Need help picking a hybrid

[Lady Hamilton]

Hello ladies!
I am very new here, just decided a few days ago to get back in shape after having a baby, who is now 18 months old.
Before kids, well, 10 years ago, I loved biking. Never had anything nice, just a hand-me down bike given to me by a friend. Really old bike.
Then kids, etc. Finally, now that we are done, and the baby is older, I decided I need to start doing something for myself. Like going on bike rides around the area.
I live in an urban area, but the beauty of it is that just minutes from my house is conservation area with packed dirt, small gravel, and paved trails. I am not thinking of anything really rugged, or jumping. Just packed dirt at most. and a lot of our trails are paved.
I also would like the bike to go on regular roads, to zoom around the neighbourhood, or occasionally commute to work.
From what I read so far, hybrid is a way to go for me.
But which hybrid?
I do have a budget. I really do not want to get outside of $600.
I live in quite a large city in Canada, so LBS carry most of the big brands like Giant, Specialized, etc.
I have gone to one shop that carries Giants.
I was offered two different choices
Giant Cypress DX and Giant escape 2 w or city.
I liked he idea of cypress, but I don't think I can ride all the time in the upright position. Plus, the bike is very heavy. It is almost 35 pounds, which is a problem at my statue. I am 5'1 and 100 pounds. I also need XS frame. My friend has given me her co pilot seat, so I am planning to take my son with me. so, that adds weight to an already heavy bike.
Do you ladies have some thoughts on what to look at.
Is there anything in Specialized line that would suit me better that Giant?
I understand that I would like to change bike up after a while. I'd like a bike that I don't hate 2 years later. so, I am willing to go a bit higher in price, a bit beyond something very basic. I learned that I outgrew my basic DSLR soon after and regretted not getting something a bit more advanced.
I don't imagine going too fast with the baby, but I do imagine going fast without him:-) I'd like the bike to give me a level of fitness.
I am considering only a new bike. I am very anal about things like that. I am a stroller fanatic, and would only buy a stroller if I know the person, who I know babied it. With a bike, I won't be able to judge how it has been treated.
Sorry for such a long post and thank you very much in advance.

[shootingstar]

First of all, at that weight and height and after being recently pregnant, you're during very well. Congrats. on baby!

Why would you have problems being slightly upright when biking? I've been cycling like this...for past 22 yrs. regularily. We have no car. Some years I've packed in 5,000 to 7,000 km. annually. I have been kept reasonably fit. :) I bike for commuting/transportation, fitness and touring.

I agree, a lighter bike is desirable and it is possible at the price. But you must choose whatever you're comfortable. So maybe you might have to adjust by going to $700.00 or more.
(No I don't have any children.)

[Lady Hamilton]

thank you very much for suggestion.
I wonder how easy it would be to find it in Canada... I don't think my local shops carry it. I know they have it at Sportcheck (a store like ****'s), the Jamis brand, but they don't have coda...

[Lady Hamilton]

well, being slim does not always mean being fit:(

Upright... I don't know. Does it fill comfy going uphill?
I can test ride the bikes, so I guess I should give it a try. Cypress is a beautiful bike, It is just soooo heavy....

In terms of price. I can go higher, if I absolutely love the bike and I don't outgrow it 2 years later. meaning I don't feel like I have to upgrade.

[Lady Hamilton]

I think that Jamis carried by big sports store is not the quite the same as Jamis carried by specialized stores. but I will go and ask.

[shootingstar]

well, being slim does not always mean being fit:(

Upright... I don't know. Does it fill comfy going uphill?
I can test ride the bikes, so I guess I should give it a try. Cypress is a beautiful bike, It is just soooo heavy....

In terms of price. I can go higher, if I absolutely love the bike and I don't outgrow it 2 years later. meaning I don't feel like I have to upgrade.

I had a Cypress and yes it was heavier. (I just don't cycle it much anymore.) Already you don't like the idea. So don't get the Cypress.

If you've cycled drop down handlebars, then go ahead.

I lived in Vancouver for 8yrs. and there are hills all over. Some of my regular rides daily included 3 hills @ 8-10% each day for 26-40 km. (Depending at which year, which worksite location.) Sure it's possible. Just have the right set of gears. And it is easier, on a more upright bike, to stay seated while spinning up a hill.

