I'm interested in getting a bike basically for getting my butt out of the house and to get in shape, but mainly for leisure.

I ideally want to go riding out of the city into the countryside, so light trails, some off-roading (I'm sure), but I think mainly I'll be on the road just to get up into the country.

I was looking at a Giant Roam 2 $659 (Canadian) and was then told about the Specialized Crosstrail, which I have yet to see.


Can any of you suggest which of the two, or maybe a third, like a Trek 7.5 FX if I'm not mistaken.


I'm not 100% sold on suspension forks, I mean 20+ years ago, when people went off trails, there weren't any suspension forks, it was just muscle and steel working the trails or whatever we rode on.
But, if they really do help, then I guess it's fine. But from reading, having a suspension fork will detract a bit of my road riding (speed and weight)?

So as you can see, I need help and clarification.

Thanks.

Welcome to BF, Kooba!

In order for us to better assist you, would you mind telling us the most you're willing to pay for a bicycle?

Also, what percent of your cycling do you project will be on paved roads, as opposed to dirt trails?

Thank you

Hi sure, my budget $800 less.
On road cycling probably 70%, trail 30%, maybe 65/35 even. lol

Thanks.

Well in that case, I'd recommend the following:

The Giant Escape 1- The Raleigh Cadent 3 - The Trek 7.4FX - The Cannondale Quick 4 - The Jamis Coda Comp

These are all known as Performance hybrids. They're like road bikes with flat handlebars. Most of their tires have a minimum width of at least 32mm. That's wide enough for small road cracks, peaking tree roots, and scattered gravel. It's also narrow enough, not to impede upon your progress when matching speed with urban traffic. These bikes all want to go fast. All they need is a strong engine!

Test ride all of these bikes. Make certain that your bike really fits you, before pulling the trigger. Look for comfort, feel of the ride, and performance. Shifting should be just like the pedaling, smooth as butter!

Good Luck!

Also, what kind of trails are you riding? I was in the same percentage position as you are - 70 / 30 road / trail - but my 'trails' are gravel paths and groomed woodland trails. Not a lot of deep ruts or lumpy roots or jarring rocks. The FX has proven to be an excellent choice for me, because it easily manages those kinds of trials - no need for mushy forks or knobby tires - and really shines on the road. If I were riding more demanding trails, though, I might have made a different choice. Also, beyond the percentage, consider how long / far you will be riding on roads to get into the country and access those trails. I wouldn't be keen to sacrifice any aspect of my FX's on-road performance unless I really had to.

One final note - in addition to hybrids, give some thought to the Cyclocross category. Those are really the only bikes that give me even a little bit of potential buyer's remorse.

Took a look at Cyclocross, I'm not a fan of that style handle bar to be honest. Although it's an interesting combination, but not for me.


As for trails, no rocky crazy stuff, no lumpy roots. I figure we've done enough damage to mother earth, gotta leave some of it at peace. lol


Should I be overly concerned with rigid forks or not?

Based on what you've described, you shouldn't be concerned with rigid forks at all. Sounds like a rigid fork hybrid will suit you very well indeed.

When I was shopping, I rode a bunch of different bikes from various brands (admittedly short rides) and found that I just liked the fit and feel and aesthetics of the FX best. Many here would recommend you do the same - try them out and one will appeal likely to you more than the rest. At any given price point, the offerings from any number of reputable brands will be roughly comparable.

Do suspension based forks really add THAT much weight to a bike as opposed to rigid?
Same question applies to disc brakes.

Thanks again.

That answer, all depends upon the type of cycling you'll be doing. The suspended fork will always impede upon your speed, by decreasing your ability to accelerate, and making it more difficult to climb hills. All due to two root causes. Those cause are the addition of increased weight, and the energy wasted in the irrelevant movement of the front wheel under suspension.

I say, if you particularly like the style, feel, and looks of a suspended wheel, then by all means, buy a bike with that feature. As long as you have the lockout feature, you can minimize your energy loss. If I was gonna buy a bike with a suspended fork, I'd get a banging ht mtb bike, that comes with wider tires, and a quality suspended fork. Something that I could singletrack on, with greater confidence.