Need help picking a hybrid

[Lady Hamilton]

well, being slim does not always mean being fit

Upright... I don't know. Does it fill comfy going uphill?
I can test ride the bikes, so I guess I should give it a try. Cypress is a beautiful bike, It is just soooo heavy....

In terms of price. I can go higher, if I absolutely love the bike and I don't outgrow it 2 years later. meaning I don't feel like I have to upgrade.

[Lady Hamilton]

I think that Jamis carried by big sports store is not the quite the same as Jamis carried by specialized stores. but I will go and ask.

[shootingstar]

well, being slim does not always mean being fit

Upright... I don't know. Does it fill comfy going uphill?
I can test ride the bikes, so I guess I should give it a try. Cypress is a beautiful bike, It is just soooo heavy....

In terms of price. I can go higher, if I absolutely love the bike and I don't outgrow it 2 years later. meaning I don't feel like I have to upgrade.

I had a Cypress and yes it was heavier. (I just don't cycle it much anymore.) Already you don't like the idea. So don't get the Cypress.

If you've cycled drop down handlebars, then go ahead.

I lived in Vancouver for 8yrs. and there are hills all over. Some of my regular rides daily included 3 hills @ 8-10% each day for 26-40 km. (Depending at which year, which worksite location.) Sure it's possible. Just have the right set of gears. And it is easier, on a more upright bike, to stay seated while spinning up a hill.

I'm the same height and weight as you. But probably older. I'm in my blog, Cycle Write.

[Lady Hamilton]

did you ride hills in Vancouver on Cypress?
there is a LX edition now, which is in beautiful silver, and it has a locking suspension. which is kind of awesome. The store has it in XS, I guess I should ride it to see.

[shootingstar]

did you ride hills in Vancouver on Cypress?
there is a LX edition now, which is in beautiful silver, and it has a locking suspension. which is kind of awesome. The store has it in XS, I guess I should ride it to see.

I did. I rode daily for about 5 yrs. Yes of course, hills are unavoidable in Vancouver. Then I got a lighter hybrid bike.

[shootingstar]

Just make sure you don't have bike tires that are too knobbly mountain bike unless you need to cycle often on gravel roads, and rougher path riding etc. several times per week.

I have wider tires for commuting but not mountain bike....tough (to avoid a lot of flats), but won't get caught in street tracks.

[Lady Hamilton]

Just make sure you don't have bike tires that are too knobbly mountain bike unless you need to cycle often on gravel roads, and rougher path riding etc. several times per week.

I have wider tires for commuting but not mountain bike....tough (to avoid a lot of flats), but won't get caught in street tracks.

Yes, the gentleman at the store said he will put tires on Vita that would be good for both packed dirt and tarmac. tires on vita are 700/32, I believe. He said we can go up in size

[TigerMom]

Not to add more items on your list....but how about a Cyclocross bike?

Any used XS cyclocross bikes available on Craigslist/eBay?

[IBrakeforPastry]

Several years ago I bought a Specialized Sirrus, which has served as my "everything" bike. They now have a women's model - I think it's called Vita. I'm not sure what's considered "hybrid" anymore. This bike does not have front suspension, but I've taken it on packed canal paths. It can take wider tires than the narrow ones it came with. The straight bars have been no problem for me over long distances.

Welcome to TE, and have fun hunting!

[Lady Hamilton]

Hello, yes, Vita is one of the bikes on my short list. I am going to see it today.
I also found a LBS with Jamis. I will go there as well.
so far, my short list is:
Jamis Coda Sport
Specialized Vita
Specialized Ariel
Giant Escape 2 or City
Giant Cypress DX or LX

Looks like my list is too long:-(

[TrekDianna]

My hydrid is a Trek FX 7.3 - I use it for around town and even commuting to work. I ride on packed gravel and on the road and on bike paths. I love it.

[Lady Hamilton]

Yes, I saw Trek 7.3 several times in different discussions. The LBS I am going to tonight has Treks and Specialized, so I will check out Vita, Ariel and Trek 7.3

[Bike Writer]

Hello and welcome to the forums! Not to confuse you any more but I have a Specalized Expedition Sport MSRP is around $520. For it's size and specs it's not too heavy and it's quite nimble for the kind of bike it is. I use mine on bike paths, rural gravel roads and paved roads. I use it for pleasure, exercise, touring, commuting and errands. The gearing on the bike is great for climbing hills. I've added considerable weight to it with fenders, a back rack, touring/accessory trunk bag and sometimes a large wicker basket on the front, those items have not slowed me down. The bike is aluminum. I enjoy the upright position and have not found it to hinder me. I have arthritis and knee joint problems and this works great for me. Good luck in your search, test ride as many as you can, I'm sure you'll find the bike you love.

[TigerMom]

Hello, yes, Vita is one of the bikes on my short list. I am going to see it today.
I also found a LBS with Jamis. I will go there as well.
so far, my short list is:
Jamis Coda Sport
Specialized Vita
Specialized Ariel
Giant Escape 2 or City
Giant Cypress DX or LX

Looks like my list is too long:-(

Your list is not too long. It is only 3 bike shops and definitely needed for bike comparisons, especially since you are as short as I am.

The Specialized Vita is much lighter than the Specialized Ariel by almost 10 pounds which is very significant in the biking world. Unfortunately, the Specialized Vita can only do paved roads and no dirt trails. The Specialized Ariel can do flat packed dirt trails but cannot do well on packed dirt trails that are hilly ( I know because I had one and the tire grip was terrible compared to a mountain bike).

Hope this helps your decision making. Let us know what you end up getting.