Bike shopping

[Velocivixen]

Although the Trek website says "Fender Mounts" under "extras" I highly doubt most fenders will fit this bike without major "surgery". I almost bought a Kona Honky Inc. and the website had me thinking I could do fenders, racks, etc. and when I got to the bike shop they looked at me like I had two heads! They hemmed and hawed and said they would have to cut the fenders, etc. So....if you think you will likely want fenders and a rack I would be asking directly about these things before you pin your hope on something. The Trek you're looking at won't easily support racks/fenders.

[MichelleOH]

Thanks for that info! I will check it out in the store. I'm heading there now.

[Owlie]

Although the Trek website says "Fender Mounts" under "extras" I highly doubt most fenders will fit this bike without major "surgery". I almost bought a Kona Honky Inc. and the website had me thinking I could do fenders, racks, etc. and when I got to the bike shop they looked at me like I had two heads! They hemmed and hawed and said they would have to cut the fenders, etc. So....if you think you will likely want fenders and a rack I would be asking directly about these things before you pin your hope on something. The Trek you're looking at won't easily support racks/fenders.

Agreed. I have Giant's version of that bike, and while Giant does sell fenders that will fit it, there is no way I can see to get them on there without some significant fiddling. It should take a rack--I've seen them around--but probably not fenders.

[MichelleOH]

So, I went with the 2010 WSD Pilot 2.0. If I find it's not quite the bike I wanted, I will upgrade next year. The guy at my LBS said there are no problems with fitting racks. We didn't talk about fenders...but I don't *plan* to ride in wet conditions, so I'll cross that bridge if I ever need to.

Attm, I like the relaxed geometry of the Pilot, but again, we'll see how long that lasts.

[Velocivixen]

Congratulations! Do you have pictures?

[BC2COCyclist]

When you say ride more casually for birding, does that mean a dirt/grass/gravel path? Or will you still be on a road? Hybrids are heavier bikes with front suspensions and if you are primarily on a paved path, much slower than a road bike. A good alternative is a cyclocross bicycle, which is basically a road bike with a higher clearance and can take wider tires so that you can go on an off-road path if you would like (but nothing too crazy). You might look at touring cycles too, as they normally run sturires and are in a more relaxed position.

What size are you? It might be more or less difficult finding bikes to test ride depending on your size.

Definitely test ride a lot of brands and as many bikes as you can. Keep in mind the differences between the test ride conditions - i.e. hills, potholes, path type, etc. when making your choice.

I just went bike shopping with my husband and it took us about two weeks hitting 15 shops.

Right now is a great time to shop because stores are clearing out their 2011 models for 2012 stock. Sometimes you can talk them down a bit more, so if you really like a bike but it's a hair over your budget, still consider it.

If you find a bike you really like but is out of your price range, try finding an older used model. Oftentimes, the geometry is still similar and the components haven't been upgraded much.

Hope I haven't confused you further and good luck!

I just want to chime in that not all hybrids have suspension-anything. I personally despise suspension forks/seat posts et al. Then again, my hybrid does have "Luddite" stamped on the side, and it's steel. lol

[Catrin]

I just want to chime in that not all hybrids have suspension-anything. I personally despise suspension forks/seat posts et al. Then again, my hybrid does have "Luddite" stamped on the side, and it's steel. lol

I don't think there is any one kind of bike that is called "hybrid" everywhere. That term seems to differ from region to region and some areas appear to use it more restrictively than others. Some might consider my full custom Gunnar a hybrid because she doesn't have road bars...but her design is based on a cross design. Around here I've heard many refer to flat-bar road bikes as hybrids.

[Velocivixen]

IMHO, "hybrid" bikes don't do one particular thing well. They try to be everything to anyone who can't decide. Lol.

[MichelleOH]

Congratulations! Do you have pictures?

Thanks. I plan on getting some once the sun comes out and I get my camera back. (It's on a trip to New Mexico, at the moment. Wish I was with it. )