Hello All,
First time posting and I apologize in advance as I'm sure you all get this question multiple times a day. In short, i'm looking to get into cycling and I want some feedback on what bike to purchase.
Background: I'm a 36 year old male and I like to get outdoors to exercise, however, running to taking a toll on my knee and hips so I've thought of using cycling as a way to get exercise, stay fit, and still be outside. Confession, I haven't ridden a bike since I was around 12 years old when I rode one to school. I know nothing about brands, quality of parts, styles, etc. I plan to primarily ride on paved trails and paths. I don't see myself going offroad much, so I know I don't need a pure mountain bike. I've gone to a few local stores in my city and am considering a few bikes that I'd like some feedback on. Again, I don't know much about what brands are quality brands, the differences between shifters X vs shifters Y on different models, so your help is appreciated. I should also maybe mention that I'm tall, 6'5-6'6 so a made in my size has been an issue as well. Finally, as i'm new to this and not sure it will stick, i'm not looking to drop a ton of money on a new hobby that may not pan out, so i'm looking around the $550 price point. So here are a few I've seen at stores:
Trek FX 2
Specialized Crosstrail Disc
These are the only two bikes i've been able to find big enough for me. There are others that I suppose I could order, such as the Cannondale Quick 7, but I like to see and ride before I buy.
So between the Trek and the Specialized, for my purposes which would you pick and why? Are there that many places I could ride the Specialized that I couldn't take the Trek? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both? Remember that at this point almost all of my riding will be on pavement. Would the specialized, while being fine for that, be a good bit slower nonetheless?
Anything else I should be looking at around that price point?
I appreciate any and all feedback!
First time posting and I apologize in advance as I'm sure you all get this question multiple times a day. In short, i'm looking to get into cycling and I want some feedback on what bike to purchase.
Background: I'm a 36 year old male and I like to get outdoors to exercise, however, running to taking a toll on my knee and hips so I've thought of using cycling as a way to get exercise, stay fit, and still be outside. Confession, I haven't ridden a bike since I was around 12 years old when I rode one to school. I know nothing about brands, quality of parts, styles, etc. I plan to primarily ride on paved trails and paths. I don't see myself going offroad much, so I know I don't need a pure mountain bike. I've gone to a few local stores in my city and am considering a few bikes that I'd like some feedback on. Again, I don't know much about what brands are quality brands, the differences between shifters X vs shifters Y on different models, so your help is appreciated. I should also maybe mention that I'm tall, 6'5-6'6 so a made in my size has been an issue as well. Finally, as i'm new to this and not sure it will stick, i'm not looking to drop a ton of money on a new hobby that may not pan out, so i'm looking around the $550 price point. So here are a few I've seen at stores:
Trek FX 2
Specialized Crosstrail Disc
These are the only two bikes i've been able to find big enough for me. There are others that I suppose I could order, such as the Cannondale Quick 7, but I like to see and ride before I buy.
So between the Trek and the Specialized, for my purposes which would you pick and why? Are there that many places I could ride the Specialized that I couldn't take the Trek? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both? Remember that at this point almost all of my riding will be on pavement. Would the specialized, while being fine for that, be a good bit slower nonetheless?
Anything else I should be looking at around that price point?
I appreciate any and all feedback!