Intermediate Rider Looking For Advice On A New Bike

[intermediate]

My current bike is a schwinn trailway $250 bike from target. https://pickardcyclery.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/sam_1151.jpg Its a little on the heavy side at about 35lbs... Not a bad bigginer bike but i beat it to hell and back... so I had to put on a new freewheel and chain and new cable and and and and and....$120 in the hole, you get the point. Now I find it still needs new tires and rear derailer is shot another $100. I should have just purchased a new bike. lol

I ride anywhere from 15 to 20 miles 4-5 days a week. mostly on paved bike trails and some road. I like the hybrid rather than road due to my back issues however i'm leaning more towards the performance end of the hybrid bike. I can assemble it myself as I work on my own bikes and cars so would prefer to purchase it online to save money.

So the million dollar question??? whats a good $600 Hybrid bike that would be good for an intermediate rider looking to move to the next level 20-40 miles/4 days wk riding?

Thanks so much.

 

[ABNPFDR]

Bike shop caliber hybrid bikes start at about the $400-$450 range. The Trek FX, Specialized Sirrus, Cannondale Quick 6, Giant Escape... all have models in your price range and they are all good bikes. Giant's Escape is the lowest priced offering, Trek and Specialzed are not far behind, Cannondale is the most expensive. All of those companies also offer upgraded versions as well. They are also all significant upwards from your current bike.

 

[CAMPYBOB]

^^^ That's good advice. ^^^

Also, check out some of the more 'comfort' position oriented drop bar road bikes. Many of them can be set up for an upright riding position when on the hoods or flat and still allow you to get lower on the hooks and drops for when you are feeling like riding a little faster, getting lower to get out of the wind for a little bit or just for stretching your back out.

 

[intermediate]

Thanks guys... all of the above is great advice but I need more specific infor like model of bikes recommended. thanks.

 

[maydog]

You should be able to fix up your current bike for about $50.

Don't ditch the bike. I've never had a rear derailleur wear out, how is it shot? If you need to replace it, the part should be about $10:

https://www.google.com/search?q=shimano+tourney+derailleur&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

Decent tires can be had for less than $20 a pop as well.

(just an example) http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_569819_-1___204729
https://www.google.com/search?q=700x38+tire&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

"Performance" hybrid bikes are more hype than substance. Spending more on a hybrid may get you more gears, a lighter weight and more compliant ride - but if you are looking for more speed and better handling then you should be looking at road bikes. "Entry" or intermediate level road bikes are far more capable than an upper tier hybrid.

Fit can be tailored to your needs. You can put an riser or adjustable stem on a road bike for a more upright position. Though I know plenty of guys with back issues that prefer a normal road position to an upright.

Visit a few bike shops and test ride a variety of bikes and styles.