I'm looking at getting a new hybrid/fitness/dual sport/whatever bike to go with the RV. It'll be used on rail trails (generally flattish, hard pack surfaces, some mud and loose gravel), dirt roads, asphalt. No crazy downhills or single track (at high speeds anyway). My last bike was a Cannondale Quick 4, which I found a little stiff. I gather at this price point, most bikes are going to be similar.

Question:
With that said, which manufacturer would you go to first?

Choices:
Trek
Cannondale
Specialized
Giant

 

I have a Specialized Sirrus Elite that I’m a big fan of. Also, previously had a Trek FX model bike. Prefer the Specialized but for my uses, either one would serve me well. At the time I bought my bike, I think the Specialized was a better value for the money. This was back in 2016 so things may have changed.

No “other” vote...

I’m thinking about getting back into riding again, this caught my eye. Fuji Nevada 1.9. It has what I’m looking for: front suspension, available 29” wheels, disc brakes. It’s gotten good reviews from what I have read. Price is awesome, but you do have to put it together.

https://www.nashbar.com/fuji-b...819/p977079?v=945037

In researching road bikes I found a manufacturer with very competitive prices, and they build off-road bikes too. Tommaso bikes. They claim they sell online only, net.scuttlebutt seems to be pretty positive.

Cannondale gets my vote, but much like a 'what gun should I buy' it's pretty user specific.
I'd say find a larger LBS & test them each to see what fits you best.

I remember a guy I rode with set up extended test rides of a few ($6k+ range bikes). He'd had a Cannondale before, but said the SuperSix EVO was like riding a concrete truck with how stiff it was. He ended up with a Cervelo IIRC.

I voted Canondale. Take a look at the Topstone Sora gravel bike.

I would vote Specialized only because that's where I have first hand experience. That being said, I have a Trek as well for which the frame is better (lighter, cleaner welds, etc) than the Specialized but I don't like the parts.

I would look at frame for each vendor but a bigger influence may be what parts they use. I prefer Shimano parts (especially mid/upper level) and would lean toward that. I don't care much for the SRAM stuff. YMMV.

Ive got twin trek and one Specialized hybrids. Both are great. For $600-800, you should be able to purchase a great hybrid

Long time Canondale guy but when I wanted a new ride I was drawn to the Giant Anyroad. Bigger bang for the buck component wise in an an aluminum frame bike.

I love my specialized mountain bike, my only complaint is if you really get on it you skip a toothy on the sprocket sometimes. Probably more a symptom of being in too low of gear,

I have a trek DS2 and a Giant carbon road bike. Either one are great brands. Trek DS2 seems great for your purpose or the Giant Roam.

Digging through the specs/prices, I'm coming up with this....

Trek Dual Sport 3: $800 + tax - highest level of components, using Shimano Alivio and Acera. Not sure about the SR Suntour NEX HLO shock. Considering the riding I want to do, not sure this is even an issue.

Fezzari Lone Peak: $660 delivered - as noted elsewhere, pure mid-level, Shimano Altus everywhere. The SR Suntour XCT shock seems to be universally degraded, but again, may not even matter.

Specialized Pitch Comp: $725 + tax - mix of Shimano Altus and Acera stuff with a SunRace cassette. SR Suntour XCM fork which is better regarded than the XCT.

Giant Roam 2 Disk: $645 + tax - All Shimano Acera/Altus stuff, NEX fork. Oddly enough, favorite bike of the LDS missionaries. LOL

I can't find a Cannondale that really speaks to me. I'm hopefully going to see some Trek and Specialized bikes tomorrow. Money being no object, I think I'd just get the Trek, the Specialized is not all that appealing to me. I think I've talked myself out of the Lone Peak. The Giant looks like the best mix of price and parts, though I'm not a big fan of how they put a cover over the cables. Looks kinda jakey. No local dealers carry them either.

Allen, at these price points, I would go to a local bike shop with cash in hand and pull the trigger. You've got lots of options across many brands that will suite you just fine.

BTW, I was in Huntington and Barbourville, WV earlier this week. Then we headed into Kentucky (Prestonburg, Martin, Hyden, Corbin, Slade). Beautiful area.

All of those choices would be great. I have the DS2 and it is great. I have heard amazing things about the roam as well. See what your local bike shop sells and go with that. They will do free tune ups in the first year if you buy with them. Also may be a prior year version on clearance.

Probably not critical but may want to consider 29" as second order influence.

It may just be my imagination but while I enjoy my standard size bike, I think my 29" bike makes it a little easier to smooth out bumpy trails and also makes it easier to go up hill on loose trails (in terms of traction, not necessarily effort).

But it's not as agile as my standard bike.

I had a Trek FX 7.6, and really liked it. I later bought a 7.9, which is the carbon framed version of the same bike, with upgraded components. I really like it also!

Poke around on this site. Its all used but some really great deals.

theproscloset.com

Very easy! None of the above.


https://www.biketiresdirect.com/

Editing my post as I re-read your first post.

More specifically this one.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/pro.../elite_adventure.htm

A box will arrive via ups, you can do some basic assemble or get it assembled at your LBS for fairly cheap.


Oh and look to spend at least $150 on a helmet!

https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu...-helmet-ratings.html

I have really enjoyed my Giant Roam 2 for the past 5 years. You get a lot of bike for the price.

Have given Giant ~$15k in the last 3 months...