Hybrid Bike Buy Guide
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Hybrid Bike Buy Guide
Postby mafiaboylay2 » Fri Jul 20, 2012 12:14 pm
I wanna get a Hybrid/Urban bike with a limited budget about $400 (including accessories like rack, fenders, lock and helmet). I'm a fresh fish in cycling so all of your help is much appreciated. I will be travelling for about 25k daily.
After doing some online research and got an awful headache with all the nitty-gritty details, I've come up with a few models:
Bauer Swift - Mens hybrid bike $220 + 20 shipping
Featuring a Lightweight frame, 21 Speed Shimano Gears and Alloy crown front suspension fork, The Bauer swift is comfortable and a pleasure to ride on bike paths and city streets alike.
Frame Mens comfort style frame
Fork Front Suspension - 60mm Travel
Seat Comfort Saddle
Gear Lever Shimano Grip Shifters
Gears Shimano 21 Speed
Crankset Cotterless 3 piece
Freewheel Shimano 7 speed
Chain KMC
Brake Alloy "V" Brake
Spoke Stainless Steel Black
Rim Alloy double wall Rims
The Bauer Comfort plus $300 + $20 shipping
is a Hybrid bike designed for maximum comfort and ease of use. Assisted by the Smooth shimano 21 speed gears, Suspension fork, Lightweight and rust-free alloy components, and comfort seat with suspension seatpost
Frame Lightweight Hydro formed alloy with replaceable tip
Front Suspension Metro 186 alloy crown suspension
Shift Lever Shimano EF-51 21 speed shifters
Derailleur Front Shimano
Derailleur Rear Shimano Altus rear derailleur
Brakes Alloy V-Brakes
Handlebar / Stem alloy handle bar and adjustable stem
Pedals Platform Pedals
Rims Swift 2500 double wall alloy rim
Tyres 700c hybrid tread
Saddle Bauer Ultra comfort seat with suspension seat post
Hybrid Bicycle 700c CX-100 Men"s Grey/Black 15" Frame By XDS $250
Frame: Hi-Ten 700C
Frame size:
15"
FORK: Hi-Ten
SEAT: Comfort Saddle
GEAR LEVER: Shimano RS-35 Shifters
DERAILUER: Shimano TZ-30
CRANKSET: Cotterless 3 piece TRIPLE
FREEWHEE: Shimano 6spd
CHAIN: KMC
BRAKE: ALLOY " V" -Brake
SPOKE: Stainless Steel Black
RIM: City 700C*38C
Hybrid Bicycle 700c CX300 Men's Matt Silver/Black 15 inch By Progear $330
Frame Aluminum Hybrid 700C
Frame Size 15"
Fork Zoom Alloy
Handle Bar 7005 Alloy
Head Stem Kalloy A Head Adjustable
Bottom Bracket Sealed Tech
Seat Pillar Kalloy
Gear Shifter Shimano Rapid fire 21 Speed
F. Derailleur Shimano C-050
R. Derailleur Altus
Crank Set Shimano alloy Triple 28/38/48T
Freewheel Shimano 7 Speed
Chain KMC
Brake Alloy 'V'
Hub Alloy Silver
Rim Silver Double Wall
Tyre Innova 700Cx35C
Colour Silver/Black
Gross Weight: 16kg
Thanks for reading up to here. I'd like a reasonably inexpensive bike with good quality. If you guys think the +200 dollars models are good enough (they all have 5 year warranty), I'd go for it. Otherwise, 100 dollars more is not a big issue.
I think I'd go to the store to try out and find out the right frame size and stuffs before buying online. I think buying online is a lot cheaper.
Thanks a lot for helping me getting my first bike.
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Re: Hybrid Bike Buy Guide
Postby clackers » Fri Jul 20, 2012 2:47 pm
To be honest, that's too difficult in the $300 range, MafiaBoy.mafiaboylay2 wrote:. I'd like a reasonably inexpensive bike with good quality.
The frame will be heavy at those prices. The components will be very low end, too - the sort that Shimano will only give a number to, not a name.
But if you spend more, some punch a little above their weight, like some Fluids from Anaconda or even the disc braked Bauer Suburban ($400).
Of course, second hand brings the price down on better quality (I scored a wonderful Scott hybrid from Bike Exchange last year as a commuter) , but if you're new to all of this, it's best to have a knowledgeable mate involved to stop you making a mistake!
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Re: Hybrid Bike Buy Guide
Postby mafiaboylay2 » Fri Jul 20, 2012 8:58 pm
I'm definitely considering your recommend, Bauer Suburban.
Do you think the last one Progear on my post sort of meets some of the standards that you mentioned?
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Re: Hybrid Bike Buy Guide
Postby mafiaboylay2 » Fri Jul 20, 2012 9:45 pm
- clackers
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Re: Hybrid Bike Buy Guide
Postby clackers » Fri Jul 20, 2012 11:46 pm
6 speed? I'd say unlikely. You don't need much in the way of engineering tolerances to produce those kinds of components. The dangers include being roughly machined, aligned or fixed in place.mafiaboylay2 wrote: Do you think the last one Progear on my post sort of meets some of the standards that you mentioned?
