Help picking a bike

[Millerad1651]

So I'm in the market for a new bicycle. Haven't ridden one since high school, so I'm re-learning everything. I plan on doing mostly pavement riding, but also the occasional dirt/gravel road. No hard core mt biking at the moment, maybe light trails. I'm 6'1'', and now at 240, but going down, so I need a decent sized bike. I want to spend around $500-600. I have been trying to decide between a hybrid and a mt bike.

I have two that I like, and am asking for input. My logic goes like this:

Trek 3700 Disc - Bicycle Garage Indy - Indianapolis and Greenwood, IN

With this Trek, I can buy a set of tires that are more suitable for the pavement, but also capable of going "off'-road". The bike itself is off-road capable, but would it be comfortable for longer pavement rides? The fork locks, which would help.

Giant Roam 3 - Bicycle Garage Indy - Indianapolis and Greenwood, IN

This hybrid seems more suited for the road, but would it be able to handle any off-road scenarios? The tires seem dual purpose, but I think it may struggle of-road.

One thing to mention, I signed up for a mini-triathlon. The riding section is 13 miles, and I plan to train and use whatever bike I get. But I also want to be able to take it out and casually ride with it.

any input is greatly appreciated...like I said, I'm just beginning to look. I plan on going an talking to someone this weekend, but want to have some idea before I go.

Thanks

 

[jmildoc]

I THINK THIS ONE WOULD FIT YOU BEST, ESPECIALLY FOR SOME CASUAL RIDING.

http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/02/02/37/97/0002023797795_500X500.jpg

 

[KidVermicious]

All other things being equal, I'd go with the lighter bike for what you're planning. As long as you're riding mild trails, the frame and components really won't care if you're on pavement or dirt or gravel or whatever. I'd be sure to pick up an extra set of tires, though - the low-rolling resistance street tires you're going to want for pavement efficiency will not serve you well on loose surfaces, and knobby dirt tires will make street riding harder. A hybrid tire will just do a crappy job of both, so get dedicated tires for each.

 

[Millerad1651]

All other things being equal, I'd go with the lighter bike for what you're planning. As long as you're riding mild trails, the frame and components really won't care if you're on pavement or dirt or gravel or whatever. I'd be sure to pick up an extra set of tires, though - the low-rolling resistance street tires you're going to want for pavement efficiency will not serve you well on loose surfaces, and knobby dirt tires will make street riding harder. A hybrid tire will just do a crappy job of both, so get dedicated tires for each.

I figured with whichever I choose, I'll be buying an extra set of tires. I have no problem switching them out. I'm just trying to decide if the hybrid will handle the abuse I'm going to give it. And if the mtb would be decent enough to ride on pavement for longer periods. I'm not trying to win the tri, just finish!

 

[javendan]

i just started looking into getting a MT bike and will be going trek as there is a trek store within 2 miles of me.

unfortunately, i don't really know the difference between the components used in the two bikes you listed... simply, because i am not a bike gear head like my buddy

but, just looking at the two, the trek has disc brakes - looking at the specs the disc brakes are mechanical.

sooooooooo, that's all i got - sorry.

+1 trek

which ever you get, i think that is a good thing.

get out there and ride and work towards a better YOU.

i am hoping to do the same

good luck to both of us.

joel

 

[KidVermicious]

I'm just trying to decide if the hybrid will handle the abuse I'm going to give it.

Define "abuse". A hybrid is lot like a crossover - looks like a truck, behaves like a car. And a lot like a car or a crossover, it doesn't need to be scared of a dirt road and can handle most of what people think of when they think about mountain biking. If you're talking about riding on a nicely buffed track or smooth bike trail with a couple bumps here and there (like this), the hybrid will be fine. If you're talking about dropping ledges and hopping roots and bouncing over rocks and otherwise engaging in real mountainbiking (more like this), then you'll want the sturdier frame and wheelset of the mountain bike.

They're both going to have nearly identical frame geometry, though, so not much difference on pavement. The hybrid will be lighter and not as sturdy. If you're just planning mild dirt and nothing technical, it should hold up fine.

Whichever one you get, spring for a professional fitting if you're planning on riding long distances on pavement. Your wrists and ass will thank you.

 

[Reino]

A hardtail mountain bike like that Trek should suit your needs and give you more room to 'grow' into trail riding. The problem with 'hybid' bikes is that they are only suited for graded dirt paths. I would not suggest trying to take one downhill. If you want to get into trail riding, then the hardtail mountain bike will be your gateway while still being comfortable for light road riding-especially with street tires.

