jojoflex12

Hey everyone!
I am new to the bike world with the vast majority of brands and types of bikes and would sincerely appreciate any and all feedback. I apologize if my inquiry has been addressed elsewhere, and if it has, I would appreciate if anyone can direct me to the appropriate thread.

I am in the market for a hybrid bike, with the intent of using it for hilly street rides and general cruising/commuting. As such, I have come across the following bicycles and would appreciate thoughts and/or alternative recommendations. My budget for the bike would be $500.

1) Vilano diverse 3.0
2) Retrospec Atlas Fitness step through vs. Harper 7 commuter bike
3) Schwinn discover hybrid bike

Thanks in advance for your thoughts/recommendations!

Trav1s

Can you up the budget a bit? The Marin hybrid line looks nice and my LBS is impressed with the entire Marin line.

https://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/use/hybrid

https://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/2022-presidio-1

Sardines

@ $500, I would look at the 2nd hand market so you can get a "better" bike. They often come with racks and other accessories which are usually add ons in new purchases.

t2p

good advice

and not uncommon to find barely used bikes in great shape

Slowkevin

The Mongoose grit is very nice but yeah the Trek dual sport or FX isn't too much more. I have a Specialized crosstrail and the Nishiki Anasazi from Dick's sporting goods is nearly identical and goes for as cheap as $300 sometimes (currently $500). The Specialized Sirrus are also nice but watch out for recalls on the cranks and suspension stems.

jojoflex12

Thanks for all of the feedback, much appreciated!

What are y'all thoughts about the Trek FX 1?

Slowkevin

It's overpriced in my opinion. The Mongoose I posted or the Anasazi (https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p...nshknsz15xxdsb) with disc brakes are better. Everything on that bike is low end like the Mongoose - the Anasazi has a better drive train along with the disc brakes. This Schwinn is specced like the FX with a similar low-end drive train but has disc brakes for only $299: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-K...e-red/55376960.

On the low-end, the big brand bikes aren't worth it at all, a bike with rim brakes and a 7-speed is very low end. The FX1 disc is a better option with its 8-speed drive train but still a bit overpriced compared to the newer Walmart bikes. But yeah if you want to support your local bike store the trek FX1 disc is a decent bike! (my choice would be the Nishiki if you can get it on sale, I got one for a friend for $350 on sale).

probikeoffroad

Everyone has an opinion about hybrid bikes and how great they are. However, if you’re looking for an affordable, trustworthy, and well-maintained hybrid bike, I recommend you best Hybrid bike under $300.

Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bike

Vilano City Hybrid Bike

Kent International Hybrid Bicycles

Fricke Comfort Adult Hybrid Bike

boozergut

My cycling partner bought a used Trek multi track 3 years ago. He's never had to adjust the shifting or do anything to the bike. He paid $300 for it.

Consider a quality used bike.