MikeDVB

I'm looking at picking up an updated/new/top-of-the-line bike and I've loved my Trek 7100 over the years.

I'm looking at new bikes online and I'm having a hard time deciding. My budget now is much larger than my budget 7 years ago when I picked up my current bike but I'd like to get something really nice.

What would you choose?

I'm partial to Trek but I'm open to other brands as well.

catonec 

no offense but my ideal, no money consideration, bike would not a hybrid, ss/fg, or beach cruiser.

I would probably buy Pinarello, 1 roadie, 1 mtb. campy all around.

DOGMA 65.1 WORLD CHAMPION ? CICLI PINARELLO S.p.A.
DOGMA XM 9.9 ? CICLI PINARELLO S.p.A.

WestPablo

The SOMA Triple Cross!

Panthers007

A still-in-the-box-unopened Puch Vent Noir.

jbchybridrider 

In hybrids id like to try one of these


but then again there's a dozen bikes in the "best looking hybrid thread" id like to own, BMC as an example

I'm searching for one of these frame sets, not because I think it's the best but because I'm a alfaholic.

Fudgeurpizzy

https://s7d4.scene7.com/is/image/Trek...0,0&iccEmbed=0

TREK MADONE 7.9 BUT have the Lbs put a flat bar on it. Madone 7.9 would be a holy mother of God bad arse hybrid!
Coming back down to earth the TREK 7.7FX will have one slaying sidewalks and anything else urban in style with a good dose of SPEED.

MRT2

Hard to say, but if money is no object, fully custom makes the most sense to me. I can't say I would buy a super bike, but I might be inclined to go with a custom frame built up with near TOTL components, like a Waterford built up with Ultegra and the lightest wheels that would be safe to ride for my weight.

themishmosh

I'm partial to Trek myself. Great bikes and not too showy.

bikemig 

An ant bike, bien sur! antbikemike | "Not sport?transport"

loimpact

On a serious note (I doubt you're looking to spend $10K on a bike today), I'd probably suggest any of the stuff we already talk about on a daily basis but in their top of the line version.

For me, that would be a Cannondale Quick Carbon 1. (be still my heart)

An extremely good deal for the money right now is the Giant Escape Composite. (You can find a couple threads about it here too) Great bike, gets you into full carbon frame for CHEAP!!!

But, of course, it all comes down to fit. Go check out top of the line in all and buy what fits you best!!! As we always say....That is THE most important part!!

2702

Trek 7.7 FX for me.
The top Hybrids from Specialized and Cannondale have hydraulic disc brakes which add unwanted weight. Isn't part of a top hybrid lure is lightweight?
The Giant Escape Composite RX is way too hit or miss with riders, the top tube is one inch longer than all the others, and one inch in fitting is a lot.
I really enjoy my FX 7.5. Like a luxury bike compared to some racy road bikes I have tried.

deerfly

Add another vote for the Quick Carbon 1. That is one nice looking ride. I'd be willing to bet 99% of the people would never notice added weight from the hydraulic brakes.

MikeDVB

I'm not so worried about looks as much as performance and quality. I don't need anything full custom as I'm not racing but I should have been more clear that I'm talking about bikes I can pick up at a local shop (there are lots around here).

I love my current bike but I want to get something a bit nicer across the board and I really do like my hybrid over road bikes mostly because there are parts of my rides where I'm on dirt or gravel and road bikes are not really good off the pavement from my experience.

I'm not familiar with hydraulic brakes on a bike but I would probably not notice the weight. Full carbon would be nice from a weight standpoint but I would be afraid I would clamp it too tight or otherwise break it.

DowneasTTer

Well I love our Giant Escape RX Composites. The fit is JUST right for both my wife and I. She did have to switch the stem to a 70mm from the 80mm standard on her small frame. That said we replaced the non series Shimano parts for true 105s making them a top notch hybrid IMHO. Spend on!

oddjob2

Rivendell Sam Hillborne or Atlantis
Shinola Runwell

MRT2

Plenty of drop bar bikes that can handle road, dirt, and gravel.

MRT2

But if money were no object, you would presumably have the resources to travel to a custom frame builder. My view is, even TOTL bikes from the big names will eventually be obsolete within a few years. A custom frame built for me is something that can be rebuilt or modified as components wear out or technology changes.

MikeDVB

I've been looking at some Cyclrocross bikes but I'm having a bit of a hard time distinguishing the differences between that and a Hybrid. Admittedly I'm fairly new to bike enthusiasm so I'm still learning all of the differences.

I'd really like to get something where I can carry a bit of speed but can still go across gravel/dirt as needed. I'm not going to be mountain biking on it but there are a few trails I like that have sections of loose gravel and dirt.

ps249

I would go for the Specialized Sirrus Pro Carbon. Get ready to fork out $3,000.

Specialized Bicycle Components

MikeDVB

If I get a carbon fiber I'll probably maintain the current Trek I have as the kid-hauler [have a Burley trailer, a 2 year old, and another kid on the way]. I'm just not sure how well a trailer would work on a CF bike - I know CF can be brittle/be broken much easier than aluminum so that would be my concern but - that said - I could always just use the Trek to haul the kiddos and use the CF when I'm solo or not pulling a trailer [since I am going to be keeping the old bike as well].

Any thoughts on a CF bike with a QR rear axle trailer? I'd love to have one but it also has to be practical for what I need to do but I could live with keeping two bikes for two purposes .

MikeDVB

I like this one, but it's not carbon [I can live with not having carbon].
Specialized Bicycle Components

Jaeger99

CX v. Hybrid is an interesting choice. If I had a purchase mulligan I might go CX. I am exceedingly happy with my Trek FX in every respect except for the inability to adopt different hand positions (only an issue that has emerged as I have started to take longer rides) and the occasional need / wish to be able to tuck down lower when riding into a stiff headwind. In the upright position of the hybrid (which I otherwise really like for comfort / visibility) my chest feels like an unfurled sail. I think the CX would give me the road / gravel / groomed trail diversity of the hybrid, but add the ability to change hand and riding position as desired.

Jaeger99

What about something with an alloy frame, but carbon fork?

2702

There is a bar end adapter for the FX bikes. Its cost 12 bucks and ridiculous overpriced. Its just 2 plugs and 2 isofoam pads that are shorter in length than what is on the bike stock. You take off the stock isofoam and replace them and than clamp on barends. You must move the controls in a little bit which are not on the instructions so I was all confused and took it back to the dealer and they did it for me. You must buy bar ends that clamp on like the ones in the pic.

MikeDVB

I want to go look at the Sirrus Comp at a local bike shop but they close at 5 and my HVAC guys are still here so I don't think I'll make it. Guess I'll go look tomorrow .