Also, if you get in with a group of mountain bikers on full suspension bikes, they will typically take along a hardtail rider without complaint, but they probably won't want a hybrid rider in their crew. Bikers are fickle.

P.S. save some money and abandon the disc brakes. You won't need them until you get into serious downhilling, and at that point you should upgrade to a full suspension bike w/ discs.

 

[Millerad1651]

Define "abuse". A hybrid is lot like a crossover - looks like a truck, behaves like a car. And a lot like a car or a crossover, it doesn't need to be scared of a dirt road and can handle most of what people think of when they think about mountain biking. If you're talking about riding on a nicely buffed track or smooth bike trail with a couple bumps here and there (like this), the hybrid will be fine. If you're talking about dropping ledges and hopping roots and bouncing over rocks and otherwise engaging in real mountainbiking (more like this), then you'll want the sturdier frame and wheelset of the mountain bike.

They're both going to have nearly identical frame geometry, though, so not much difference on pavement. The hybrid will be lighter and not as sturdy. If you're just planning mild dirt and nothing technical, it should hold up fine.

Whichever one you get, spring for a professional fitting if you're planning on riding long distances on pavement. Your wrists and ass will thank you.

Thanks for the info. For the time being, I really only plan on the trail like the first video. But I'm sure I'll want to venture out some and get to some like in the 2nd video...without having to buy a new bike. I'm leaning towards the Trek, and getting a second set of tires for pavement. Like you said, geometry isn't much different, and I'd rather have the sturdier bike for future use.

I'm heading to the bike shop this weekend to talk to someone about sizing and all that. My parents have frequented a shop in town and have been extremely happy with them.

Thanks again for the input.

 

[Millerad1651]

A hardtail mountain bike like that Trek should suit your needs and give you more room to 'grow' into trail riding. The problem with 'hybid' bikes is that they are only suited for graded dirt paths. I would not suggest trying to take one downhill. If you want to get into trail riding, then the hardtail mountain bike will be your gateway while still being comfortable for light road riding-especially with street tires.

Also, if you get in with a group of mountain bikers on full suspension bikes, they will typically take along a hardtail rider without complaint, but they probably won't want a hybrid rider in their crew. Bikers are fickle.

P.S. save some money and abandon the disc brakes. You won't need them until you get into serious downhilling, and at that point you should upgrade to a full suspension bike w/ discs.

Thanks for the info. Especially about the brakes...always thought it was better to get them, but if it doesn't matter a whole lot, I'll save myself a few.

 

[FatTiresRollin]

My Suggestion

1. Do not get a Hybrid/Crossover bike if you plan on taking it off-road.
2. Hardtail will certainly be all you need unless hitting a big mountain bike park
3. Pretty much all bikes in the $500-$600 price range are all created equal as far as your parts and components are concerned. Bike geometry is the most inportant, i.e. standover height...cockpit length....etc. It is very helpful to be able to go to a bike shop and ride something around the parking lot.
4. Do not buy a bike from a "department" or "big box store" like wal-mart, target, dick's sporting goods, etc. The bike quality is much better at your local bike specific shop.
5. My personal preference and suggestion is to go with a 29er. The BGI shop you had links to is showing a Trek (Gary Fisher) Woohoo Trek Wahoo Disc 29 (Gary Fisher Collection) - Bicycle Garage Indy - Indianapolis and Greenwood, IN . This would be my suggestion within your price range from that bike shop. If you can stretch a little further, the Marlin is an awesome "starter" bike, along with the Cannondale's in that price range.
I currently ride a Motobecane Fantom Pro 29r...you have to order online through bikesdirect.com, but you will not find a better value anywhere. I paid $750 locally for mine used (barely) and could have parted it out for $2500. If you have an idea of what frame size you need, then I would recommend taking a look at these.

I could go on for pages about all the specifics of which components to look for or avoid...but unless you move into the $1000+ range, as long as you stay away from wal-mart you will be fine. If you really get into the sport, a $500-$600 bike will not last you long. My first bike was a Gary Fisher Piranha...bought it for about $700 new, rode it for 3 years (too long) and let it go for $350 on craig's list and moved on.

