Suggestions for a bike when I don't know exactly what I'm looking for!

Hello everyone...I've lurked around this forum as I've navigated my road bike journey which took me from a Trek Madone 4.5 to a Specialized Ruby. I love my Ruby (even though I've had it exactly one day).

I have a Giant XTC2 for fun on dirt trails with my 11-year-old daughter. Now, I'm on the search for something to fill in the gap. My daughter and I like to ride our bikes to go shopping or just a leisurely tour. There can be some pretty steep climbs so I do think we need something light with gears. The most important factor (besides light and gears) is comfort.

Does anyone here have any great suggestions on bikes we should be looking at? We were at our LBS today and I saw some intriguiging possibilities. I'd like to keep the cost down so I may take a look at craigslist and ebay for used.

You can never have enough bikes, right? Thanks!

Can you not just ride your Ruby or are looking for something you can use for actual loaded touring, i.e., with a rack and panniers? If it's the latter, I'd suggest a Jamis Aurora. It's not super light, but it's a solid touring bike.

indysteel...I would like to get two bikes (one for my daughter and one for myself) that are fairly comparable to make it easier to ride together. Right now, when we ride together, we take our mountain bikes but the hills can be tough (especially for my daughter) on such a heavy bike with really fat tires. I'd also like to feel comfortable locking them up. I'm not sure how comfortable I'd feel locking my Ruby up for any lengthy period of time. Thanks for the response!

Now I'm following you. Perhaps a flat bar road bike would work. Most of the major manufacturers make at least one. I like Jamis for the money. But keep an eye on Craigslist, too. I'm not sure you're going to find anything that's super light (unless you're willing to pay for it) but with generous gearing, your daughter should be okay.

The Trek FX series, Giant Dash, and Specialized Vita are all flat bar road bikes you could look at to see if these are the type that would work for you. Most manufacturers make a similar model as well if this style works.

P2

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I think I just need to get out and try some of these bikes.

Also the Jamis Coda.

Owlie...I ended up buying Codas for us. I rode several of the suggestions and really loved the Coda. I also loved the small LBS that carried them. I had the shop make a few changes to make them perfect and get to pick them up this afternoon!

I just hope I can get home in time to take them out for a spin tonight! Thanks again to everyone.

Congrats!
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle