Any suggestions???

[AJH]

Hi All,

I am a 5ft tall woman looking for a hybrid bike or flat-bar road bike. I've tried the Specialized Vita and like the fit but haven't been on anything else and am thinking I should check out other options, if there are good ones. Anybody have any recs? Anything to say about the Vita? I plan to commute around Brooklyn neighborhoods and also take the bike out to more open roads for a few hours at a time.

Thanks In Advance ...

[ilima]

You might also check out Trek & Bianchi.

The Bianchi Strada comes to mind, at least if they still make it. Comes in a 44cm. Kinda heavy (just sold mine), but it's good old steel so going to be more comfortable than an aluminum bike.
http://www.bianchiusa.com/07_strada.html

The Torino and Monza look similar to the Specialized Vita.
http://bianchiusa.com/08_cross_terrain.html

Trek's 7.X series is also similar to the Vita. Here's the 7.3 FX WSD.
http://www.trekbikes.com/women/wsd_p..._path/73fxwsd/

[tulip]

I like Jamis bikes. Don't know about the small sizes though.

Try out a bunch and see which is most comfortable.

[elk]

you might want to take a look at the Terry site they also have a board with used Terrys for sale...they are specifically for women and especially smaller women...they're lovely bikes.

http://www.terrybicycles.com/trade/i...ml?browse=sell

[HillSlugger]

Jamis Coda. It comes in a 14 or 15" and there's a wsd version, too. I love mine. The Sport model is the same price as the Vita and has better components.

[elk]

I LOVE LOVE my Jamis

[Zen]

you know I have to chime in and shamelessly plug the Trek 7.FX series

[elk]

i love that picture of your bike Zen...she looks so ....organic!! like a packhorse resting for awhile...

[AJH]

Thanks to everyone who's chimed in. To be honest, it's a little overwhelming for me! Would you say that many of the bikes (in the same class) are actually similar and the choice is based on personal preference for fit (or appearance or even availability)? Or, asked as a first-time purchaser, is there a significant difference among them or something I should be looking for when I make these comparisons? Thanks again.

[HillSlugger]

Thanks to everyone who's chimed in. To be honest, it's a little overwhelming for me! Would you say that many of the bikes (in the same class) are actually similar and the choice is based on personal preference for fit (or appearance or even availability)? Or, asked as a first-time purchaser, is there a significant difference among them or something I should be looking for when I make these comparisons? Thanks again.

Fit is most important. However, component level shouldn't be ignored. If the budget allows I would recommend trying to get at least Shimano Tiagra derailleurs; they'll shift better than Sora.

[Zen]

make a list of what's been recommended and go ride them.
That will likely narrow it down.
And you might discover a bike that hasn't even been mentioned.

[AJH]

Thanks. I haven't seen a lot of these near me and wonder how much distributors/availability depends on geography...and how out of my way I should go. I was also told it's pretty important to have a relationship with a bike dealer in your neighborhood.

[rij73]

Hi fellow Brooklynite! I have a friend looking into getting a bike for zipping around town. I suggested she look at flat-bar road bikes. Seems to be the consensus here as well. I can tell you as a resident of Park Slope, that it's the best kind of bike for around here. Good for laps in Prospect Park too when you feel like exercising. After I rode a flat-bar road bike for a few months, I got really interested in biking and got more of a racing bike. I miss that flat-bar, though, as it really is more suited for tooling around the neighborhood.

For a first bike, I would keep it in the $500-$600 range. For that price, it will be a bike you can really enjoy riding but won't be overkill for your purposes. Among the well established brands we are all recommending, you can't really go wrong in the sense of quality. I believe it is more about personal preference and getting a bike that is carried by your closest bike shop so you can establish a good relationship with them for when you need service.

Here is the email I sent to my friend:

The best bikes for city riding are what are known as "flat bar road bikes". These have handlebars similar to what you've got now, but in all other ways they are more like a road racing bike. They are lighter weight (under 30 pounds) and faster than what you have (a mountain bike). You don't need any suspension for the city, just a rigid bike. You would want an aluminum one rather than steel (for weight). Here is a list of really good bikes that fit the bill. Before I got my current bike I had a flat-bar bike that I loved. I wish I hadn't sold it because it was great for running errands around the city. The bike I have now is too nice for that kind of thing, so it's just for exercise.

Trek 7.2 FX $520: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/road/fx/72fx/
Giant FCR3 $520: http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...ad/1244/29286/
Scott Sportster P6 $350: http://scottusa.com/product/74/699/sportster_p6
Jamis Allegro 1 $545: http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/...8allegro1.html
Cannondale Road Warrior 4 $550: http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/cusa/model-8HR4.html
Specialized Sirrus $590: http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32215

All of these bikes come in more expensive versions as well. I gave you links to the most basic model of each. With bikes (like everything) you get what you pay for. So... if you think you will get seriously into biking, you might want to spend a bit more. If you are not sure how much you'll ride, get a basic model. All these bikes are from really good brands and will be very solid. The prices quoted are suggested retail, so you can probably do better. You might call around to local bike shops and ask what they have in the way of flat bar road bikes. If they have a couple in your price range, go test ride. That's really how you'll get a feel for what is out there and also for what feels like a good fit. It's important to test ride a bike before buying. Also, definitely buy from a bike shop. The bikes they sell are much better than what you can get in bigger department stores, and they usually include some service. It will make for a better, safer bike. Use my list as a starting point so they know what kind of bike you are looking for. There are a few other good brands, though. Whatever you do, make sure the bike isn't much heavier than 25 pounds. Definitely stay under 30.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[AJH]

that's great! thanks. do you happen to have a good bike shop rec? i am in gowanus. i went into R&A on 5th Ave and the guy there kinda turned me off. have been meaning get to the place on Union near the co-op. and went into a place on 7th Ave near 13th street but their inventory didn't work for me at the time of my visit.

[tulip]

I prefer the ride of steel over aluminum--by a long shot. Jamis bikes are steel. Don't know about the others.

Ride a bunch and see what you like.