Mountain Bike Review – Best, Bicycle, MTB, Bike Parts, For Sale will have the most information in one spot for you to consider

Good luck and I hope this helps

 

[1engineer]

1. Do not get a Hybrid/Crossover bike if you plan on taking it off-road.
2. Hardtail will certainly be all you need unless hitting a big mountain bike park
3. Pretty much all bikes in the $500-$600 price range are all created equal as far as your parts and components are concerned. Bike geometry is the most inportant, i.e. standover height...cockpit length....etc. It is very helpful to be able to go to a bike shop and ride something around the parking lot.
4. Do not buy a bike from a "department" or "big box store" like wal-mart, target, dick's sporting goods, etc. The bike quality is much better at your local bike specific shop.
5. My personal preference and suggestion is to go with a 29er. The BGI shop you had links to is showing a Trek (Gary Fisher) Woohoo Trek Wahoo Disc 29 (Gary Fisher Collection) - Bicycle Garage Indy - Indianapolis and Greenwood, IN . This would be my suggestion within your price range from that bike shop. If you can stretch a little further, the Marlin is an awesome "starter" bike, along with the Cannondale's in that price range.
I currently ride a Motobecane Fantom Pro 29r...you have to order online through bikesdirect.com, but you will not find a better value anywhere. I paid $750 locally for mine used (barely) and could have parted it out for $2500. If you have an idea of what frame size you need, then I would recommend taking a look at these.

I could go on for pages about all the specifics of which components to look for or avoid...but unless you move into the $1000+ range, as long as you stay away from wal-mart you will be fine. If you really get into the sport, a $500-$600 bike will not last you long. My first bike was a Gary Fisher Piranha...bought it for about $700 new, rode it for 3 years (too long) and let it go for $350 on craig's list and moved on.

Mountain Bike Review – Best, Bicycle, MTB, Bike Parts, For Sale will have the most information in one spot for you to consider

Good luck and I hope this helps

This. I have been riding for 100 years and the above advice from Fat Tire is correct. I still ride hard tail 29'ers. Now they cost a little more than yours lol but the concept is the same. Rode 1500+ miles of trails last year on them and I am 6'4" 250lb. Good luck and have fun!

 

[JohnnyT]

I have a hybrid Trek FX 7.3 and a Giant Revel 0 29er. The hybrids are best on-road. The Giant is game for anything off road (i use it primarily for rail trails and light mtn biking) and the lock-out fork makes it decent on-road.

I chose to have two bikes that are geared towards on and off road rather than have one bike (like the Giant Roam) that tries to satisfy both but may not be good at either.

I'd say my 29er is closest to being able to do both.

Either way, you need to shop around, ride many bikes and types of bikes to determine what is right for you. They all have subtle and not so subtle differences that can only be discovered by shopping and riding.

 

[Brian757]

In my opinion the "Pro Tunder" series is among the elite.
It has a lot going for it. It is the true adventurer's bike. Not to mention is has removable training wheels for optimum rideability.

It is currently the forefront of biking technology today. Apart from the fancy carbon-fiber frames and disc brake front/rear braking systems, this bike utilizes the rider by using the "feet against the pavement" method for braking. It is a guaranteed stopping force.

 

[Dous]

This. I have been riding for 100 years and the above advice from Fat Tire is correct. I still ride hard tail 29'ers. Now they cost a little more than yours lol but the concept is the same. Rode 1500+ miles of trails last year on them and I am 6'4" 250lb. Good luck and have fun!

Get back in bed grandpa :becky:

 

[JohnsD90]

I would buy a bike off of craigslist if i were you, you can get a higher spec bike slightly used for almost half of what you can get it for in a bike store. Just bought a used 2012 Giant Reign 1 with extras for $1400 which is less than half of its MSRP.

 

[1engineer]

Get back in bed grandpa :becky:

I rode the Backyard down your way two weeks ago and I am riding this weekend at the Farms just south of Charlotte you young whippersnapper lol. Yea I'm used to all the dad jokes on the trail, that is until we start going over the rocks and roots. I do OK for half a hundred. My 17 yo son can and does kick my ass everywhere else tho.

 

[Millerad1651]

So just in case anyone is still interested, I talked with our schools cycling coach. With 14 or so national championships, I think I could take some of his advice. He sent me to the shop the team uses, and I ended up getting a pretty good deal on a Raleigh Misceo Trail 1.0. Pretty good road manners, and capable on any trails I'll go on. And if I wanta little more grip, I can easily change tires. Bike was comfortable, and fit me pretty well. Thanks for the info guys.

Raleigh Bicycles Misceo 1.0

 

[KidVermicious]

That bike looks like it'll serve you well, congrats!

 

[KidVermicious]

In my opinion the "Pro Tunder" series is among the elite.

I had a Pro Thunder back in the day when they really were great dirt bikes, so get off my lawn.

 

[Brian757]

I had a Pro Thunder back in the day when they really were great dirt bikes, so get off my lawn.

He he. I had to do it. All this serious talk gets me jittery
And I wasn't dogging the Pro Thunder!! Uh, Uh, did you read my explanation defending it?! C'mon!! ...Oh, and its still a kickass dirt bike. So get off MY lawn.