Something 8-speed like Shimano's Acera groupset is often on the entry level bikes of recognized brands, but of course, budgets are budgets.
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Re: Hybrid Bike Buy Guide
Postby mafiaboylay2 » Sat Jul 21, 2012 8:16 pm
Giant Transcend 2 $450 RRP (maybe cheaper online)
This one has all the rack and mudguards. It also has a comfortable saddle. I quite like it. If I buy it, I don't have to fit those components.
Frame ALUXX FluidFormed™ alloy, comfort 700c
Fork Alloy ahead straight blade
Shock N/A
Components
Handlebar Alloy low riser 610mm x 30mm rise
Stem Alloy 25 degree
Seatpost Alloy 27.2 micro-adjust
Saddle Giant comfort w/gel
Pedals Flat Comfort
Drivetrain
Shifters Shimano Altus 21 sp. EZ FIRE+
Front Derailleur Shimano TX51 31.8
Rear Derailleur Shimano TX31 7 sp.
Brakes Alloy V-brakes
Brake Levers Shimano V-brake
Cassette SRAM PG730 7 sp. 12-32T
Chain KMC 7 sp.
Crankset Shimano M131 28x38x48T
Bottom Bracket VP semi cartridge
Wheels
Rims Alloy double wall 700c x 36H w/reflective decal
Hubs Fr: Alloy QR | Rr: Shimano RM30 7sp cassette
Spokes 14G stainless steel
Tires Kenda 700 x 35c with reflective sidewalls
I also quite like this one. It's very light, only 12 kg. But the saddle is not really comfortable, which means I may have to spend $50 for another one. The seller also said that it may be fitted with mudguard but it may not be compatible, and it would be shaky. Other than that, nice look, light bike, very good parts.
Scott Metrix 40 ($450, discount $200)
Frame
New Metrix V-Brake, 6061 Alloy, FlatBar specific Geometry
Fork
Metrix V-Brake
Headset
Ritchey OE Logic Zero, semi integrated
Rear Derailleur
Shimano RD-M 360 Acera, 24 Speed
Front Derailleur
Shimano FD-M191
Shifters
Shimano ST-EF 51
Brake Levers
Shimano ST-EF 51
Brakes
Tektro RX1
Crankset
Shimano FC-M171, 48x38x28, w/ chainguard
BB-Set
Shimano BB-UN 26, 68-122mm
Handlebar
Scott Hot Rod, T shape Flat, 600mm, 9° bend
Stem
Scott Alloy, 31.8mm, 4 bolt
Pedals
Wellgo 127 A
Seatpost
Scott Alloy, 27.2
Seat
Scott SC-19
Front Hub
Scott CO-21
Rear Hub
Shimano FH-RM 30
Chain
KMC Z-7
Cassette
Shimano CS-HG31, 11-32T
Spokes
stainless black, 14G, 2mm
Rims
Ryde DP 2000, 700C, 32H, CNC
Tires
Kenda Kwest, 700 x 32C
Weight
11.60 kg / 25.55 lbs
Cross City 4 (2012) $420, discount 180
Frame ALUXX alloy: butted, FluidFormed™, replaceable dropout
Fork Cr-mo tapered 1 1/8th ahead
Handlebar Giant sport alloy flat 600mm
Stem Giant Unite Alloy adj. ahead stem
Seatpost Alloy suspension micro-adjust
Saddle Giant sport road saddle
Pedals Flat steel cage
Shifters Shimano Altus 24 sp. EZ FIRE+
Front Derailleur Shimano TX51 31.8
Rear Derailleur Shimano 2300 8 sp.
Brakes Tektro RX-1 85mm mini v-brakes
Brake Levers Shimano V-brake
Cassette Shimano HG50 8 sp. 13-26T
Chain KMC Z7 8 sp
Crankset Shimano M131 28x38x48T
Bottom Bracket Shimano UN26 sealed cartridge
1. Do you guys think I should just get the first one with all the accessories or get the second and third ones and then put on accessories, comfortable saddle ((coz I'll be riding on it for 25k daily or so), rack and mudguards to start with, would be about $100 more, I suppose?
2. The second and the third bikes, which one has better parts in your opinion?
Thanks a lot , I'm grateful for all of your help.
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Re: Hybrid Bike Buy Guide
Postby rkelsen » Sun Jul 22, 2012 9:49 am
Beware that you're not comparing apples with apples. Some of the bikes you've posted have very different geometries to the others.
Have you ridden any? If not, you probably should go and do some test riding to try and work out what you want. Eg: do you want an upright position, or would you prefer to lean forward?
