jsp21

I recently went on a very nice bicycling trip on the Cape Cod Rail Trail. I rented a Jamis Citizen 2.0 bicycle and enjoyed riding it. My brother used a GT Nomad and I also had a chance to ride that as well. I am looking to spend under $500 (Ideally closer to $400). I am seriously considering trying to get a Jamis Citizen 2.0 but then heard about 3.0 model and also was just thinking about the GT Nomad as well.

I am new to bicycling and will be using the bike primarily on paved roads and occasional light trails in the Boston area. Let me know what you think or if you have any other suggestions for models to consider.

Thank you very much!

camjr

You have a lot of choices in your price range. Fuji and Giant both make good offerings with good components you might check out. You can still find some new 2013 models at steep discounts (I bought a new 2013 Fuji Absolute 2.1 a little over a week ago at Performance Bicycles, a national chain). Look at the Escape line from Giant as well.

WestPablo

How tall are you?

Clyde1820

I've been recently looking, after having not sought a new bike in 15+ years.

One that has caught my eye is the Giant Escape City (W/women's, or men's). It's MSRP $550, but you can typically find it well under $500. Seems to be a good value, with a triple crank, reasonable components, rack + fenders.

The Giant Rove 3 might also suit you. It's roughly similar to the Escape series, but with a suspension shock/fork, less city rack/fenders of the Escape City.



I've also ridden the Jamis Commuter 3. Decent bike, for the category. Mine wasn't fit very well, as it was the only one on the floor to test ride, but otherwise it seemed fine. The JC 3 had a Shimano Nexus 7spd internal hub, full fenders, rear rack. The 3 will be above $600 (MSRP $750), but the 2 will be around $500.

Consider the Trek Allant 7 as well, if the Jamis Commuter suits you. Similar format. The "top" trim model in the line is north of $600 MSRP, but you might find it quite a bit less. All have fenders. The top trim has a rack, better components.

Personally, in this "commuter" category, my strong preference is for the Breezer Uptown series of bikes. They're heavier, by quite a bit generally, but IMO the ride quality and feel is a step up. Feels more solid, more stable, less "buzz." Up through the 2007 model year, it was the "old" Breezer company, though they've been owned by others since 2008. Nice line-up of bikes, though. Uptown, Uptown Fleet, Downtown. Depending on your pricing, which components/gearing you want. All are configured for the city/commuting type usage, with fenders, rear rack. These have been around awhile, too. You can generally find several on Craigslist or eBay at any given time, for sub-$500.


Which particular model and frame size depends on your height, leg length, whether you want a standard frame shape, a step-over/thru design, etc.

NormanF

Spend a little more and the best value now is REI's Novara Divano which is on sale. Its a classic country bike that can take fatter tires, racks and has a relaxed frame geometry. If you're looking for a bike you can ride on hard pack and on the pavement, this is one bike to consider. Its a do it all bike and its hard to beat for sheer value as a commuter bike. You can spend more and you can spend less but this is a perfect starter bike that will do nearly everything you ask of it.

jsp21

I am 5' 9"

WestPablo

In that case, take the Muirwoods 29er from Amazon:

The Marin Muirwoods 29er at 17" @ $450

Amazon.com : 2013 Marin MUIRWOODS 29er xx.x" Urban Commuter Road Bike Shimano 8s Disc NEW : Sports & Outdoors

BaseGuy

Sure. My hybrid is excellent, and is worth way less than $500. Here's the formula:

1) Find a decent, 1990s steel mountain bike with a rigid fork (no suspension) that fits you. (Mine's a 1997 Specialized Rockhopper, but an old Trek, Cannondale, or anything decent will do.) Don't pay more than $125.

2) Swap the tires out for 26" x 1.25" slicks that allow 95psi max. Got mine from Nashbar on sale for $12 each. This setup is great for roads and rail-trails, including fine gravel trails. If you do wet grass or mud, not so much.

If you ride in mud or coarser gravel, I like bigger slicks or very lightly treaded tires. I've now got 2.4" urban tires with a very light tread. They are great for bombing around down-town Pittsburgh, and deal with broken concrete and potholes well, but still offer way lower rolling resistance and better grip than knobbies. (They weigh a ton, though, and are much slower to spin up from a stop.)

3) Ride it a bunch. You'll find out if you want more of a mountain bike, or maybe a real road bike. And you can sell it in a year for the same money you paid for it, maybe a bit more if you cleaned it up a bit.

SolRayz

I just purchased a Trek 7.2 FX and really love it. Could not justify paying much more than $550, although I've seen it for sale for $499 at a cyclery shop here in Fort Lauderdale. At the end of the day though, I ended up spending more on accessories.

Italia1970

Hi,

I highly recommend looking at used bikes. You can get a bike that was $1000 a couple years ago for $500 now.

You get better components at the same price.

Vexxer

You should rather easily be able to find a used bike at your height on Craigslist... I see dozens of them that would fit you every day (yes, I troll Craigslist)... But there is a downside to used bikes... No warranty. If you would prefer something you know will not cost you a ton more in repairs, I would recommend The Giant Escape series... they have two bikes under your price range.. the Escape 3 and Escape 2. The Giant Roam series also I believe has a bike your could afford if you want front suspension.

Copper_head

Heads up, today Performance Bicycle online store has new 2013 Fuji Absolute 1.3 for $584.00 - I used a coupon code as well I M B A 1 5 ... gave me another $15.00 off. I've been looking for weeks and this is the best value I've found so I jumped on it.

VTBike

I'm a huge fan of my Scott Sub 40. It's a great rail trail bike that also excels in an urban environment.

This also seems to be a good bike for your purposes:
https://www.rei.com/product/872108/ma...2013-overstock

And, like you, I got hooked after renting a bike on the Cape Cod Rail Trail.

B2mac

My wife bought a Breezer Greenway LX. It has a carbon front fork and deore derailleur for $575.

jsp21

fyi, I went with the Giant Escape 3 in the end and I have been quite happy!

NormanF

Congratulations on your new acquisition! Enjoy the ride.