I'm the same height and weight as you. But probably older. :D I'm in my blog, Cycle Write.

[Lady Hamilton]

did you ride hills in Vancouver on Cypress?
there is a LX edition now, which is in beautiful silver, and it has a locking suspension. which is kind of awesome. The store has it in XS, I guess I should ride it to see.

[IBrakeforPastry]

Several years ago I bought a Specialized Sirrus, which has served as my "everything" bike. They now have a women's model - I think it's called Vita. I'm not sure what's considered "hybrid" anymore. This bike does not have front suspension, but I've taken it on packed canal paths. It can take wider tires than the narrow ones it came with. The straight bars have been no problem for me over long distances.

Welcome to TE, and have fun hunting!

[Lady Hamilton]

Hello, yes, Vita is one of the bikes on my short list. I am going to see it today.
I also found a LBS with Jamis. I will go there as well.
so far, my short list is:
Jamis Coda Sport
Specialized Vita
Specialized Ariel
Giant Escape 2 or City
Giant Cypress DX or LX

Looks like my list is too long:-(

[TrekDianna]

My hydrid is a Trek FX 7.3 - I use it for around town and even commuting to work. I ride on packed gravel and on the road and on bike paths. I love it.

[Lady Hamilton]

Yes, I saw Trek 7.3 several times in different discussions. The LBS I am going to tonight has Treks and Specialized, so I will check out Vita, Ariel and Trek 7.3

[Bike Writer]

Hello and welcome to the forums! Not to confuse you any more but I have a Specalized Expedition Sport MSRP is around $520. For it's size and specs it's not too heavy and it's quite nimble for the kind of bike it is. I use mine on bike paths, rural gravel roads and paved roads. I use it for pleasure, exercise, touring, commuting and errands. The gearing on the bike is great for climbing hills. I've added considerable weight to it with fenders, a back rack, touring/accessory trunk bag and sometimes a large wicker basket on the front, those items have not slowed me down. The bike is aluminum. I enjoy the upright position and have not found it to hinder me. I have arthritis and knee joint problems and this works great for me. Good luck in your search, test ride as many as you can, I'm sure you'll find the bike you love.

[Owlie]

The Rapid and Dash from Giant are similar to the higher-end Trek FX line, I think.

Do you have a Fuji dealer near you? Check out the Absolute line as well.

[TigerMom]

Hello, yes, Vita is one of the bikes on my short list. I am going to see it today.
I also found a LBS with Jamis. I will go there as well.
so far, my short list is:
Jamis Coda Sport
Specialized Vita
Specialized Ariel
Giant Escape 2 or City
Giant Cypress DX or LX

Looks like my list is too long:-(


Your list is not too long. It is only 3 bike shops and definitely needed for bike comparisons, especially since you are as short as I am.

The Specialized Vita is much lighter than the Specialized Ariel by almost 10 pounds which is very significant in the biking world. Unfortunately, the Specialized Vita can only do paved roads and no dirt trails. The Specialized Ariel can do flat packed dirt trails but cannot do well on packed dirt trails that are hilly ( I know because I had one and the tire grip was terrible compared to a mountain bike).

Hope this helps your decision making. Let us know what you end up getting.

[Lady Hamilton]

I am back from the store.
Well, they only had Vita Elite. It's a beautiful bike, but at over $900 tax in, it really is too much for me to pay.
They did not have regular Vita.
I saw Ariel, it was Ok.
They also showed me Specialized crossroads step over model. I am not so sure about it.
The guy really pushed Kona Dew. It is the same price as Giant Escape 2. Which is a better bike, in your opinion? They looked pretty comparable too. To be honest, I like the look of giant more, but I understand I should not judge based on looks.

So far, I understood only that comparable Specialized are about $100 more that Giant. Correct me if I am wrong.

[Lady Hamilton]

I did not ride any. I went right after work in a dress and flipflops. Not the best riding attire:-)
I will be going back on the weekend though. Elite is absolutely gorgeous (I saw it in purple), light, and stunning. They told me they can swap tires for something that is more packed dirt friendly.
I will be going tomorrow to hopefully check out Jamis Coda Sport.

[TigerMom]

How about used Craigslist bikes?

