ChristinaK

Shopping, and looking for advice.

Background: Chicago woman, 5'9", 170. Want to take cycling up for fitness, lakeside pleasantries, but also to participate in a charity ride I've been invited to ride in next summer (two days, 200 miles).

After checking out several LBS options and test-riding several bikes, I'm torn between the 2013 Jamis Coda Sport and the 2013 Raleigh Cadent FT2. I really like both bikes (although I'd need to change saddles on the Cadent). Thanks to "end of the model year" sales, they're both in my price range (ideally under $500, tolerable at $600.

Any thoughts on the supremacy of one over the other? I've ridden both a couple times ( as well as a few alternatives) and these are the two that really seem to suit my frame.

Thanks in advance!

AdelaaR

Welcome to the forum.
Personally I wouldn't want to ride a hundred miles a day on any of those bikes.
Have you ever done such a thing before?
What is your age, fitness level and ability or desire to ride in a more aggressive position?
Have you considered or had any experience with an actual road bike?
Out of those two, looking at the components, I believe the Raleigh is the better bike.

Notgrownup

They are nice bikes but with the distances you are indicating, it looks to me like you would need more of an endurance bike... like a Dolce for example...You might find a leftover...
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik.../dolce-compact

I started earlier this year with a Hybrid and after a month i switched to a road bike and to me it's a lot more comfortable for even 25 mile rides so i can't imagine doing 100 plus miles on a hybrid...this is my opinion only so take it or leave it but give yourself the option...If you have a performance bike around you can get a good deal there ....look at the geometry of the Dolce, it's like the Roubaix...it's designed for distance. You can always put a stem riser if the bars are not high enough...That is what i did to my CAAD8...

WestPablo

+1

A road bike would be more ideal for century riding. That said however, I have seen my share of performance hybrids doing centuries, as well. Drop handle bars allow you to have more hand positions. Also, while in the drops, you can assume a more aerodynamic position for greater speed.

Save up about $400 more and get a Giant Defy, a Jamis Quest Sport, or a Raleigh Revenio.

ChristinaK

Thank you for the suggestions so far. I'm 46, moderately good shape (lots of running/romping with the dog, some yoga). The ride next summer is not a race, and I really don't enjoy pure road bikes -- you can consider that a vestige of growing up on a horse ranch, but I just don't like the positioning. The budget is a hard limit.

otg 

I've got a Coda Comp, very nice and comfortable bike. Never had any problems with it.

memebag

I haven't done a century on my hybrid (yet), but several people tell me it's a reasonable thing to try. I do 30 or 40 miles on mine (a Giant Escape City) and feel like I could go a lot farther if I had more time.

caffein8ed

I've been riding a 2013 Jamis Coda Sport since early September. It performs perfectly, and I've found it to be a very comfortable ride. Granted, I haven't taken it for any 100 mile trips yet, but for three 35-ish mile excursions and about a dozen more at 20+ miles, it hasn't been anything but a pleasure to ride.

kashride

Have you also tried Trek FX series? 7.2 FX should be around your budget. Or perhaps a used road bike? Multiple hand positions on a road bike is a good idea for comfort reasons during your century ride. Keep us posted on the choice you make. It'll be fun no matter what you decide!

CbadRider

I did 70-mile rides on my Trek FX when I had it and didn't have any issues. You won't go as fast on a hybrid compared to a road bike, but if the bike fit is good and you're comfortable you shouldn't have a problem doing 100 miles.

browngw 

My Giant Cypress (2010) has done 100km (62miles) on numerous occasions. The seat required a change to a narrower type and rack and fenders and bar ends were added for different hand positions. I also changed the pedals to SPD/flat and can ride clipless or street shoe. In newer bikes, check out some of the fitness models. They are sort of flat bar road bikes.

ChristinaK

Thanks folks! Yes, I did try a Trek and it and the Cannondale Quick were in my second rank... I liked them, but not as much as neither really felt "me" as much as the Jamis Coda Sport and the Cadent. (First thing I learned as a lurker when I started shopping a month ago? Get on the bikes and ride. )

Anyone have any thoughts if I took the Cadent down a notch, to the 2013 FT1 or FT0? Those are much the same price as the Coda Sport; the LBS is getting a little squiggly on price (now he's asking $675 on the FT2), but they do provide/install a kickstand, reflectors and water bottle cage, all of which I'd want to add to the Jamis Sport.

WestPablo

I like the Coda!

rumrunn6

you might also be able to find a nice used Trek FX. I got 2 this summer for son & wifey, just be sure to get the right size! they both love theirs.

you might need a 15" but here are some 17.5" to look at
https://chicago.craigslist.org/search...xAsk=&hasPic=1
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik/4112804920.html