Want to add a hybrid

[mary ann]

Thanks, I appreciate the responses! I considered the Ariel as well, but haven't seen much written on it.

[Blueberry]

I have to echo the cross bike recommendation. Lots of the best things about hybrids (wider tires, some can take fenders for wet weather, definitely able to handle gravel/dirt roads), but with drop bars (which I, like you, prefer). I also expect that since you are used to riding a nice road bike, you might be more comfortable on one. I am also definitely more comfortable over longer distances on one.

Salsa Vaya is a good recommendation, as are some of the bikes by Kona (the Jake line, but I don't know if they have fender mounts), Trek Crockett, Surly Straggler (I own this one) - lots of good ones out there!

[Sky King]

Chiming in on the Surly Straggler. They are changing color again so the cool sparkle purple is going away Also a Surly Disc Trucker is amazing for what you are mentioning

[mary ann]

These are great suggestions, thank you! Yes I'd like to stay under 1k.

[mary ann]

Just a follow up, I went out to a Cannondale dealer, my Trek dealer, and the local Specialized dealer. I looked at the cyclocrosses at Specialized, but they are really a bit more than I wanted to spend. Talked with my Trek dealer and he thought, from what I described, I'd be spending more than I wanted for what I wanted to do with it. I had opportunities to try the Specialized Ariel and the Vita bikes, liked them both, and I thought if I could meld the two, they'd be perfect. The Ariel had meatier tires but it did not feel comfortable in proportion to my body. The Vita was very nice, but the tires were more road bike-ish and the dealer told me that riding on dirt roads, as I would like to be able to do would steer me toward the Ariel, not the Vita. The Vita felt more comfortable than the Ariel, but still not perfect. Both seemed well priced.

Choices, choices. Ran over to the Trek dealer, asked about the Neko SL. Had meatier tires, which I liked. Nice and light. Sat on it--and it fit like a glove. Ordered a 2016, comes in next week.

Yay!!!

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the input, it helped immensely.

Mary Ann

[mary ann]

I picked her up today--I will take a photo and post. I took her on a maiden 12 mile ride and she really rode beautifully. Lots of fun to ride, in a different way than my Lexa (which I also love). Really happy with it.

[ny biker]

Very nice. Enjoy!!