[Lady Hamilton]

My size, XS, is probably going to be too hard to find.
I found one used, specialized vita eilte 2011 model,in size M. They claim it's practically new. But the $150 difference is not worth IMO not having a year of service, and warranty. Plus, it is already two years old.

[Lady Hamilton]

that's what the guy told me. He said that Koba Dew, Vita, and Ariel are different. Nice thing is, there is a bit of uphill by the shop, so I can check that out.

[Koronin]

I bought a Specialize Ariel last summer. I really like it for nice relaxed rides. Although I actually bought it for a very specific purpose. It and my husband's equivilant is what we take to the NASCAR races in Bristol, TN with us. By having the bikes we can park a good ways farther from the track, ride the bikes to the track and back. Plus the track put in a really nice fence at the entrance to the track and people use it as a nice bike rack. Don't know if that's what it was intended for, but the track doesn't have an issue at all with people locking their bikes up at the fence. I will saw I've only ridden it on pavement.

[shootingstar]

did you ride hills in Vancouver on Cypress?
there is a LX edition now, which is in beautiful silver, and it has a locking suspension. which is kind of awesome. The store has it in XS, I guess I should ride it to see.

I did. I rode daily for about 5 yrs. Yes of course, hills are unavoidable in Vancouver. Then I got a lighter hybrid bike.

[shootingstar]

Just make sure you don't have bike tires that are too knobbly mountain bike unless you need to cycle often on gravel roads, and rougher path riding etc. several times per week.

I have wider tires for commuting but not mountain bike....tough (to avoid a lot of flats), but won't get caught in street tracks.

[Lady Hamilton]

thank you very much for your input. I am still considering Ariel. will be definitely test riding it.

[Lady Hamilton]

Just make sure you don't have bike tires that are too knobbly mountain bike unless you need to cycle often on gravel roads, and rougher path riding etc. several times per week.

I have wider tires for commuting but not mountain bike....tough (to avoid a lot of flats), but won't get caught in street tracks. Yes, the gentleman at the store said he will put tires on Vita that would be good for both packed dirt and tarmac. tires on vita are 700/32, I believe. He said we can go up in size

[TigerMom]

Not to add more items on your list....but how about a Cyclocross bike?

Any used XS cyclocross bikes available on Craigslist/eBay?

[Msquared2]

I have a Specialized Ariel. I've ridden it for 50+ miles at time, thrown 29 x 1.9 knobby tires on it and taken it mountain biking on technical trails, and everything in between. It's heavy, but I've thrown a lot at it and it does fairly well. I commuted on it to work today!

[Lady Hamilton]

Hello ladies.
Sorry, I wasn't here for a few days.
It has been very busy at work, and going to bike shops.
Here I am a week later. At ground zero. With your help, and reading the forum, I learned so mush, maybe too much. Because I still don't know what to do.
Basically, the story goes like this: specialized vita elite is the most beautiful bike there. And this makes me very subjective about other bikes.
Jamis coda is off the list. I would like to buy something locally, and the closest shop selling them is not in my city.
Basically, right now I am trying to decide what to do:
1. Vita elite. they are willing to give me a bit of a discount, which will bring the total to $890. I want to talk her into going down more. to like $860.
2. Giant Escape 1. the specs are very similar to vita elite. Carbon fork, same derailleurs. Very close in weight. vita is a pound lighter. Retail is $639 plus tax, but he will go down.
3. Trek fx 7.3 $709 plus tax, no discount, which brings the price to $801.

This is my short list. I am trying to decide whether Vita is really worth spending THAT much money on. If there is a bike, Giant, with basically the same spec for $200 less.
Vita elite
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/multi-use/vita/vitaelite#specs

Giant Escape 1.
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ca/bikes/model/escape.1.w/12343/58228/#specifications

am I missing something? I just don't understand the pricing. why is elite so much more than Giant?

[IBrakeforPastry]

I can't answer about the price difference between two similar bikes. But answer this: Since you like the Vita that much, if you bought the Giant, would you be wishing you had the Vita? Are the rides similar?That is a big price difference, and if you really can't afford the Vita, then I wouldn't push it. But if it is something you can afford, even if it's more than you wanted to spend, it would be a shame to just "settle" when your heart is on something else. How's that for enabling?

