msalvetti

I am in the market for a new bike, and I think i want a fitness hybrid. When the weather improves I'll be up around 200 miles/month. I was originally planning on a Trek FX3, but it's not a good fit, and I'm not keen on the 10-speed they come with now.

I am not an easy fit - I am 6'-2", but I only have a 31.5" inseam. A medium FX3 is too small, but the standover height of a large is too high. I crunch on it.

This limits my choices. I've seen a lot of positive comments about Canyon, so I went to their website. The Pathlite and the Roadlite seem to be what I'm looking for, but when I enter my height and inseam, I get this message:

Something's not right. We can’t ensure a good fit because we didn’t design the bike for the height and inner leg length you entered. If you're sure these measurements are accurate you could consider buying a different seatpost or try out your measurements on a different model.

But if I enter my measurements on a woman's Pathlight or Roadlite, I get a fit (a large) and the standover height is fine (even though they are not step-through).

Since I can't easily test ride, I'm hesitant. What issues might I encounter buying a woman's model? I should also mention that I weigh 255 lbs, and the limit on the Canyon models (including the men's bikes) is 265 lbs. So that has me concerned as well. Add fenders, water, an emergency kit, and the winter riding gear I wear now, and I'll be pretty close to the limit.

This weekend I will also be checking out a Trek FX4 Sport in large that is in stock nearby. Weight limit on this bike is 300 lbs. The FX4 Sport actually has a lower top tube than the FX3 so the standover height is OK, and if i like it I'll probably buy it. But the Canyons seem to be a better value for the money (at least in aluminum, the FX4 seems to be a bargain when compared to other carbon bikes).

Given my situation (including weight), do you think a woman's Canyon is a bad idea?

Thanks in advance,

Mark

poiuyt

It's a tough one. On taking a "women's" bike vs a "men's", no reserve, especially if the Canyon has explicitly excluded your combination height/inseam. Except for the frame, differences are quite minimal: at best saddle and grips, but it's not the case with these bikes, judging by the spec sheet. The other components are identical.

Now regarding the data points you give:
- you consider the Pathlite and the Roadlite acceptable, so I'd assume that your off-road needs are very limited.
- price point around 1000€/$, so it will be the Roadlite 5 or Pathlite 5
- weight

Short version, I'd go for a Trek FX Sport.

You didn't explain what you don't like with FX 3 transmission, but it sits right in the middle when comparing it to the Roadlite and Pathlite (FX 3: 40T chainring, 11/46 cassette; Roadlite: 46T chainring, 11/42 cassette, Pathlite: 32T chainring, 11/51 cassette). In term of range, if it's 'too slow', then the Pathlite should be excluded and if it's 'too fast' then the Roadlite should be excluded. If it's because it's a 10 speed, it's much less of an issue than an inadequate range.

To mitigate "against the weight", a solution would be to take the Pathlite, that is rated for rougher terrain and that needs to be sturdier. Given the other bikes you mention your usage will be more on the road, so it will be then used below its design spec. But I doubt that its transmission will be adequate to be used dominantly on the road, as it will be quite slow (its max ratio will be comparable to the FX3 on an imaginary sprocket that sits between the 2nd and 3rd sprocket). To have ratios that are comparable to the FX with a Pathlite, the Pathlite 6/7 is the only option, but is more expensive (36T chainring, 10/51 cassette). The value for money is still good, as you'll have a more versatile bike, but it's more expensive.

So to me, it looks like the Canyon "5" are more specialised than the Trek despite having better components, but given you hesitate between the two, and middle choice would be a safer option. And buying a bike from a shop also has advantages in term of service if something goes wrong, or if you want to try it.

msalvetti

Thanks for your comments. You are correct, I am always on pavement. I wasn't sure I would like the wider spaced gears of the 10-speed. My Mongoose is a 21-speed, but I am almost always in the top seven gears. If I plot out the gear inches, the FX 3 would have five gears across the range where I currently use seven. The FX 4 Sport has six.

It ended up not mattering once I was able to sit on the FX 3 frame, the top tube is just too tall. I will probably go with the Trek and not the Canyon. I'm more comfortable with the weight limit, and prefer to buy from an LBS. Talked to them today, they actually have three. Going to check them out as soon as I get over this terrible cold I have (not Covid).