- clackers
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Re: Hybrid Bike Buy Guide
Postby clackers » Sun Jul 22, 2012 10:21 am
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Re: Hybrid Bike Buy Guide
Postby mafiaboylay2 » Sun Jul 22, 2012 10:26 am
Yes, I've tried the Scott Metrix 40. To me as long as it's not too much leaning forward as in drop bar, it'd be OK. Because I'll be carrying a heavy backpack and I think with drop bar bikes my back would hurt. With flat bar or hybrid, I can put the backpack on the rear rack or carry it in upright posture.rkelsen wrote:Hi Mafiaboylay2,
Beware that you're not comparing apples with apples. Some of the bikes you've posted have very different geometries to the others.
Have you ridden any? If not, you probably should go and do some test riding to try and work out what you want. Eg: do you want an upright position, or would you prefer to lean forward?
Thanks for your advice.
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Re: Hybrid Bike Buy Guide
Postby mafiaboylay2 » Sun Jul 22, 2012 1:32 pm
Yes, probably I have to increase my budget. I think getting a good quality bike would be cheaper in the long run. Could you please give some suggestions for these bikes? Thanks for your help.clackers wrote:These are better, MB ... notice how the prices have gone up!
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Re: Hybrid Bike Buy Guide
Postby mafiaboylay2 » Sun Jul 22, 2012 2:16 pm
What do you guys think about this one?
REID AQUILA ROAD BIKE, ALL ALLOY, SHIMANO A050, ALEX RIMS TEKTRO BRAKES $41015 YEARS WARRANTY - FRAME + FORKS
FREE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP (VALUE $35)
FREE D-LOCK (VALUE $25)
FREE LIGHTS (VALUE $20)
FREE DRINK BOTTLE AND HOLDER (VALUE $20)
TOTAL RETAIL VALUE:$100
Frame
REID 6061 Alloy Frame 51CM, 54CM, 57CM AND 60CM
Fork
700C ALLOY
Front Derailleur
Shimano 2300
Rear Derailleur
Shimano A050 7 SPEED
Shifters
Shimano A050 14 SPEED
Crankset
Prowheel alloy 42/52T 170MM
Bottom Bracket
VP sealed cartridge
Chain
KMC
Cassette
Shimano HG30 7 speed
Brakes
Tektro Alloy dual pivot racing brakes with adjustable pads
Brake Levers
Promax alloy levers
Hubs
QUANDO racing hubs with quick release
Rims
Alex Double Wall alloy rims
Spoke
14G stainless black
Tires
KENDA 700x23C
Pedals
VP-386 alloy with cage 9/16" thread
H.Bar/Stem
ZOOM alloy
Seat Post
ZOOM alloy
Saddle
Ventura racing seat
Grips
Rubber
Weight
10.6 kgs
- clackers
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Re: Hybrid Bike Buy Guide
Postby clackers » Mon Jul 23, 2012 10:42 am
Look, I'd tend towards the Cross City 4 or the Scott.
In a sense you are paying for the brand a bit for those two, in which case the Bauer Suburban is the best value, discs and all. I have a Bauer MTB that I bought along similar lines to your thought processes.
As far as geometry goes, pretty much all of these are upright.
You'll be in a 'sit up and beg' position that's ideal for commuting but completely inappropriate for winning a time trial against Fabian Cancellara.
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Re: Hybrid Bike Buy Guide
Postby westab » Mon Jul 23, 2012 11:09 am
If I was choosing a machine from the ones you have posted I would select from two: in order of preference
1. Giant Cross city 4
2. Reid Aquila
I was not sure about the Reid till Saturday - then I saw and rode a mates one and they seem well put together and of good quality. This is only one that I have seen - they will do a good job for a few years and be a pleasure to ride. Like a number of no name brands the frame is a little heavier but still do the job. It may be a 7 speed but the RD 2300 is used mainly on 8 speed machines and while is not high end they are solid and reliable.
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Re: Hybrid Bike Buy Guide
Postby clackers » Mon Jul 23, 2012 11:58 am
Yep, but it's a low-end roadie groupset.westab wrote:It may be a 7 speed but the RD 2300 is used mainly on 8 speed machines and while is not high end they are solid and reliable.
A hybrid would use an MTB gruppo with three chainrings. Better, by and large, for first time buyers, but the OP may be different.
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Re: Hybrid Bike Buy Guide
Postby westab » Mon Jul 23, 2012 1:34 pm
Agree - but there is so little about the Reid cycles out there I though it was better to share my brief experience with one.clackers wrote:Yep, but it's a low-end roadie groupset.westab wrote:It may be a 7 speed but the RD 2300 is used mainly on 8 speed machines and while is not high end they are solid and reliable.
A hybrid would use an MTB gruppo with three chainrings. Better, by and large, for first time buyers, but the OP may be different.
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Re: Hybrid Bike Buy Guide
Postby clackers » Mon Jul 23, 2012 4:46 pm
Umm, there are some distasteful threads on Reid and their bikes/marketing techniques in this very forum, Westab!westab wrote:
Agree - but there is so little about the Reid cycles out there I though it was better to share my brief experience with one.
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