[Lady Hamilton]

But answer this: Since you like the Vita that much, if you bought the Giant, would you be wishing you had the Vita? Are the rides similar?
I will go back on Monday to test ride Giant. I don't think I gave it a fair chance. Yes, I am afraid that I would feel that I "settled', because, I don't know how to explain it, but Vita Elite is just an amazing bike. It's gorgeous.

I can afford Vita. The problem is, in my head I always try to rationalize things. buying Vita is right now something I have a hard time justifying. I set my budget originally at $500-600. I can get a very nice bike for that money. The problem is, looks-wise, Vita is the nicest one I saw.

[IBrakeforPastry]

I know what you mean. I set a price without really researching, then find out the one I want is a bit more. And I can relate to the rationalizing. Head likes one thing, Heart likes something else. Were you looking at the blackberry Vita? That may be worth the extra money ;) I'm a visual person and it can sometimes be a real stumbling block.

I was out running errands on my Sirrus today and couldn't stop thinking what a great bike it is.

[Lady Hamilton]

Were you looking at the blackberry Vita? That may be worth the extra money ;) I'm a visual person and it can sometimes be a real stumbling block.

I was out running errands on my Sirrus today and couldn't stop thinking what a great bike it is.
That's the one. There is something about this rich deep plum in matte finish against silver steerer.

I think I will regret not getting vita, but I won't regret getting it. Decisions, decisions...

[Catrin]

That's the one. There is something about this rich deep plum in matte finish against silver steerer.

I think I will regret not getting vita, but I won't regret getting it. Decisions, decisions...

Methinks you have made your mind up :)

[Owlie]

Get the Vita already!

Not an enabler. I swear.

[IBrakeforPastry]

I think I will regret not getting vita, but I won't regret getting it. Decisions, decisions...

Read that again. Out loud :D

[deanywalker21]

Hi,

I had a Giant Cypress and replaced it with a Vita. I love my Vita. It has become my go to bike when the MTB and road bike do not quite fit the job. I have a Vita Elite and love it. It handles well and climbs like a dream. I am 5'2" so I can relate to shortness factor. My Cypress had shocks which I found to be heavy and pretty useless. My niece loves her Cypress and rides it on club rides with a bunch of roadies. I have owned Giant and Specialized bikes and have found the Specialized to be a better fit for me. Happy riding.

[TrekDianna]

Darn, now I need that Vita in that beautiful color.

[Lady Hamilton]

You, ladies, are ALL enablers.:D


Methinks you have made your mind up :)
more or less:-)
I decided to sneak out of work tomorrow, the LBS that carries Giants is right around the corner. I will ride Escape 1 one more time. It was the first bike I rode after many years of not riding. And it was so fast, I was scared riding. I want to try it out again, and get the owners bottom price. After work I will go to the LBS that carries Specialized with my hubby. It is close to where we live. I will try Vita one more time. and then I am going to make that decision. I know it is very anal, but I want to be absolutely sure that I am doing the right thing.
BTW, used to live in Indianapolis, went to Butler, rode the Monon trail:-)

[Lady Hamilton]

Hi,

I had a Giant Cypress and replaced it with a Vita. I love my Vita. It has become my go to bike when the MTB and road bike do not quite fit the job. I have a Vita Elite and love it. It handles well and climbs like a dream. I am 5'2" so I can relate to shortness factor. see, this is exactly what I do not want to happen. If I get hooked, I will buy a proper bike for whatever I want to do. But in terms of my everyday kind of bike, I want something I love, that I can keep for a long time. My girl is 7, so in a few years she will be able to use it too. When we bought our iMac almost 5 years ago, we thought we were crazy. It was a big purchase, but we loved it. It still works, and we never repaired it.

TrekDianna,
it is an absolutely stunning bike. The stock photo does not give it justice.

[Crankin]

Buy it! You do not have to rationalize anything. You already said you could afford it, so unless the fit is wrong, that's the one.
My friend who said she "would never get a road bike," started with a Vita. It absolutely hooked her, and 1.5 years later, she bought a Ruby. She still has the Vita, too.

[OakLeaf]

One thing I don't see mentioned (sorry if I missed it) is whether you plan to carry anything on the bike. If you commute to work you'll probably want a change of clothes and work-related items - tools, laptop, briefcase. If you plan to put a rack on the bike, rack bosses and eyelets will make the installation neater and more solid. Looks like the Vita gives you those. I'm not sure about the other choices.

