall

I'm new to biking, but I try to get around by bike when I can. I take by brother's or my dad's bike when I can, but I just ride it around the neighborhood when I have time. I've recently been spending a lot of time on my own bike now that I'm off to college, but it's old, rusted, fallen apart, and barely works. Now, I'm looking for a bike to buy.

The thing that got me interested in biking was that a long walk one day led me to thinking about how fun it would be to just leave without a huge goal in mind and just spend time on the road, and I thought the best way to do that would be by bike. I quickly learned that bike touring is already a thing and I'm trying to find a way to get into that. So I would like to find a bike I can ride around town, enjoy in around my suburban neighborhood, and take on some day trips and one or two-night bike camping trips to ensure touring is something I would enjoy before investing in an expensive bike.

I'm a college student and don't have a lot of money to spend. $800 max.

I looked a lot at hybrid-style bikes, thinking that was where I wanted to go as some basic front suspension (as there are some very easy dirt trails around my house I like to ride) and an upright riding position would be good things for me. Specifically the Marin San Rafael and Cannondale Quick. But I've been reading that front suspension is not desirable for touring, as it's heavy and oftentimes prevents front panniers from being used. I've also decided against upright riding position since I don't like the feeling of all of my weight being on the saddle all of the time.

I feel like I want disc brakes, as I live in Colorado where the weather is very unpredictable and any long rides I take will be up into the mountains, so on the way back I will be going downhill for long periods of time. I want to make sure my brakes are as reliable as possible and they could handle relatively high speeds, even in the rain and with some extra weight on it.

Do I really want disc brakes? What kind of bike should I get? Where should I look for a bike that can do some easy touring, commuting, and trails without breaking the bank?

WestPablo

Go to www.performancebike.com and checkout the Fuji Touring bike!

Although, it sounds to me like you'll be doing more commuting back and forth to college campus than touring. In that case, you most probably should checkout the Fuji Absolute bikes.

Good Luck!

quattroG

for the price, you can't beat this, and it has disc brakes. Diamondback Insight Disc Flat Bar Bike - 2014 -