firebirdude

I'm just getting into this awesome sport. Been doing about 60-70 miles a week, but I only have a cheap mountain bike. I plan on keeping the new bike on pavement all the time, however the area I live in/around is quite populated and not always bicycle friendly. I find myself having to ride on sidewalks and hop on/off a curb occasionally. Additionally, I'm really used to using flat handlebars and feel more comfortable in the more upright position. I'd like to spend no more than about $350, but I'm not afraid of buying used.....(if I knew what to look for/what I was buying). So between my riding conditions/habits/desires/budget, I'm thinking I can't go with a full-blown road bike.

As for new bikes, what about the Trek FX line? I guess Trek Fest just started so I'm going to check them out locally. The FX1 is a bit over my price range, and it seems as though the FX2 is the more popular choice (why?). But if I ride it and fall in love, then I suppose I could splurge a little bit. Any other cheap and similar recommendations (hopefully cheaper haha)?

I have been looking on Craigslist, but see a lot of ancient road bikes or super high-end 4-figure bikes. I have found two though.

Marin Fairfax:
https://spacecoast.craigslist.org/bik/3715946657.html
Thoughts on this bike? Thoughts on the asking price?

Scott Speedster 60:
https://spacecoast.craigslist.org/bik/3726359420.html
Thoughts on this bike? Thoughts on the asking price? I realize it doesn't have flat bars, but it's in my price range. Figured I'd post it up and see what you guys thought.

rpenmanparker 

OP, Are you sure you have to ride that way, or are those just residual behaviors from your mtn bike experience? When a road cyclist might sit behind traffic at a light, maybe you are used to "just going up and around". Just sayin' you can decide to be a road cyclist if you want to. If you want to ride on the road most of the time, don't buy a compromise bike just so you can jump a curb or two. For most folks the trade off isn't worth it in lost performance.

firebirdude

Valid question. I think it's more of I don't feel comfortable riding on a congested road without a bike lane where the speed limit is 45mph+. Once there's a bike lane or even a wide shoulder, I have no problems. But there's parts in my city that are extremely busy, with no bike lane or sidewalks, and the stripe for the lane is half in the grass. lol Some are like this, but with sidewalks. The curbs usually come into play when the sidewalk decides it wants to turn without a ramp down onto the road.

Vlaam4ever

Find a group to ride with. Any bike that fits will work fine.