Sub-$500 MTB/Urban

[KnottedYet]

What about checking into a Kona Dew? I use one for my commuter, and even did a triathlon on it. I really love this bike (just as much, but in a different way, as I love my Waterford). My bike shop guys called the Dew "bombproof". Eyelets for all the fenders and racks you could want. Very nice geometry for speedy commuting and visibility.

http://www.konaworld.com/bikes/2k7/DEW/index.html

[Aseradyn]

"Bombproof" is exactly what I'm after Thanks for the recommendation!

And, hey, to go test-ride a Kona, I have to visit a new bike shop. Extra bonus!

[Trek420]

KnottedYet "I really love this bike (just as much, but in a different way, as I love my Waterford)."

Yeah right, but you spend the holidays with the Waterford, when the Kona calls you never answer the phone...

I have this, 1997 Gt Outpost Trail.

The new ones have front suspension and aluminum frame I think. This old one's perfect for me: steel frame and fork, no suspension and once I figure out my camera I'll post pictures.

There's a good discussion here somewhere of upgrades to entry level bikes. This sub-$300.00 bike believe I could at least do metric centuries on it now. Love this bike (not as much as my Mondonico and in a different way).

[mimitabby]

to answer your question, i think a 500 dollar Trek is a pretty nice bike.
What you are paying for with more expensive bikes is lighter componentry
which you are clearly not concerned with.
If you're not riding hills at all, I dont know what you need 21 gears for. If you are riding hills, you're going to miss them.

[Aseradyn]

You know, on second look, I think I am mis-reading the specs for these bikes. I'm new to this but the more I looked at, the less sense it made. Take, for example, the Trek 7300

http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike...d=1033060&f=21

I was looking at the shifters and seeing "8 speed". But this is actually a triple crank with an 8-speed cassette, which would give a total of 24 possible combinations. Right?

So, if that's right, then skip the 8-speed question, because it's a non-issue.

I'll get my terminology down yet!

Also - thanks for the opinions so far I've developed a one-track mind on the topic of a new bike (what else am I supposed to do while I'm sitting in traffic in my car?) and I appreciate the more experienced insight!

[KnottedYet]

Yeah right, but you spend the holidays with the Waterford, when the Kona calls you never answer the phone...

Yeah, but I'll be spending Hannukah with the Mondonico...

[Trek420]

KnottedYet "Yeah, but I'll be spending Hannukah with the Mondonico..."

That's the good thing about those inter demoninational bikes, otherwise the bikes get jealous "you always spend X-mas with Flossie you never...".

But when you have the Jewish bike, Muslim bike, Pagan bike....less hassle 'round the holidays.

[mimitabby]

Yeah, but I'll be spending Hannukah with the Mondonico...

Uh, Knotted, what do you know about the Mondonico?
(better to spend Ferragosto with the Mondonico, since it's Italian!)

[KnottedYet]

Mimi-

Menace the Mondonico is Jewish, Flossie the Waterford is Unitarian.

They have a very nice relationship.

Menace and Flossie on the Golden Gate Bridge this weekend. Together at last!

Aseradyn-
sorry about the thread hijack...

[Trek420]

whoo hoo, aprox 47 cm Menace with full size wheels.

Funny, she doesn't look Jewish (I can say that )

Mimi, since it's all about the food on TE, I found Kosher Italian recipes 8-)

www.jewish-food.org/recipes/itaindex.htm

[Aseradyn]

sorry about the thread hijack...

Meh. No problem

I think I got the answer I needed to hear, anyway - most bikes in that price range will be fine, so it's just whatever I like.

Random commentary is just one of the many reasons I love reading this forum

[Eden]

Kona Dews are really nice - another company to check out for value to price point is Marin (www.marinbikes.com) Check out their "street" line.