RoadWearier

The website is hard to read on my phone. You'd think they'd have a mobile version in 2024! Here are my wants/needs

Light as possible
Somewhat road bike / athletic position (think trek fx 7.3)
Don't need disc brakes
Don't need clipless pedals
Don't want front suspension forks
Really would like to keep it under $600
Prefer carbon forks or maybe quality steel

Give. Those parameters are there any good ones on bike direct?
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Russ Roth

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products...disc-elite.htm
Probably the closest to what you're looking for, they claim its comparable to the trek fx3 but take that with a large container of salt, there's good reasons why the FX3 skates in at 1000 on sale right now while the BD doesn't though maybe the 400 isn't worth the differences for you. The FX3 has a better component line in general with its 2x10 shifting and wider range cassette vs BD's 3x8sp. 3x8 can be nice but the mix of altus and tourney isn't great compared to the 10sp deore level parts. Both have disc brakes, both are shimano's and I think its a toss on which is better, same with the hubs, the BD has lighter shimano hubs that are, imo, better than the formula hubs so many companies seem to rely on. However the BD is a steel fork and I suspect a heavy one at that compared to the FX's carbon fork. And while they're both aluminum framed I'd suspect there's a good difference in frame weight, from the choice of tubing butting, dimensions, and version of aluminum used. Neither has suspension or clipless.

I've only bought one BD bike, and the result was unimpressive value wise. The bike is heavy and chunky, my previous 4130 steel frame used a 26.4 seatpost while the BD uses 25.0 meaning thicker, less well thoughout tubing for the purpose of the bike. But at the end of the day I really like the bike, it isn't my primary bike but its fun to ride all around the city, it handles really well, feels really stable and has all day comfort. You want to think trek FX3, I'd just go get one. I've built hundreds of them over the years and there's a reason why its a well known bike, they're just a great value for what you get. You want something basic the BD bike linked above is about the best you'll get for under 600, it'll be better than anything coming out of a department store, and better than the typical bike at my local Dick's sporting goods, and it'll probably be a decent ride but don't expect light.

Steve B.

Don't need disc brakes

Get them anyway, it’s pretty much standard, would be harder to find rim brakes. It’s the future,

Don't need clipless pedals

New bikes don’t come with clipless pedals, you have to buy

Don't want front suspension forks

Dont get a mt bike

Really would like to keep it under $600

Keep looking

Prefer carbon forks or maybe quality steel

On a road bike, carbon might be the only choice.

Agree, web searching for this is hard on a phone. Get a tablet or laptop or borrow,

travbikeman

EDIT: **Noticed the OP has bought a bike. Still leaving the links below in case anyone finds it useful......JUST IN CASE GUYS!

There are a few, I listed two of them below, along with other ideas in your price range. Keeping a new bike under $600 and light, might be too much to ask for. Although, what one person considers light, others call heavy.

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products...tbar-bikes.htm


https://www.bikesdirect.com/products...atbar-road.htm


https://www.bikesonline.com/2024-pol...rban-city-bike


https://www.poseidonbike.com/product...44113675288804
-Sign up for the email promotions and get a $100 off of your bike purchase.

https://www.konaworld.com/products/d...41030032982060
-Search local shops online if they have any in stock

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/escape-3-2022

***One of these days I'm going to start a service that charges a fee to search for bikes for under a posters prerequisites.

shelbyfv

You won't be able to buy a BD bike and flip it for more than you paid. Best to stick with garage sales, FB and CL.

RoadWearier

Not trying to flip this one.

RoadWearier

Thanks! Do you think any of those are better than the Raleigh Cadent 2 I just bought. It has an aluminum frame, Altus Components. Other than the disc brakes, I guess

Looks like the first has Claris. Is Altus better than Claris?

travbikeman

This Claris might shift quicker than your older Altus. Altus has been one of the more affordable mountain bike/hybrid der that only works with flat bar shifters. Where as Claris is more road oriented and can be setup with drop bars or flatbars. I would doubt you would see a huge difference between the two.

I would more compare geometry on the bikes and check if you believe one would fit you better than your Raleigh. If they are not much different, then save the money and keep the Raleigh. The components from Shimano Altus (Claris) through Alivio (Sora), are only slightly different with 8 to 9 speeds and how they shift.

Hope that helps!

RoadWearier

I wasn't aware that Alivio is comparable to Sora. That's good to know. I've been happy with the Sora line in the past.