Solve my bike predicament!

[LovelyGirl]

Melalvai, can one remove flat bars in exchange for drop bars? Would that be ok on my Trek 7.6FX?

[Hartmame]

Adding drop bars to your hybrid bicycle would probably be a little pricey as it requires a change in brake levers and shifters. One of the other handlebar types mentioned above would give you multiple hand positions without requiring any major changes that could end up breaking the bank. A hybrid bicycle has a little shorter top tube as it is made for an upright sitting position. If you want drop bars and have done some test rides, I would go with the road bike. It sounds oike either bike would work well for you at the present time but you will probably want to get a road bike in the future if you enjoy longer road rides.

[LovelyGirl]

Well, I just keep running it all through my head and then come to several different conclusions. My latest one is to keep the Trek and spring for a lower-end Ruby. I love the Dolce, so will probably love the Ruby. I've already got the AL bike with carbon fork/seat stay, so why should I get the Dolce, which is so similar? I will test ride a Ruby this week.

The major problem in this will be DH. He is the proud owner of a Target Schwinn comfort cruiser and cannot understand all this fuss. He was horrified when I bought m used Trek for $400. Convincing him I need ANOTHER bike and one that costs WAY more than the Trek will be not without it's pitfalls. Ah, well, I guess the man had to have one flaw... I'm going to keep an eye out on Craigslist as well. If I keep putting the miles on the Trek and look for deals, he can be won over.

What do you girls have to say to my newest plan? Is the Ruby a bit much for a newbie who doesn't get to ride for more than an hour at a time? Or is she a good investment?

[TigerMom]

Well, I just keep running it all through my head and then come to several different conclusions. My latest one is to keep the Trek and spring for a lower-end Ruby. I love the Dolce, so will probably love the Ruby. I've already got the AL bike with carbon fork/seat stay, so why should I get the Dolce, which is so similar? I will test ride a Ruby this week.

The major problem in this will be DH. He is the proud owner of a Target Schwinn comfort cruiser and cannot understand all this fuss. He was horrified when I bought m used Trek for $400. Convincing him I need ANOTHER bike and one that costs WAY more than the Trek will be not without it's pitfalls. Ah, well, I guess the man had to have one flaw... I'm going to keep an eye out on Craigslist as well. If I keep putting the miles on the Trek and look for deals, he can be won over.

What do you girls have to say to my newest plan? Is the Ruby a bit much for a newbie who doesn't get to ride for more than an hour at a time? Or is she a good investment?

If you have the money, and the Ruby keeps you exercising.....then it's a good investment because you are going to LOVE exercisng one hour a day. Riding a carbon bike feels lighter and smoother than Aluminum to me. However, just check with your LBS regarding whether you should worry about cracking your carbon stem if you hook up the Tag-a-Long to it.
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle
2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)