New Hybrid Bike

[Sarnia Saver]

After looking at the used market in my region, and even purchasing one that I didn't enjoy riding, I am considering buuying a bike from Sportchek, which will cost me $362. (Cdn.) with my friends employee discount of cost +10%.  Original cost is $549(Cdn.).

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1164910_-1_400310__400310

This is the bike, is this a good commuter bike for around the city and for biking to work, a 31km round trip commute.  Looking for feedback if the components are any good, or if they are typical department store, cheap parts destined to continuously break down.

Any Comments?

[vhalros]

GT bikes are usually not department store crap, but that is not the bicycle I would recommend. Its ok for the price, but it is just not the type you want. The front shocks are not really helpful for riding on the road, and your trip is really long enough that the energy loss from them will be an issue. Yeah, you can lock them out, but its a useless thing you are paying for, another thing to break, and more weight to drag around.

I would in general avoid any thing described as a "comfort" bike; these usually put you in a really up right position and are relatively heavy. They are fine for short leisurely trips, but become really annoying when going for longer than 5 miles or so (~8 km).

[HenryDavid]

It's a decent quality bike but unless you're commuting over big rocks you don't need the front shock. Needlessly heavy and energy-wasting. For your length of commute you want smooth tires, and a rigid fork, for pavement riding. Get easy gears if you're starting out--this bike is probably fine in that department.

See other bike related threads which stress the bike's fit above all. It's gotta fit you.

For sport chek prices you can get a bike at a dedicated bike shop. Make use of their knowledge.  If they're not helpful, try another shop. Look at Kona Dew type bikes, Norco, Linus, Trek etc. Maybe ask about consignment bikes, last year's model etc.

[GuitarStv]

You don't really need a suspension for riding on the road.  It will require adjustment and maintenance and it adds unnecessary weight.  The tires that come with that bike are pretty wide, so should be comfortable and absorb bumps pretty well . . . but I wouldn't be surprised if they're slow rolling and require more effort to go distances.

Shimano Altus components are cheap, but they work great . . . I've ridden through three Toronto winters on mine and they're holding up fine.  The front triple is nice to have for easy gearing options while climbing hills.  Gearing in general looks good on the bike . . . it goes from very easy to moderately hard.  Disk brakes are also nice to have if you plan on taking the bike out in snow or very heavy rain (rim brakes will work, I use them . . . but they don't work as well).  The bike has the braze-ons for a rear rack, which most people who commute a lot will end up getting (backpacks suck).

The geometry of the bike looks fine for commuting, and if you lower the handlebars by moving the stem spacers and raise the seat you can probably get a reasonably aerodynamic position.  I'd look into getting some bar ends personally, as I find that having a second place to put your hands really helps with discomfort on longer rides.

So, in summary . . . the bike seems OK for what you want.  Ideally you would get something without suspension though, but your commute is short enough that it wouldn't really be a deal breaker to me.

[Sarnia Saver]

Thank you guys for your input, always good to get an experienced opinion.  I was looking at a hybrid because my area has some amazing trails that I want to make sure I can enjoy, and speed is not my only concern due to my relatively short commute. I wanted the suspension for the trails, and the bike I was considering has easily locked out suspension.  Good point about it being something else to break if I'm using it unnecessarily. I also like how a rack can easily be added as my work requires me to become qualified through the federal government, which consists of endless hours of studying boiler and materials code books and hoping they ask you the right questions on the exams.

My boss, an avid mountain biker, told me that I should go to see the guys at the local bike shop, but if I was going to cheap out and go to Sportchek a good indicator of above average quality is disc brakes.  "Most companies are unlikely to put disc brakes on a rolling piece of crap."  Articulate man.

As it stands, it appears as though the consensus is that the bike I am looking for is a good first step, but far from optimized for what I need.  For $362, I am going to give it a go and buy it.

[lpep]

I posted a thread recently about this too, and there was lots of good advice on there!

In the end, my plan is to get fitted at a Trek shop and then cruise Craigslist for a used bike. If none show up, I've been recommended the Jamis Coda and Trek 7.2 FX for the same uses you're considering. They both run about $500 new, and there are tons of similar Treks out there used.

Steel frames absorb more shock than aluminum without the front fork shocks, apparently, so it's more desirable.

[patrat]

I have a (relatively) ancient hybrid bike I pulled out of the dumpster. Its a quality all steel frame with so-so components, but it gets the job done. The only money I have in it are seat, tires, tubes, and some used pannier bags. I recently added crank bros eggbeater clip peddles and clip shoes, for my previous 30 mile commute. Its an ealy 90s univega Via.

Look at used if you want value for your money. Bike people churn through good equipment like crazy, even though the tech is relatively unchanged. Lots of good stuff out there for cheap/free.

Recently have been dreaming about the not released Helix folding bike, which looks perfect for mixed mode transportation or needing to secure a bike in a sketchy part of town.

[Shylock]

I bought and sold my first hybrid this year. I sold it because I 'outgrew' it, and realized I wanted something faster - a road bike.

I'd recommend getting a used hybrid off Craigslist. Look for one that's less than 5 years old, preferably less than 3, at no more than half MSRP, from a reputable brand (Trek, Specialized, Giant, Felt, Jamis, etc). Buying a new bike usually means saying goodbye to 25-50% of its value right off the top.

I bought a used hybrid, and managed to sell it for more than I bought it. Use Bicyclebluebook.com to assess whether the price you're getting is decent.