Kittydew

Got bit by the biking bug over a year ago. Scared to ride much in FL traffic (don't get me started) but I'm a big fan of paved trails (we have several great "rail trails near me) on my '98 Trek 7500. I usually ride 2 to 3 times a week, 24-30 miles at a time, av. around 12-14MPH, but want to start doing more riding and going farther. I'd like to travel and do some other trails in FL, tour around back roads... speed is not a big issue, comfort and staying power are. I'm 36, female, and around 5'11" is that matters.

Sooo... I have a lovely $650 Xmas Gift Certif. to my LBS burning a hole in my pocket tonight, (THANK YOU mom & dad!) my Husband's getting my old bike, and I'm trying to decide on whether to get a new 7500, or consider the 7500FX as a step closer to a road bike. I also wondered about the 7700 and whether it'd be worth the extra $$. I've loved my 7500, I want something that is good quality and will hold up on long rides and various surfaces, but I want something that is zippy and responsive enough to let me go farther and longer in my rides. So basically, I'm looking for advice. I'm going to post this in Commuting too, any advice would be welcome.

Thanks! K

boneshake

Congrats on the gift card.

I rode a hybrid (Nishiki Optima) for 10 years, mostly on trails like you and some street riding. I liked it alot, but this year I did my first century and got a road bike for it. It's much more comfortable, especially on long rides (I know they don't look it but it's true, because your arms support more weight and takes it off your butt). It's tough enough for trails, though I can't bang right over the really rough stuff like with my hybrid. It definitely takes me further with more comfort, though I had to do some adjusting to get the wrists comfortable.

From one hybrid-lover to another, I would go test ride a few road bikes and see what you think before you settle on another hybrid. My new bike is a Giant OCR3 with the cool compact frame geometry that's stiff and light and easy to fit (looks and feels more like a hybrid or mountain bike) and comes with 26mm tires that aren't as skinny as they seem once you try them. It's cheap too - you can get one today with your card, or upgrade to an OCR2 for a little more. The 3 comes with an adjustable stem and extra brake levers on the top to help you with the transition from an upright bike. There are a few other entry-level road bikes in that price range too, including the Trek 1000.

Just something to consider.

Whatever you do, here's a great place for reviews and info on bikes (all kinds, not just road):

www.road****************

Have fun shopping!

EricDJ

7.5 FX WSD, since WSD's are designed for womens bodies. It's an 06 $689 and will be great for any paved road or path you throw at it. The 7000 series aren't designed exclusively for womens bodies, so in the end may mean some part to be changed to make it work, thus costing extra.

Hybrids are great. I do 20 minimum miles per day when weather permits. My criteria was the same. I do road rides, but will likely come across a paved path or two, maybe for the beach riding. I didn't want weight of shocks since the riding didn't need it.

Here is my Ti ride. The Trek 7700FX was unavailable when I got it, and well was a lot more than the deal this was.

Kittydew

Thanks for the feedback! Most folks in the commuter forum suggest cyclocross or touring... which our sadly out of my $$ range.

Maybe the 7500 FX in WSD would be a good next step and then I can save towards a Touring bike down the road. And I will see what road bikes they have in my range and test them too!

I appreciate the help! I'm also going to have a long talk with the guys at my LBS. I can't wait to hit the trails! :-)

KeithA

Try to see if you can test ride any of the Jamis hybrids. I liked them more than the Trek I test rode, but, then again, I love the feel of steel.

tacomee

You can get a touring bike for $650 but it takes a bunch of shopping around and a lot of bike savvy to get it done.

Don't buy any bike for 30 days. It's something better not rushed into. Relax and let the bike come to you.

Ask about the Trek 100c (I think that's the model number, but I'm not a Trek guy so I'm 100% sure) It's a neat bike.

Also think about saving $50 a month until spring and buying a super nice steel framed touring bike that will be the last bike you need to buy for 10 years. It's really worth the wait. There is a big jump in quality at $750-$900 that really is the sweet spot to sport cycling. Fuji, Novara (REI), Jamis and Bianchi all make fine everyday, multi-use riders at this price. LeMonde has a cool bike for a little more.

Try to keep your powder dry until the right bike comes along. You'll understand why after riding a quality tourist class bike for year.

linux_author

- Jamis will have something in your price range... a Redline might also work?

- i ride paved trails and trails in parks in Pinellas County... i use two bikes; one is a road bike w/700x23s for longer rides and the other is a cyclocross bike w/700x28s that makes short forays off the pavement over grass a lot safer...

- if i could only have one bike, it would have to be the cyclocross for its versatility... although a nice hybrid would also work very well...

- i am very sure you will find a nice bike in your price range...

- also, don't discount the idea of getting a used bike... you will not only save money, but will also get a much nicer frame (and component group) for your dollar... just a thought...

Thrifty1

Take a look at the Giany Cypress hybrids. My wife has ridden her 2004 Cypress Dx on several 150 to 200 mile "supported" tours and absolutely loves it.
Congratulations and Good Luck!

ChiliDog

The Trek 7500fx is really more like a flat bar road bike than a hybrid/comfort bike. It is also a great bike for touring as well. A very versatile bike which can do road riding on 700x23 skinny tires or you can put on cushier tires (700x38, for example) for a little light trail riding. Suspension on the front is only going to add weight to the ride, if you're mostly on pavement or light trail. Go for the FX series if you plan to ride longer distances as a goal.

EricDJ

kittydew, wht other brands does your LBS carry?

littledog

The Trek 7300FX is my road/city bike. Being a Schwinn Cruiser Deluxe rider the FX looked really scrawny and fragile. I have found it satisfactory for riding in a bike hateful small city with lots of broken curbs,pot holes,glass,scrap metal-you name it. And yet even with the big tires it makes a satisfactory bike for open roads and paved trails. I bought it on impulse and thought i wasted my money at first because i thought i had to baby it. So the 7500FX should be even better on the road. For me durability and sturdiness is more important than speed.

Kittydew

FYI Gang, made the jump to a road bike... got a trek 1000c it's a little more upright than most racing bikes and has a carbon fork so it's pretty comfy. I'm now wondering why I ever fretted about going from hybrid to road. I. LOVE. IT!
Thanks for all the help!
Kitty

baj32161

Hey congrats Kitty. That is a nice alternative to what you were originally looking for. The riding position should suit you if you are used to hybrids. Plus it is a nice looking ride. Enjoy it for many miles.

Cheers,

Brian