[IBrakeforPastry]

Darn, now I need that Vita in that beautiful color.


Yes, please. I need you to stay at least one bike ahead of me ;)

[Lady Hamilton]

One thing I don't see mentioned (sorry if I missed it) is whether you plan to carry anything on the bike. If you commute to work you'll probably want a change of clothes and work-related items - tools, laptop, briefcase. If you plan to put a rack on the bike, rack bosses and eyelets will make the installation neater and more solid. Looks like the Vita gives you those. I'm not sure about the other choices. thank you. This is very important to know.

[deanywalker21]

Here I go again singing the praises of the Vita.....if I could only have one of my fleet it would be the Vita. The FCR is a flat handle bar road bike and the Vita is just as nimble as the FCR 1. Be sure to check on the customer service and personality of the bike shop staff as well. It can make all the difference when you need service.

[Lady Hamilton]

I have a question ladies.
I obviously loved Vita.
However. When I was riding, my hands hurt. I felt like I needed to have my hands higher. and felt like I was pushing myself off the handles constantly. this is not normal, right?
I will go and ride again today. But I do wonder if I should have a small bike instead of xs. So the saddle is a bit lower than the handles.
Honestly, I did not have this problem with the other bikes, as far as I remember. I will ride them all again today to confirm what I am thinking.
I felt like the gentleman at the Giant LBS was more helpful.

[deanywalker21]

I am 5' 2" and my Vita Elite is a Medium. It may very well be about the fit. My FCR and Trek MTB are both XS's. My Ruby is also a Medium. Does the shop have different sizes you can try, even if not the same model you are looking at? Our Specialized dealer fit me for both bikes. My FCR feels small to me after riding the Vita. Good luck.

[TigerMom]

I have a question ladies.
I obviously loved Vita.
However. When I was riding, my hands hurt. I felt like I needed to have my hands higher. and felt like I was pushing myself off the handles constantly. this is not normal, right?
I will go and ride again today. But I do wonder if I should have a small bike instead of xs. So the saddle is a bit lower than the handles.
Honestly, I did not have this problem with the other bikes, as far as I remember. I will ride them all again today to confirm what I am thinking.
I felt like the gentleman at the Giant LBS was more helpful.

I love the color on the Vita Elite myself. You obviously love the color too. Is saving $200 over the course of one year worth not getting the bike that you are drooling over? Yeah, I'm also an enabler.

Try riding the Small. But also know that the bike shop can raise up the handlebars of the XS bike with risers. Also, they can provide different stem lengths to make the handlebars closer or farther away from your body.

The more you ride, the more comfortable you will be in a plank position (I kept lowering my handlebars and then had to flip the stem as I progressed in my biking speed). My triceps get a good workout from biking!

[thekarens]

Body position is a funny thing. I've been riding my road bike and mtb for nine months now and recently got a hybrid/cruiser and it feels so odd to be upright. I definitely feel like I have more control when I'm more forward.

I also second, third, etc the motion to get the bike you truly love. See if the shop won't adjust it for you so you can try it adjusted before you buy.

[TrekDianna]

It's a beautiful bike and if it's the one that makes you feel good, it's the one you need. Like everyone said... see if you can get some adjustments made and take it out for a ride.

[OakLeaf]

If a bike doesn't fit, you will never be comfortable on it. Doesn't matter if it has all the features you could ever want and looks like your dream bike on paper, if it doesn't fit, don't buy it.

What are some of the bikes/sizes that you have been comfortable on? There are probably some people here who can eyeball the geometry specs and compare them.

Trying it in a smaller size is a good idea. Trying it in a LARGER size is also a possibility, if what you're looking for is less drop between the seat height and the handlebar height.

It's unlikely that the shop will swap out a stem just for a test ride. But it can't hurt to ask. It is a simple, quick and fairly inexpensive modification, so at very least, if you trust the shop's fitter, they might be able to tell you whether a stem swap would give you a good fit. Sometimes you can have too much weight on your hands and the solution is actually a LONGER and/or LOWER stem, rather than shorter or higher. An easy way to make this intuitive is to get on the floor on your hands and knees, with your weight pretty much evenly distributed, then gradually shift your body back toward your hips, until you're in or near child's pose, with your arms very stretched out but little to no weight on your hands.

