Need help picking a hybrid

[TrekDianna]

It's a beautiful bike and if it's the one that makes you feel good, it's the one you need. Like everyone said... see if you can get some adjustments made and take it out for a ride.

[OakLeaf]

If a bike doesn't fit, you will never be comfortable on it. Doesn't matter if it has all the features you could ever want and looks like your dream bike on paper, if it doesn't fit, don't buy it.

What are some of the bikes/sizes that you have been comfortable on? There are probably some people here who can eyeball the geometry specs and compare them.

Trying it in a smaller size is a good idea. Trying it in a LARGER size is also a possibility, if what you're looking for is less drop between the seat height and the handlebar height.

It's unlikely that the shop will swap out a stem just for a test ride. But it can't hurt to ask. It is a simple, quick and fairly inexpensive modification, so at very least, if you trust the shop's fitter, they might be able to tell you whether a stem swap would give you a good fit. Sometimes you can have too much weight on your hands and the solution is actually a LONGER and/or LOWER stem, rather than shorter or higher. An easy way to make this intuitive is to get on the floor on your hands and knees, with your weight pretty much evenly distributed, then gradually shift your body back toward your hips, until you're in or near child's pose, with your arms very stretched out but little to no weight on your hands.

If a fitting is in your budget (as it should be), if there's an independent fitter in your area, work with them BEFORE making your decision. They will help you choose a bike and, once you've bought it, modify it to fit you.

[Lady Hamilton]

Here I am!
So much written, while I was gone. Ladies, you truly are amazing.

Well, I went back to the shop. They have Vita Elite in every size. So, they put me on small. All of your suggestions/guesses/options were pretty much what they guy told me.
I am 5'1. but I don't have long legs, my inseam is 27-28 depending what you measure to, it is 28 if you measure to the floor. Meaning, I have a slightly longer torso than I probably should. In the end, the problem I think was positioning. I am not used to riding low, but I can be broken into it. but I was ok on Small, so I will be going with small over XS. the reach on them differs very slightly, like 1 cm.

I was very comfortable on Kona Dew. That being said, and understanding the price difference, Vita is just a better bike. It is faster, it is zippier, it just handles better. Because I was comfortable on Kona, the guy swapped the stem for a taller one. To make Vita's bar taller. I was much more comfortable.

The shop provides fitting service for free with a road bike purchase. I guess vita is not considered road bike, so I didn't ask if I can have one. But the guy told me that they will do all the necessary alterations, like swap the stem, put slightly wider tires with more grip, etc.

I don't know why, but I felt like he was pushing me to buy Kona Dew, the Plus version, the one with disk brakes. And save the money.

[Lady Hamilton]

Yes, 75 is an awfully short stem, that's why they will swap it for me even on a size Small bike.

[Lady Hamilton]

The Kona Dew with Disc brakes is a lovely bike, but not if you prefer the Vita.

Yes, it is also $200 cheaper. The guy at the bike shop thinks it is a better bike for me. He said that disk brakes are great, no maintenance, and I save all that money for accessories.

[IBrakeforPastry]

Just to throw this out there. Did you try the Sirrus? It's the men's version of the Vita (but not as pretty ) I have a proportionately short inseam with a longer torso, just as you described, and I'm very comfortable on my Sirrus. I'm not sure what the newer ones are like, but mine has a sloping top tube for good standover, and an adjustable stem to change the reach.

[Lady Hamilton]

Yes, I actually rode Sirrus sport to get a feel what vita sport would be.
to be honest, it is exactly like vita. And I do like white.
Basically, I know realize that I need to just work with the LBS I like the most and get fitted there for whatever bike.
I am going to Giant dealer today to try Escape again.

[deanywalker21]

You are so right, the Vita is zippier. Can you tell I love my Vita Elite. <G> Get the Vita <G>

[TrekDianna]

I had to stop by the LBS today to pick up something I ordered and snuck a peek at the Vitas. Yup, it's there. I had to rush out before I took it home with me.

[IBrakeforPastry]

I had to stop by the LBS today to pick up something I ordered and snuck a peek at the Vitas. Yup, it's there. I had to rush out before I took it home with me.

That's how I ended up with a Dolce a couple of weeks ago. I just went in for a part... Have you looked out your front door yet this morning? It may have followed you home.

[TrekDianna]

That's how I ended up with a Dolce a couple of weeks ago. I just went in for a part... Have you looked out your front door yet this morning? It may have followed you home.

It's not there. The bad thing is that I could actually justify it. I've even been enabled by my partner who "liked" the idea on my facebook post about it. GAH, willpower.