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Conference noted::bicycle

Title:	Bicycling
Notice:	Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:	JAMIN::WASSER

Created:	Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	3214
Total number of notes:	31946

2277.0. "Need advice on hybrid." by AWASH::JBAMFORTH () Thu May 14 1992 13:45

    Hi all,
    
    
    Would the experts care to recommend a hybrid in the < $300 range? 
    
    The bike would be used for relatively short touring trips (< 25 mi.) 
    Maybe some minor trail riding - no "death rides" ;-)
    
    I've seen a few positive comments on the Schwinn Crisscross, as well
    as some of the UNIVEGA bikes.  I've looked at the UNIVEGA ACTION 
    (approx. $250), what do you think of this bike vs. the Schwinn or
    others? 
    
    Also, would you recommend a gel seat or is that really only needed  
    for long distance riding?  How about the seat covers? 
    
    What type of helmet/child carrier would you recommend? 
    
    Finally, would you recommend straight air in the tires or a helium 
    mix (for that floating feeling, ;-) 
    
    Seriously, I'd appreciate any input on the above.
     
    
    
    Thanks I-A,
    
    
    Joe

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
2277.1	non-gel	SHALOT::ELLIS	John Lee Ellis - assembly required	`Thu May 14 1992 13:47`	8
	I'd recommend a gel seat only for shorter riding, ironically. Strangely enough, people who do enough riding to be really used to it strongly prefer non-gel saddles (a blanket statement, I know, but...). -john
2277.2		LJOHUB::CRITZ		`Thu May 14 1992 16:33`	11
	I did a DIR/TIT=HYBRID and found the following notes: 1575 1720 1967 1988 2141 2207 2221 Scott
2277.3	Also looking for Cross advice	CSOA1::FENTON		`Tue Jul 07 1992 15:29`	68
	I'm also looking for some free advice. I'm going to purchase my first bicycle since high school. I believe a cross/hybrid style will best suit my usage (country/dirt roads, some day-long group tours/outings and marked bike trails/RR right-of-ways). My inclination is to buy something entry-mid level (<$400) for now (~2 yrs.) and if I like the sport, I'll have had sufficient experience to make a more informed decision on my next bike. In a few years I hope to be doing 2-3 day biking camping trips. We have very hilly terrain here in PA. I'm specifically looking at the following bikes and would like your opinions as to their suitability and reputation. GT Continuum - Front-runner (because it's on sale/last years model and seems to give the most bang for the buck). - Double butted chromoly tubes and chromoly fork - SunTour XCE 21 speed w/ Suntour Express shifters - DiaCompe XCE cantilevers/U-brake - GT/IRC 700Dx1.4 Dual purpose tires & GT/Araya RM-20 700D rims - $329 (supposedly sold last year for $479). Many features seem to compare to the TREK 750 but at a much lower price. Gary Fisher Calydon - in second place - can't tell you a lot about this bike because the spec sheet is at home. - This bike uses primarily SunTour componentry w/ an unusual feature on the derailleur. It tucks underneath the chainstay instead of hanging down like all the others. This, supposedly, helps reduce the risk to the derailleur when the bike is spilled. - $399 (bike shop owner says that the componentry on this bike is 2 steps above the Miyata Sportcross which they also sell; but I really don't know how to equate SunTour componentry with Shimano). Miyata Sportcross - Chromoly tubes and forks - Shimano 300LX cranks w/ 200GS derailleurs & Rapid-fire shifters - Shimano 200CX cantilevers w/ Shimano levers - Cheng Shin Cross 700x35C tires & Araya SP-20 rims - $349 - Double butted chromoly tubes and chromoly fork Diamondback Override - Double butted chromoly tubes and chromoly fork - SunTour FSE w/grip shift (SRT 300) - XCE brake levers w/ XCM cantilevers - CST 700x38C skinwall tires & Weinmann 2719 700C rims - $419 (It will have to be very compelling reasons that make me buy this bike as it is beyond my price range. The next step down is the Diamond Ambition (@$369) w/ Shimano 200CX components everywhere and non double butted tubes.) Specialized Crossroads - Also left the spec sheet for this one at home. - Shimano 300 LX componentry. - $369 I know its a risky strategy, but I've let the dealers educate me about what to look for as I shop around. I've been to 4 bike shops carying the Miyata, MT. Shasta, Gary Fisher, Raleigh, Diamondback, Trek, Specialized, Schwinn and GT lines and I don't really want to look at any other bikes (my head is already swimming with tons of factoids). If any experienced riders, want to venture any opinions, I'd appreciate it. I may have omitted something crucial from the specs above, which would indicate my level of inexperience. Having too many choices, my inclination is to buy a bike/any bike and ride until I know what I want/need. Thanks, Dave Fenton, Pittsburgh, Pa.
2277.4	Just ride and tell!	SALEM::SHAW		`Tue Jul 07 1992 17:30`	12
	Dave, The bikes you have mentioned will all do the trick, there is not a whole lot of differences at that level. Except the Fischer with the tucked in derailure, I cann't comment on that. The best thing to do is to take the few that you like best and ride them. You will know yourself which feels the best. If possible, (since you mentioned, hilly area) try them all on climbs etc. see which one feels better to you shifts easier and so on. Good luck and welcome back to cycling... Shaw