I've never owned or even ridden a road bike to date. I figure a road bike (maybe even a hybrid) would be most practical for 10-mile commutes and lugging up three flights of stairs routinely. I'm looking for a road/hybrid bike that is as fast/lightweight as possible given the following criteria: under $750; at least 7-speed; disc brakes (or something equally as powerful; must be available from a reputable online vendor. Shocks/shock-absorbent tires are a plus, as is a cargo rack. I should note I'm 6'3". What can you recommend? Models? Brands?

I've been eyeballing Bikes Direct, and I'm glad I did some further research before making a purchase. Are there any legitimate/holistically favorable online vendors?

To Bike Forums, AlbertCamus!


We will try to answer all of your cycling questions to the best of our abilites!

The following are my recommendations:


1) www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/cafe_noir.htm
Motobecane Cafe Noir

2) www.bikesdirect.com/products/schwinn/schwinn_letour_legacy_xi.htm
Schwinn Letour Legacy

3) www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/cafe_sprint_disc.htm
Motobecane Cafe Sprint Disc

4) www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/tourist.htm
Windsor Tourist

5) www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/galaxy_tour.htm
Mercier Galaxy Tour


- Slim

PS.

BTW, bikesdirect is considered a reputable online outlet by most within BF.

* I don't personally recommend front suspension shocks, if you are riding primarily on paved surfaces and hard packed dirt trails. They will usually end up being more of a hindrance than a help and they waste energy too.

There is nothing wrong with bike direct other than the typical problems for new riders ordering online (not knowing if a bike you've never test ridden will fit comfortably, and not being able to get the bike tuned up properly once it arrives) You might also try Nashbar.com.

If you're just commuting on roads, suspension will only slow you down. I'd go for something steel with fender and rack mounts with a little wider tires to soak up some vibration, like this:
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...1_10000_202383.

If you want drop bars so you can get a little more aero and go faster, you might look into something like this:
https://bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/kilott_wt5.htm

Don't get too hung up on disc brakes. Good disc brakes are great, but nothing in your price range will come with good disc brakes. Unless you're riding through a mud-bog, V or caliper brakes will work just as well as low-end disc brakes, and they are a lot easier to maintain.

if you like bikesdirect:

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ane/turino.htm

$600
butted Al frame
disc brakes
rear rack braze-ons
easy to shoulder for carrying
up to 38mm tires for comfort

a rear rack is <$20 on amazon.com or rei outlet

spend another $100 at a local bike store to get it tuned and adjusted before you ride.

make sure you get something that fits you correctly. the largest size of this bike would probably fit you okay.

+1 ^This^ Is Excellent Advice!

PS.

If you need assistance assembling your bike, just watch the video as many times as you like:

www.bikesdirect.com/instructionhelp.htm

* You don't really need disc brakes, unless you live where the road surfaces are wet most of the time.

Thanks for the responses, everyone.

My experience with brakes is limited: I've had a mountain bike which stopped on a dime (disc brakes, I think), and several BMX bikes with brakes so weak I just as easily could have used my feet. I suppose (disc or not) that if the tires can skid on flat, dry pavement upon a firm brake clutch, the brakes are satisfactory. Would V or caliper brakes allow this?

As for bikesdirect, given the finite online selection I'm facing I might just buy from them, anyway. I'm simply a little hesitant to shell out this much money for something which several accounts claim may be damaged or bastardized with arbitrarily substituted inferior parts.