Want to add a hybrid

[mary ann]

Hello,

This is my first post. I am a runner-convert to biking. Knee surgery in May of this year had me wanting to be a little more careful with the amount of impact my soon-to-be 52 year old knees take on. My DH and I also backpack, and my running injuries took me off the trail this past year--so again, I'm trying to keep the knee impact down.

I purchased a road bike mid-summer, a Trek Lexa SC, and I really, really love riding. I would, however, like to have a more 3 season bike that I can ride, both on gravel/pavement as well as comfortably ride on the dirt roads around our rural area. I'd like something with disk brakes. I do prefer the drop handlebars of my road bike, but believe I am looking at a hybrid to meet my 3 season/dirt road/pavement needs. Here's what I have looked at in the local area:

Trek Neko
Cannondale Althea
Specialized Vita

If anyone has any words of wisdom--I know, ride all three--but any preferences or dislikes/likes, please let me know. Thanks!

[mary ann]

Thank you, I appreciate the cyclocross suggestion and I will do a little more research in that area. I would like to keep my budget below $1k. I'm getting the feeling the cyclocross might tip me over that mark, but I will do some additional looking.

I'm about 5'4" @ 130 lbs. I've been reading some great remarks on Vita, too--the dealership that sells Specialized near me is the one which is the furthest from me @ about an hour+ away. So I've been leaning toward Trek and Cannondale, much more convenient if I need maintenance, etc.

Thank you!

[creationsbyuli]

I just bought a Hybrid. I test rode the Althea and the Neko. Really liked the Neko but in the end I settled on the Specialized Ariel Sport disc. Very happy. Loved the Trek Neko as well.

[mary ann]

Thanks, I appreciate the responses! I considered the Ariel as well, but haven't seen much written on it.

[Blueberry]

I have to echo the cross bike recommendation. Lots of the best things about hybrids (wider tires, some can take fenders for wet weather, definitely able to handle gravel/dirt roads), but with drop bars (which I, like you, prefer). I also expect that since you are used to riding a nice road bike, you might be more comfortable on one. I am also definitely more comfortable over longer distances on one.

Salsa Vaya is a good recommendation, as are some of the bikes by Kona (the Jake line, but I don't know if they have fender mounts), Trek Crockett, Surly Straggler (I own this one) - lots of good ones out there!

[Sky King]

Chiming in on the Surly Straggler. They are changing color again so the cool sparkle purple is going away Also a Surly Disc Trucker is amazing for what you are mentioning

[mary ann]

These are great suggestions, thank you! Yes I'd like to stay under 1k.

[creationsbyuli]

Gorgeous. I almost bought the exact same one and then ended up with the Specialized Ariel Sport.

[mary ann]

How does the Specialized ride? I did a side-by-side comparison and they seem to be a very similar cycle with many of the same components.

Thanks, I really do like her and I had a blast riding her around yesterday.