Which bike to get?
 

Hello folks,

Kind of new to the world biking as an adult. (Rode mountain bikes when i was a kid)
I'm looking to buy a bike in the near future though (don't know much these days). Something I can use on the road and light trails in the DC/MD area at least 2-3 times a week.

Any recommendations?

Here are the bikes i'm considering right now

- Mountain Bikes

Trek 4300
Specialized Hardrock Sport

- Hybrids

Trek 7200
Trek 7.3 FX WSD
Specialized Crosstrail Elite


I test rode the Trek 4300 and it was nice, but like the disc version w/ the better shifter; felt more crisp and more sure of a ride. Haven't been able to test ride any of the Specialized bikes yet... Keep in mind that I'm not looking to spend much more than $650...


Thanks for your help!

the trek 7.3 fx is a good choice in that price range, though it doesn't have disc brakes.

an alternative is to pick up a cheap bike on craigslist for $100 and ride it for a couple of months, then you'll know more about your riding patterns and what you're looking for.

I learned those same lessons on a new $300 bike and wish I had spent less

good luck