Looking for high performance city / hybrid bike
- Thread starter KSUJace
- Start date
I also have a GF Utopia, and while it is a fine bike that I still enjoy riding I ended up swaping out the cheap and unnecessary suspension fork for a rigid fork which saved 3 pounds (!).
If I were to by a new higher-end hybrid again I would look for a model with a rigid fork, something like the Jamis Coda series (steel frames!) or the Kona dew bikes which are lighter than any of the suspension hybrids.
If I were to by a new higher-end hybrid again I would look for a model with a rigid fork, something like the Jamis Coda series (steel frames!) or the Kona dew bikes which are lighter than any of the suspension hybrids.
The Fuji Sagres, while actually a real road bike with some mtb features, may fit the bill. Affordable, great city/commuter, good stuff if you don't have a problem with aluminum.
My approach would be to get a higher-quality used mountain bike and put skinnier, slicker tires on. I used by Bridgestone MB1 as a commuter for years w/ 1.25" 100 psi slicks. Just over 20 lbs -- light, stiff, agile, fun, and smiles in the face of a serious beating.
A quality frame and quality components will last for YEARS...and for 650-900 bucks you can get an excellent set up.
A quality frame and quality components will last for YEARS...and for 650-900 bucks you can get an excellent set up.
I replaced it with a Kona P2 fork (2lbs vs. 5lbs for the rock shox fork). The Utopia became sort of a "project" bike for me and I replaced a lot of other stuff on it too.
For more details, you can see the customized Utopia on my website:http://home.earthlink.net/~rivromulus/utopia.html
The only thing I don't like about the Coda is the gearing, but it's rare to find steel frames for nicer hybrids. They use 52/42/30 rings on the front and a 11-32 cassette in back. 52x11 is completely useless on a hybrid/city bike.
I don't know about Devinci bikes. Another one to look at is Bianchi Bergamo. There is a lot to choose from and many of them are very similar, so I would try to go with a local bike dealer that you trust.
If you compare the Comp and Elite specs side-by-side you'll see a few upgrades in frame, handlebars, etc. but note that the Elite has clipless pedals. IMO, disc brakes and clipliess pedals aren't necessary on a city bike, although you can find plenty of debates and info comparing disc/rim brakes, and clipless debates if you search around. Lots of different opinions on those topics, but what <i>you></i> want is what matters the most.
Similar threads
