First "real" bike: Giant Escape W2 or Raleigh Alysa FT1?

[davissn30]

I've been searching for a hybrid-type bike for a sprint triathlon, for riding around town, and for easy, mostly-paved trails. After visiting 3 LBS, I have it down to the Giant Escape W2 for $450 or the Raleigh Alysa FT1 on sale for $560. Is there any reason I shouldn't buy the bike that's $100 less? (I also looked at, and liked, the Trek 7.2 FX for $550 and the Specialized Vita Sport for $620).

For some reason, this decision fills me with anxiety and I would love to get some feedback.

[Crankin]

I have no personal experience with any of the bikes you mentioned, but a good friend started cycling on a Specialized Vita and it got her hooked enough that she went out and bought a Specialized Ruby after 2 years (after saying she'd never buy a road bike). She still keeps the Vita for a back up bike. The Trek FX line has always bee popular, too.

[pinsonp2]

Price is only one consideration. Which one do you like best? Which one makes you smile and want to ride more? Which fits you best? Which of the bike shops are you most comfortable with? Any of the bikes you list above will fullfil the goals you state. You just need to figure out which one will really make you want to achieve those goals. Ride all the bikes you can and visit all the bike shops in your area. Pretty soon a bike will 'speak' to you and make you smile....decision made. Enjoy the search.

P2

[TrekDianna]

Out of the bikes you list, I have the Trek 7.3 FX. I love it. I keep it in my office at work for running errands downtown (If you leave a parking spot during the day at work, you likely won't find one when returning so biking or walking to errands is the way to go). It's also great to just get out of the office and ride now and then!

[TigerMom]

I tried to get an "everything" bike by getting a hybrid. I sold mine after 6 months of usage. For me personally, the hybrid was not good on trails nor good on road. The hybrid was slipping on the trails and too heavy for the road.

I would get a used mountain bike for trails and a used road/touring bike from Craigslist for the road if $700 is your price range. Also, tax-free on Craigslist compared to prices in stores. I could not imagine using a hybrid for a sprint triathlon. It would take me forever to finish, even if only for 10 miles.

[Owlie]

What's your budget? What are you willing to spend?

If you're looking at sticking to paved trails and riding around town, a hybrid of some description will be fine. I would look for something in the "flat-bar road bike" range, like you have been. Just stay away from suspension. You could probably find cyclocross-type tires that will work if you wanted to do unpaved paths. While a cyclocross bike is a good all-around bike, they are hard to find used, and if you happen to need a small size or truly women-specific geometry, you may be out of luck either way.

Giant is good bang-for-buck, generally. The Trek FX series and the Specialized Vita are also quite popular. Get the one that makes you smile and feels most comfortable.

[kjen]

I have a road bike but I wanted another bike for casual rides so I bought at Cannondale Quick. I'd always heard Cannondale was a good brand, but I was VERY unhappy with their bike. I sold the Cannondale and went and test rode a ton of other bikes...but I ended up going with the Raleigh Misceo 2.0 and I love it. It's been a joy to ride, very comfortable. I've been impressed with this bike.

[MGM]

I have a road bike but I wanted another bike for casual rides so I bought at Cannondale Quick. I'd always heard Cannondale was a good brand, but I was VERY unhappy with their bike. I sold the Cannondale and went and test rode a ton of other bikes...but I ended up going with the Raleigh Misceo 2.0 and I love it. It's been a joy to ride, very comfortable. I've been impressed with this bike.

Hmm, which Quick? I have the Quick 3 and I love it, almost (but not quite) as much as my road bike. My Quick and I have had many adventures...