I'm looking for advice on a new bike to purchase. I'm 50 years old and many moons ago I had a Specialized Hybrid just to get around. Now with all of today's technology, it is tough to find just that one bike. I have looked at the Trek (Gary Fisher line) and test drove the Montare. It was a pretty nice ride. I live in the country in South Central Kansas and I live on sand roads. These roads when dry turn into VERY hard pack with just a little loose sand and of course the normal wash boards here and there. I do have pavement within 1 mile of me and I see myself riding a lot on both the pavement and on the sand roads. Probably half and half I would guess but no trail riding or riding across the wheat fields.
My question is this: Is the Montare the right choice for me or would something like the Trek 7.5 FX work good for me. My fitness level is very good (my wife says I'm obsessed). I'm looking at doing a Sprint Triathlon this year that is why I'm posing the question about the 7.5. My budget at this time does not allow me a good road bike and an all around bike too and quite frankly my interest in a road bike is very low. If a 7.5 would navigate sufficiently on hard packed sand roads, I feel this is the way I should go (due to higher paved road speeds) but I want to leave it to the experts on this forum. Or is there a "magic" bike out there I am missing ???? : )
Thanks for the help and input everyone.
My question is this: Is the Montare the right choice for me or would something like the Trek 7.5 FX work good for me. My fitness level is very good (my wife says I'm obsessed). I'm looking at doing a Sprint Triathlon this year that is why I'm posing the question about the 7.5. My budget at this time does not allow me a good road bike and an all around bike too and quite frankly my interest in a road bike is very low. If a 7.5 would navigate sufficiently on hard packed sand roads, I feel this is the way I should go (due to higher paved road speeds) but I want to leave it to the experts on this forum. Or is there a "magic" bike out there I am missing ???? : )
Thanks for the help and input everyone.