City Bike Recommendations?

[paiger81]

Ok, I already own a Giant OCR 1 that I've had for years and I love, but now I"m looking for something that I can use more for in-town/neighborhood errands type bike. Mind you, my neighborhood is near the Houston Galleria, so it can be traffic heavy at times.

Not sure if I need a townie or something a little more speedy. Would love to hear any opinions for good brands.

[Biciclista]

here's a review of a Trek you ought to read:

http://kentsbike.blogspot.com/2011/0...t-bicycle.html

[Biciclista]

welcome to TE!

[redrhodie]

You might find this blog helpful: http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/ She has lots of reviews of city bikes.

Also, if you go to the "search" function and type in "mixte" you'll find some good threads on bikes you might like.

[Velocivixen]

I had both a 3 speed Townie, then a 21 speed Townie. I did not like either. They are heavy, bulky, and due to the geometry I never felt "connected" to the earth while turning. I initially bought the 3 speed after more than 20 years off a bike (rode a Shwinn La Tour 10 speed road bike way back then). I then thought that riding would be "easier" with more gears so I requested the 21 speed as a gift.
This time I thought I wanted a quaint, "in town" bike and tried several. Each had it's issues, then the sales person brought out this "sporty" looking Trek FX 7.3, I test rode it and totally fell in love. I felt secure on this bike and it does what I tell it to do-very responsive. I put on some fenders, a rack, a kickstand and rear view mirror, along with headlight & tail lights and I'm ready for any in town or around town adventure.
Good luck and keep us posted on what you're considering.

[paiger81]

Thanks for y'all's help and advice. I swung by a couple of shops today. One shop, I just didn't feel like the guy was listening to me and they had very little in stock. After talking with second shop (I really liked this places staff) they said that given my love of my road bike, they feel I'd be better suited to a hybrid. Right now they are recommending a Cannondale Quick. Because I'm short (4'11"), they are building one of the extra small's out for me to come back and test ride on Friday.

I am googling tonight to find the nearest Trek dealer and hopefully I can check them out this week as well.

Thanks again and I will keep you posted (and check out the blog)

[Tri Girl]

The Quick is a great little bike! I don't own one, but test rode one at my LBS one day for fun (I need another bike like I need a hole in my head).
Seems like a fun ride- and might just be perfect for you! Keep us updated!

[paiger81]

Heads up, I think I might love the Cannondale Adventure with thinner tires....I'm going back today to visit it with the smaller tires.

[Velocivixen]

Oh how exciting. I still think you should try a few more just to be sure. I mean, what if you find one that's even more fantastic? That's my two cents worth.

[paiger81]

Ok, my week of hybrid trials has come to completion :-)

I've tried a Specialized Aerial (both with the lock-down option and the one without) the Trek 7.3, Cannondale Quick 5 and Adventure 3, and several Giants (even though I love my Giant road bike, I quickly dismissed their hybrids)

The Aerial was a sporty bike, but I definitely liked the more expensive lock-down option that was not in the price range of what I was looking to spend.

The Trek 7.3 was a bit of a tough one to find and one LBS mentioned that most of the dealers in Houston go from 7.2 to 7.5. But I was able to track down one in my size nearly an hour away - it was a great excuse to visit my cousins I liked it but it wasn't love.

The Quick was great, it reminded me of my road bike a lot, but there was an issue with fitting a rear rack on it due to my seat position.

For some reason with the Adventure 3, it just made me smile when I was on it. It's not in any super pretty colors (basic black with white accents) but I kind of prefer it that way since it's going to be my errand running bike. I figure I can throw on a colorful pannier and my helmet is already pretty girlie. Plus the LBS that I went to (the one with the great service) was able to fit the rear rack on it perfectly.

So the happy little Adventure 3 is mine.

[Tri Girl]

Yay!!! So glad you finally fell in love with a bike and brought it home! Woo hoo!!! Now we must see pictures of you and your new ride!

[Velocivixen]

Congratulations on your new bike! Definitely want to see a photo. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said it made you smile! I'm also happy to hear that you took the time to go and test ride a bunch. You know you've made the right choice. Whoohoo!

[Kerry1976]

Congratulations on your new bike! Definitely want to see a photo. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said it made you smile! I'm also happy to hear that you took the time to go and test ride a bunch. You know you've made the right choice. Whoohoo!

I couldn't agree more. It is so wonderful that you found the right bike for you. Enjoy your many happy miles ahead! Can't wait to see pics.