This weekend I went to a bike shop and looked at some bikes. Most of my riding will be on dirt roads - might be some trail riding but nothing that would be called hard riding. I'm really trying to get back into some shape besides being out of shape. I used to ride a lot - on pavement riding a Schwin Crisscross. But I now live where this old bike is probably not going to be very good - dirt roads out in farm country. Trails will be in CO - more dirt packed than anything.

The two models I looked at were Treks - and 820 and a 3700 I believe. My price range is right at $400.

What I need are similar bikes from other manufacturers. That way I can price shop and compare. If I see something off ebay then I can more easily tell if it is a good deal.

Example - what Cannondale bike is similar, or Diamondback, etc.?

Any help would be appreciated and if you know where one can get good deals let me know.

Thanks
KC

Well the 820 is made of steel and the 3700 aluminum. The 820 will probably be a bit heavier, but have a 'smoother' ride. It will probably last longer, but if you treat the 3700 well it will last long enough.

At 400 most bikes you are going to be looking at are going to be similar.