CAW said:
I was thinking hybrid because I'd be doing a lot of city riding, but I'd still like to be able to hit the trails. I don't have a car at the moment so if I was going to be trail riding, I'd have to ride to the trails first.
Also, my city has implemented a 'hub trail' that goes around the entire city. Basically it's a route created for bikers and joggers/walkers. The majority of it is asphalt but it does cut through some trails as well.
http://www.city.sault-ste-marie.on....ineering/Planning/Hub Trails/HubTrail_V10.pdf
Any thoughts/recommendations? I ended up with the Trek DS after reading some positive posts about the Trek 7100 series, but wanted something a bit more sporty/mountain bike style.
Also, thank you for the detail about the disc brakes.
No problem! Happy to assist as I can.
I see your dilemma, but I'm wondering if there isn't a better option than a hybrid. Typically in the sub-$800 category, I recommend staying away from suspension, for one thing. You can usually do OK-ish on front suspension for $800 - $1400, but I prefer to leave the rig fully rigid if shooting at, say, $600 or so. You can get a fork, but it will be a cheap spring fork with almost no settings, and a rather bouncy ride. They need servicing faster, and they don't hold up to abuse well, especially if you are a heavy rider. And because you will be doing a lot of biking on the road, it's not going to be efficient. When you get a more expensive bike with a more expensive fork that uses air rather than a spring, you usually have more settings, higher quality build, and a more efficient, comfortable ride.
So that's one consideration. Fully rigid can obviously be quite rough on the trails, but if you get a steel frame, I'd think you'd be ok. Plus, it really teaches you to be observant and to pick the cleanest, smoothest, most efficient lines, which as a mountain biker, can be really important. And you'll enjoy it on the road MUCH more.
If that were something you'd be willing to consider, you may be interested in a cyclocross bike or something similar. These bikes usually favor slightly more road-oriented geometry, have tires that work well on road and off, and are built burly enough to work well on the trail as well (thus the sport of cyclocross).
Here are some options in the $800-ish range that may be a littler better suited to being on the roads lots, but also doing some trail work. See what you think:
Raleigh Furley - Disc brakes, steel frame, single speed
Raleigh Misceo - Aluminum, unfortunately, but disc brakes, lots of gears, and a great price at around $520.
Kona Dew Deluxe - Again, aluminum, but for around $850 you are getting a nice, upright geometry that will work well on trails, hydraulic disc brakes which are the best, and a good looking set of components. Should be a really fun ride, and I like the looks for it. Might want to throw some wider tires on there, though.
And I would think something from Surly like that
Karate Monkey, or the
Ogre would be your BEST bet. However, they are more expensive for complete bikes. You COULD just buy the frame set and have a bike shop help you build it for your target budget, however, and you'd come out with a really cool custom bike. I really like Surly's stuff, and it's worth a long hard look.
Anyway, just my initial thoughts, steering you away from wasting money on a Suntour fork or similar rubbish, and instead getting a bike that is ultra-efficient, will pedal really well on the road (which I think ultimately, you are going to want), and will still take you down the trail for a good time.
As I said earlier, if it's applicable (to anyone), it's a hell of a deal. Where, btw, did you find a RM sizing chart? I've been having a bugger of a time finding one. If it's similar to other brands, I'd probably want an 18", but I found when sizing my Trek and Felt commuters, they fit differently even when measuring the frame in inches. The 17.5" Trek Soho S was actually too small for me (though I almost always take a 17") and the 19" was the proper fit for my height. I was kind of hoping the RM fit similarly, as the 20" would then be a closer fit for my 5'10+ height.