If a fitting is in your budget (as it should be), if there's an independent fitter in your area, work with them BEFORE making your decision. They will help you choose a bike and, once you've bought it, modify it to fit you.

[Lady Hamilton]

Here I am!
So much written, while I was gone. Ladies, you truly are amazing.

Well, I went back to the shop. They have Vita Elite in every size. So, they put me on small. All of your suggestions/guesses/options were pretty much what they guy told me.
I am 5'1. but I don't have long legs, my inseam is 27-28 depending what you measure to, it is 28 if you measure to the floor. Meaning, I have a slightly longer torso than I probably should. In the end, the problem I think was positioning. I am not used to riding low, but I can be broken into it. but I was ok on Small, so I will be going with small over XS. the reach on them differs very slightly, like 1 cm.

I was very comfortable on Kona Dew. That being said, and understanding the price difference, Vita is just a better bike. It is faster, it is zippier, it just handles better. Because I was comfortable on Kona, the guy swapped the stem for a taller one. To make Vita's bar taller. I was much more comfortable.

The shop provides fitting service for free with a road bike purchase. I guess vita is not considered road bike, so I didn't ask if I can have one. But the guy told me that they will do all the necessary alterations, like swap the stem, put slightly wider tires with more grip, etc.

I don't know why, but I felt like he was pushing me to buy Kona Dew, the Plus version, the one with disk brakes. And save the money.

[Lady Hamilton]

the weird thing about Vita's geometry is that the reach differs VERY slightly from size to size, but there's significant difference in where the handles are. that's what the guy told me, when he measured different sizes. So, going up in size made sense for me absolutely. I would get a higher bar.

[Lady Hamilton]

Yes, 75 is an awfully short stem, that's why they will swap it for me even on a size Small bike.

[Lady Hamilton]

I love the color on the Vita Elite myself. You obviously love the color too. Is saving $200 over the course of one year worth not getting the bike that you are drooling over? Yeah, I'm also an enabler.

Try riding the Small. But also know that the bike shop can raise up the handlebars of the XS bike with risers. Also, they can provide different stem lengths to make the handlebars closer or farther away from your body.

The more you ride, the more comfortable you will be in a plank position (I kept lowering my handlebars and then had to flip the stem as I progressed in my biking speed). My triceps get a good workout from biking!

No, over the span of 10 -15 years $200 is very little to pay to get exactly what you want.

And yes, the gentleman also told me that I'm just not broken into the plank, and as my fitness level grows, I will be more comfortable. He basically said that vita is something I can grow into. With Kona - I am comfortable there already, and there are spacers that can be removed later, if I want a more agressive position. but, I am not a pro, and even I felt the difference about how the two bikes handle the road. So, I told him - if I get anything at their shop, it will be Vita.

[Lady Hamilton]

The Kona Dew with Disc brakes is a lovely bike, but not if you prefer the Vita. Yes, it is also $200 cheaper. The guy at the bike shop thinks it is a better bike for me. He said that disk brakes are great, no maintenance, and I save all that money for accessories.

[IBrakeforPastry]

Just to throw this out there. Did you try the Sirrus? It's the men's version of the Vita (but not as pretty ;)) I have a proportionately short inseam with a longer torso, just as you described, and I'm very comfortable on my Sirrus. I'm not sure what the newer ones are like, but mine has a sloping top tube for good standover, and an adjustable stem to change the reach.

[Lady Hamilton]

Yes, I actually rode Sirrus sport to get a feel what vita sport would be.
to be honest, it is exactly like vita. And I do like white.
Basically, I know realize that I need to just work with the LBS I like the most and get fitted there for whatever bike.
I am going to Giant dealer today to try Escape again.

[deanywalker21]

You are so right, the Vita is zippier. Can you tell I love my Vita Elite. <G> Get the Vita <G>

[TrekDianna]

I had to stop by the LBS today to pick up something I ordered and snuck a peek at the Vitas. Yup, it's there. I had to rush out before I took it home with me.

[IBrakeforPastry]

I had to stop by the LBS today to pick up something I ordered and snuck a peek at the Vitas. Yup, it's there. I had to rush out before I took it home with me.

That's how I ended up with a Dolce a couple of weeks ago. I just went in for a part... Have you looked out your front door yet this morning? It may have followed you home.

