Hybrid vs. RoadBike

[derosarah]

Hi there! I'm a newbie biker too (started biking for a triathlon, but found out I actually like it). Purchased a new Trek FX 7.5 last year and was totally stoked about it... until I rode it in a triathlon. It's a sweet bike for sure-- the perfect hybrid, pretty fast, not too scary, sitting more upright type of bike, but it's not for going really *fast*. I took a spin on a friend's road bike and was totally surprised how smooth and fast it was!

All that said, I think the hybrid is the perfect starter bike! My bike is going to be my training bike, commuter bike, and fun take-a-ride-on-the-weekend-bike. I think going with a fx 7.3 or so is perfect-- you end up saving some cash (instead of buying a fx 7.5), while still getting a pretty sweet bike that will let you do whatever you want! And if you want to upgrade to something else in a couple years, you won't have spent a ton of moola on the first bike.

Happy bike shopping!

[Catrin]

I started with an FX 7.6 last year, fell in love with the Surly Long Haul Trucker (non-WSD) and bought that as well. Sadly my FX was just a little too big for me and I eventually sold it to upgrade my LHT. My LHT is a touring bike, but I converted it to mountain riser bars and trigger shifters - this works fine for me regardless of the length of my ride.

I do like the advice others have given you about checking into used bikes - if you are lucky you can get a better bike for less money.

For me, my unisex LHT fits me much better than the WSD FX 7.6 did. This may not have been due to the WSD geometry however - I've noted that the FX sizes are not all that small, not where the effective top tube length is concerned . I am the same height that you are.

To cut to the chase, you need to test ride as many bikes as you can in your price range. Hopefully they will allow you to ride around the neighborhood instead of just in the parking lot - everything feels good in the parking lot Have fun with your search and good luck!

[Roadtrip]

Count me as a fellow FX owner and rider. I'm courting a road bike right now after a few months of riding the FX. I'm not saying not to buy, but I'd defiantly try both out, just to be sure what "speaks" to you.

Shannon

[Glory]

Such great input from everyone. Thank you! I'm actually going out this weekend to check out a few different rides. I got so caught up in the WSD bikes that I overlooked some really great looking bikes.

I really do think a 'starter' bike is what I need even realizing that 3 months from now I might be out bike shopping again Right now the plan is to test out a few city bikes in addition to trying out the regular Fx. So I guess I'm back to trying not to get too ahead of myself. I mean the goal is to find a bike that fits me so I can be excited about putting lots of miles on it!

So now I'm off to research bike shorts...