Hybrid Bikes for a nOOb

C

Campusninja

Joined
May 24, 2003
Messages
31
Hello,
I am in search for a nice quality hybrid bike. As I look around in the local shops, I am rather overwhelmed by all the brands, various parts, styles, etc. I was able to test ride a few Trek bikes last summer, and am now getting back into the shopping stage. Thus far the Trek 7100, 7200, 7300 and 7200 FX models are being seriously considered. The price limit is around $400. Could you guys and girls please offer some advice for a nOOb getting into cycling? What is a good online source for the basics, along with a comparison/contrast between all the brands and models on the market now. Thanks and I am really looking forward to your replys.
 
For 400 bucks, you should be able to get a very nice hybrid. A lot of "serious" bikers sort of sneer at hybrids, but they're very practical machines for a large percentage of riders.
Not as fast as a dedicated roadster, and not as off-road worthy as a dedicated mountain bike, nonethless they provide a comfy riding position, durable bits, and can handle most situations quite well.

Trek is excellent; we've been using Trek patrol bikes for years with no problems whatever. Other good brands to look at include GT, Schwinn, and Raliegh.
Go to a good bike shop that can set you up with the proper sized frame, and fit it to you.
The transportation guys here (the guys who write parking tickets) bought a very nice GT for under 300 bucks on my reccomendation.

Generally, as you go up in price on these, you're looking at pretty much the same frame with increasingly better "bits" (components).
 
I was in the same situation two weeks ago.

I wound up getting a Kona Smoke (under $350), and I absolutely love it.

While aluminum frame and front suspension seem to be all the rage right now, my bike has a cromoly steel frame and fixed front. IMHO, if you are paying under $400 for the bike, front suspension on a Hybrid isn't worth it--lower cost bikes don't come with high quality suspensions, and it just adds to weight and maintenance.

My wife just got a K2 Zed, and that was reasonably priced as well.

Lots of useful info at:

http://sheldonbrown.com/articles.html

(go down to the bottom of the page to the smaller index)
 
I have no experience with hybrids, but I will share my thoughts on buying a "first" bicycle:

1) Find a bikeshop and dealer that you trust. Shop around, see who seems the most receptive to your concerns. Imagine what it will be like dealing with them when it comes time to repair the bike.

2) After you find a dealer, look to the frames. Find a frame that the manufacturer fully backs. Trek and Specialized (for example) cover their frame for a lifetime, so settle for nothing less than this when it comes to warranty.

3) After you find a dealer and a brand/brands, only then look to specific models of bike. A bike is essentially nothing more than a collection of components stuck to the frame, and different models will really be all about the quality of component. Some components are more important than others--rear derailleurs and shifters are where you don't want to skimp. Wheels come next.

4) Finally, make sure you get a frame that fits you. A good dealer will willing to fit you, and should be willing to spend a little time doing it. The errant tendency is (with road bikes at least) to go too small--so be aware of this.

Good luck!
 
Well, I have narrowed the choice down to the Trek 7200. I found one shop that I will visit next week, and see what they have to offer. Other wise the 7200 is what I will buy.
 
Before you spend a dime ride, ride, and then ride some more. If a shop will not let you ride, don't do business with them. Most shops will, however.

Before buying anything ride as many different bikes as you can.
Even if you think you have no interest in a certain model, ride it anyway, as you might be in for a big surprise.

When I bought my Cannondale, I rode quite a few, and found that I liked many bikes, but did not like the componentry, or vice versa.

The good thing about better grade bikes is that there are so many choices, there are few chances of not finding something you like.

I used to do a lot of riding in town, and found that the extra stengths of a straight moutain bike excelled in town, and around campuses. The down side was that on the 5 mile ride home down the highway I was way out of my class. Perhaps a hybrid would have been a better all around choice were it not for my riding off road a great deal.

Let us know what you decide on.
 
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