[TrekDianna]

That's how I ended up with a Dolce a couple of weeks ago. I just went in for a part... Have you looked out your front door yet this morning? It may have followed you home.

It's not there. The bad thing is that I could actually justify it. I've even been enabled by my partner who "liked" the idea on my facebook post about it. GAH, willpower.

[TrekDianna]

Isn't it a little too similar to the Trek 7.3?

Okay. I just failed enabling 101.

It is, but I have two houses to buy bikes for so I don't have to haul them each weekend :)

[TrekDianna]

Slightly different, but close enough. :) makes me comfortable to have what I need for which activity I choose....now the kayaks are a whole 'nother story...

[Lady Hamilton]

Well, ladies, I am now a proud owner of Specialized Vita Elite in beautiful berry colour.
We just got home. And already feel like BFFs.
Thank you for all you expertise in my decision making. I am so in love.
I gave a fair chance to many bikes, some of them ridden 2-3 times. Nothing felt the same. So, I did what I did:-)

[Catrin]

Congratulations on sticking with it until you were ready to decide! That decision can be SO hard to make - and I LOVE the berry color :) Have tons of smiles and miles on your lovely new Vita!

[thekarens]

Congrats, great choice and I know you two will have many happy miles together.

[IBrakeforPastry]

Yay - congratulations!! Wishing you many smiling miles on it :D

[OakLeaf]

Pictures!

[Lady Hamilton]

Thank you ladies:-)
Here she is:-)
We have gone on a quick couple of miles spin. I am so out of shape:-(

16428

[thekarens]

Pretty! And you'll get there, one mile at a time.

[Lady Hamilton]

Yes, this is in the end why I went with the shop. They made sure everything, well, the saddle is properly adjusted. They provided outstanding service, plus, gave me $60 off the bike.
I feel great on regular flat road. I decided to take it uphill. this is where I felt like I am a hundred years old. I feel like that when I go that way with my BOB stroller too. It's a long street with a gradual hill.

[TigerMom]

Glad you are in love with your bike! That'll help you continue on your journey of exercising/having a healthy lifestyle. Congrats!

[TrekDianna]

Yes! beautiful bike. I resisted. I am fine. I bought something else :)

[Lady Hamilton]

Thank you ladies!

Yes! beautiful bike. I resisted. I am fine. I bought something else :)
Well, you have many others:-)

BTW, I knew my gut feeling was right. On one British on-line shop, they have a table of sizes per height. And S in a women's frame is for ladies 4'11 to 5'2. XS is for under 4'11. I know those can be very personal, but Specialised XS was definitely a smaller bike for me.

[nuliajuk]

Nice bike! I'll steer my SIL towards something like this. On our annual family pedalling party, she was riding the road bike that her daughter left behind when she went to university. Since my niece is nearly 6' tall and SIL is about 5'-5", it was not a good fit, needless to say.

[Lady Hamilton]

Lots of people don't worry about about the fit.
My BFF thinks I am insane to spend so much money on just a bike. She says I could buy 3 bikes for that price at a box store. Her thinking: bike is a bike, gets you places.
when I told her: what about the size? She said: well, the seat and the steerer are adjustable.
Oh well, she was saying the same thing about strollers. Till she pushed mine for a bit. LOL.

[Lady Hamilton]

She's really going to think you are insane when you buy 3 more. :D
After 8 strollers for the baby, nobody would worry about 3 little bikes. LOL

[Lady Hamilton]

8? :eek:
well, not 8 all at the same time. But you know, the usual thing, in the search for perfection. I am now at 3, and happily there.
We are a very active family. My mom watches the baby when I am at work. She walks with him for two hours. She has her own. I have my BOB for trails, etc. Plus one for car and travel.

[TigerMom]

well, not 8 all at the same time. But you know, the usual thing, in the search for perfection. I am now at 3, and happily there.
We are a very active family. My mom watches the baby when I am at work. She walks with him for two hours. She has her own. I have my BOB for trails, etc. Plus one for car and travel.

I'm betting that Lady Hamilton will have the n+1 bike itch soon then. In a few years, she will probably be another Trek Diana :D

Of course, I'm already eyeing carbon hardtails; thus, I can't laugh too much at bike buying addictions. I'm waiting for a good work free day to do some testing.

