Mnhunt85

Hi guys I'm new here and am starting to look into getting a hybrid bike for going to work and going on trails around town. If like to keep it around the 500 dollor mark could go over some. My main question is there much difference I'm bike in the price range? Like the trek to the specialized and ect brands. I have no idea what to look for as I've only had cheap walmart bikes. Thanks for any help

Jaeger99

At any given price point, the major manufacturers are offering competitive choices. Step one is figuring out what type of bike you want. Even within the Hybrid category you can find some examples that are more road-oriented and some more off-road oriented. After that it's a matter of finding a bike that just looks and feels right. Test ride a bunch of different examples and you will find one or two that stand out for you. After that, get yourself properly fit, and leave something in the budget for accessories.

You can go cross-eyed comparing specs of a dozen bikes, but the hair-splitting differences likely matter less than finding the one just feels the best rolling under you. For me, that was the Trek FX. For you, it might be something else.

Italia1970

I would also consider used bikes at that price range.

You can get last years bike used on craigslist for $500 that were $1000 in the store last year.

Trek, Specialized, Giant are some of the big names...............

I got a practically brand new $2000 bike that got road a few times and they guy didnt like it for $900 that was one year old.

It pays to look around...........

Also if you buy used, you can ride it a year or 2 and sell it for about what you paid for it.

This will let you figure out what you like or dont, you can then resell and get your money back to buy what you really want after you get some experience.

MRT2

Fortunately, $500 is a good price point. Lost of worthy choices at that price point. Not a huge difference quality wise between the major brands, but the bikes themselves are somewhat different. Some are more comfort oriented, others a bit more sporty. Get what fits best, and what suits your riding style.

NormanF

$500 seems to be the sweet budget mark for a good every day bike. Most people don't want to drop a grand on a bike and its already a significant financial investment.

Wanderer

Look at the Specialized Sirrus, Trek FX, and Giant Escape. All similar, but you get more bike with a Giant

Also, Specialized Crosstrail, Trek DS, Giant Roam - again, you will likely get more bike for your dollar in the Giant line.

camjr

The Fuji Absolute line offers great value for quality as well.

Mnhunt85

Thanks for the replys. The giant bikes look nice also. They have some very cheap models for the escape 3 &2. How do they compare to the trex fx2

fietsbob

Test ride any yet?

syncro87

Given the criteria of new bike and $500 and what you want to do with it, the Novara Buzz and Jamis Coda Sport come to mind as bikes I'd try to seek out and take a look at. Others have already mentioned some more mainstream candidates which are also great options.

Mnhunt85

Well after trying out a few I went with the trex fx2 ! It was very nice ridding!

Jaeger99

Congratulations and happy riding.

alexaschwanden

Have fun.

Italia1970

What made you decide the FX2?

Mnhunt85

It just felt good to me. I like how it handled

Wanderer

Two PERFECT reasons.