What hybrid/comfort bike should I buy?

BassDave

I'm wanting to get a new hybrid bike and I am considering the following makes/models:

Trek Navagator 100
Schwinn Voyager GS
Bianchi Advantage
Raleigh SC 30
Jamis Citizen
KHS Westwood


General riding. Paved surfaces, occationally packed gravel.

Thank you!!

BassDave

Please feel free to add any comments, as any information would be very helpful, and most appreciated!

Brunswick_kate

I just bought a Giant Cypress DX...nice bike, good price

__________________
Insanity has its price -- Please have exact change.

BassDave

What is the price of the Cypress DX? Can you tell me a little about it? Such as, type of frame, front suspension, weight [if you know it]? Thanks, I may have to look it up.

BassDave

If a moderator could add the Giant Cypress to the poll, that would be great! I went to the Giant webpage and I think that would be a good one to add to the list.

Thanks!!

Brunswick_kate

The Cypress set me back $660 Cdn, including 15% sales tax. Aluminum frame, front suspension suntour...I don't know the weight, primarily because I don't care what the bike ways. By the time I have it loaded with panniers, bells, fenders, whistles, lights and assorted whatnot, a few grams here and there on the frame isn't going to make a whole lot of difference. I guess that's the difference between racers and commuters.

All in all, the DX which has the front suspension as the primary upgrade from the basic model, was only $100 difference in price, so . It was a nice bike and certainly the best bang for buck I could find when I was bike-shopping.

__________________
Insanity has its price -- Please have exact change.

BassDave

Looked at and test rode the Giant Cypress. It is definitely in the running. Thanks for the suggestion!!

In fact, the bike shop that sells Giant, in my city, has free adjustments for as long as I own the bike. Also, they can change out the grip shifter to a rapid fire system for about $25.

keydates

Any chance you could provide links to the bikes so that we/I can see the specs without having to look them up independently?

BassDave

Trek Navagator 100

http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004...avigator100.jsp

Schwinn Voyager GS

http://www.schwinnbike.com/products...tail.php?id=293

Bianchi Advantage

http://www.bianchiusa.com/advantage.html

Raleigh SC30

http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp...itemid=169&va=0

Jamis Citizen

http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/04_citizen.html#

KHS Westwood

http://www.khsbicycles.com/04west.html

Giant Cypress

http://www.giantbicycle.com/us/030....147&model=10783

These links will either go to their specifications, or will enable the viewer to click on a link to the specifications. Again, all of these are very close in price, except for the Bianchi which is $100 more than the others.

Thanks, I hope these help.

keydates

They all seem to have a front and seat suspension, and it doesn't seem like you'll be needing anything fancy for that, ie off-road riding. Plus, hybrids/comfort bikes aren't really made for that.

Do you have many (steep) hills around you? Because if you don't, I don't see any need for the "Mega-range"/granny gear= not Schwinn or Jamis.

The Advantage doesn't seem to have anything significantly better than the other bikes, so I wouldn't get it.

In terms of drivetrain components, the remaining bikes are all about the same. They all are Shimano SRAM/Gripshift. if I had to rank them, I would say that the KHS has the best components, followed by Giant, Trek, and Raleigh. However, I'm not entirely familiar with some of these components, ie the C051. Here's a link for components (I believe the best quality are top, to lowest):
http://bike.shimano.com/comfort/index.asp

I'd recommend the KHS or Giant. But, it all comes down to your preference.

BassDave

We do have some steep hills that really require the "Megarange" gearing, and occationally, one of the trails we go to is off the paved surface, so that front suspension fork helps out.

Thanks for the input on the Advantage. I guess it would be about like someone wanting a "BMW" name. Bianchi would LOOK nice on the side of the bike.

I DO believe that I have decided one what I will get. I believe that I will go with the Giant Cypress. I can get it at a shop that offers free adjustments for as long as I own the bike. Also, I will have the upgrade to the rapid fire type of shifting as I prefer that over the grip shifting. I'm opting for the color of black as well. The other color [silver/merlot] is nice, but it is hard to go wrong with a basic black color. Besides, it will match my helmet better.

keydates

I guess most of the bikes do have Mega-Range. My mistake. Anyway, enjoy the bike.

BassDave

Change of plans. Instead of the Giant Cypress, I'm going to go with the TREK Navigator 7100. I took a look at it over the weekend and I liked it better than the Giant. And the new color for 2005 is very nice! Don't have any pictures as TREK's webpage is still showing 2004 colors for the 7100. I can't wait till I get it!!

BassDave

The poll is officially over. Thank you for your input!