[OakLeaf]

Very nice! That color *is* nice.

[TrekDianna]

I'm betting that Lady Hamilton will have the n+1 bike itch soon then. In a few years, she will probably be another Trek Diana :D


HEY! As much as I love that bike, and I went into my LBS and petted it, I just bought a new Jeep and I pick it up tomorrow. No new bikes this month :)

[lilybet]

Brand-new poster, hybrid owner, read this thread with great interest, and would like to use my first post to say congratulations, that bike is absolutely gorgeous!

And major kudos to Specialized for managing to fit two water bottle cage mounts on a small (or was that an XS?) frame. My S Cannondale Quick only has one. Poopyheads. :)

[Owlie]

Congratulations! Very pretty color. :)

[deanywalker21]

Congrats on the Vita Elite. Love the color too.

[TrekDianna]

I just ordered the Vita Elite in that gorgeous Blackberry color. It's replacing my Trek FX 7.3. As much as I like my Trek, I can't take the constant squealing and needing to adjust the disc brakes. I love the discs on my mtb, but they are not working for me on my commute. Maybe it's a bad disc, but I just got fed up with the amount of attention they needed every day.

[IBrakeforPastry]

I just ordered the Vita Elite in that gorgeous Blackberry color. It's replacing my Trek FX 7.3. As much as I like my Trek, I can't take the constant squealing and needing to adjust the disc brakes. I love the discs on my mtb, but they are not working for me on my commute. Maybe it's a bad disc, but I just got fed up with the amount of attention they needed every day.

Oh, no. You...you... I'm speechless :D And congratulations!

Does it fit in (and match) the Jeep?

[TrekDianna]

Oh, no. You...you... I'm speechless :D And congratulations!

Does it fit in (and match) the Jeep?

The Jeep is white so everything matches :) I already sold the Trek to a girl at work. She took it home today. The Vita will be in mid-week next week and it will be my new commuter. I'll be in Palo Alto - meetings at Stanford - up until then so I won't be commuting anyway.

[TigerMom]

Oh, no. You...you... I'm speechless :D And congratulations!

Does it fit in (and match) the Jeep?

IBrakeforPastry took the exact thoughts out of my mind/head.

I don't know whether to be excited or surprised or jealous at TrekDiana's collection.

But, hey, she did sell one off while a new one is coming in.

I'm sure all of TeamEstrogen is awaiting to see if your n+1 bike number grows past six.

[TrekDianna]

IBrakeforPastry took the exact thoughts out of my mind/head.

I don't know whether to be excited or surprised or jealous at TrekDiana's collection.

But, hey, she did sell one off while a new one is coming in.

I'm sure all of TeamEstrogen is awaiting to see if your n+1 bike number grows past six.

Hey! I know it sounds like a lot, but I have a road bike and mountain bike in each house and a commuter bike to ride to work. The last two purchases have been replacements for bikes I sold, so they weren't in addition to what I already had.

[shootingstar]

Congrats. LadyHamilton for new bike.

TrekDiana: I'm glad to have bikes at different home city locations. Even if for one of the cities I don't visit as much (because I lack enough vacation days) ...it still saves me bucks annually to ship the bike so I can go cycling daily for 1-3 wks. (or renting a bike that fits me. Finding a bike to rent that fits me is a real headache.). And a public share bike won't do it, since we inevitably go for a mini bike tour trip out of town or for long multi-hr. rides.

[TigerMom]

I also forgot to mention that I think that TrekDiana is morphing into SpecializedDiana
:)

I have to mention that I totally enjoy teasing TrekDiana because she seems to take jokes done at her expense well.

[TrekDianna]

I also forgot to mention that I think that TrekDiana is morphing into SpecializedDiana
:)

I have to mention that I totally enjoy teasing TrekDiana because she seems to take jokes done at her expense well.

You've got a point...but the Trek part wasn't about the bike brand! It's part of my geocaching trail name and it came from walking/hiking long distances.

[hebe]

I am very late to this, but congratulations on your beautiful Vita! I could not love mine more, it's a gorgeous gorgeous bike.

[Trek420]

Important info to any of those with a Giant/LIV hybrid

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/news/giant-bicycle-recalls-bicycles-due-to-fall-and-injury-hazards/26659