Mark

Sardines

The Canyon/Trek geometry is a lot about how they see priorities in the market. My kid bought an FX6 over the CF8/9 because of the geometry (and available stock and color), and had to deal with a lot more cost in installing a rear rack, which is not easy on most carbon hybrids, We were lucky our neighbor is a big Cube/Canyon fan so we could try the SL Road and Roadlite CF respectively.
Yes the standover is lower of the FXS series, but the stack is a bit higher. The wheelbase is also a bit longer.
Most importantly, the max weight rating is with the bike so with your weight, it's likely you'll be over with Canyon and most other carbon fitness bikes. So the Trek is the only one which can accommodate you. But I would suggest an Alu version of the FX and upgrade the components. The gearing on the FX4 Alu is to me a better spread for pavement, coming in 11-51t with 42t chain set vs 11-42 with 40t on the FXS4. The FX 4 Alu version has mounts for rear rack, and $800 differential in price, you can upgrade the components to even GRX810 or the wheelset even to compensate for the added 1.5kg.

msalvetti

Thanks. I have read your posts about your experiences with your daughter's FX6, and it definitely made me think. But I don't need a rear rack or panniers. The problem with the FX 4 is the same as all the other aluminum FX-series bikes - the standover height of the Large frame is too tall, and the Medium frame is too small.

I went looking for Cube bikes, but it looks like they are only in Europe? I realized I didn't know what country you lived in. Doesn't seem like a US option.

I've seen the complaints about the gear range of the FXS4, but it actually gives me a slightly higher gear than I have now with my Mongoose. I can do about 25 mph on the Mongoose, seems like the FXS4 is probably a little bit faster, and I really don't want to go any faster than that. I'll easily use 7 of the 11 gears based on what I use now. I can always change to a 42T or 44T if I feel the need, but I doubt I will.

I feel at this point I'm overthinking things. I'm just going to go with the FXS4 if I like the test ride, stop worrying, and just ride.

Mark

Sardines

Cube has dealers in the US. Just use the locate dealer on website. However, if you want an "official" 300lbs limit, then the only carbon bike makers who exclaim that out loud is Trek, and whispered by Giant. Personally I think it's more legality than structural, but obviously that's my stupid opinion. Actually I like the Giant FastRoad Advanced with the neat cabling system, rack and even kick stand mounts, makes it a great choice. I think it comes in a M/L and L, so the geometry may suit you more.

Polaris OBark

You are like a scaled-up version of me (5'9" with 29 to 30" inseam). The Canyon sizing configurator screams at me and says I must have made some sort of error inputting my measurements, because no one can have such short legs. It wants to put me on a small size bike, which means the reach will be too short.

My suggestion is to ignore their size recommendations and find one to try, or visit San Diego, if you can pull yourself away from a glorious Bostonian winter.

Alternatively, take the measurements off a bike that does fit you properly, and work from there.

In my case, a Trek with a sloping top tube fits me well. I had a custom bike made, and it turned out the dimensions are nearly the same as a 54cm Domane. I haven't tried the FX bikes, but it might be a similar situation.

msalvetti

I tend to strive for perfection, often to the detriment of just getting on with it. I'll pick something to pieces and anguish over little, often irrelevant details. I'm going to stop doing that in this bike search. After months waiting for these bikes to be in stock, I'm going to just try the FXS4 and if I like it then that's it. I could spend weeks looking for something better, but I just don't have time for that.

I've finally found an exercise routine that I will make time for, that I enjoy, and that is really good for me. I worked my way up to about 1600 miles last year, and my goal is 2,000 for 2022. I don't plan to be 250 lbs much longer, I expect to be down to 230 before the end of the year. I've done it before without the exercise.

Ride on.

Thanks everyone.

Sardines

That's a great goal, so best of luck in your endeavor. Biking is a great way to get fit without too much strain on the body.
Not to mess with your mind, but I really do suggest you look at the Giant FastRoad Advanced. I find it is better value (the wheels on them are just as horrible as the Trek), and the geometry may suit your body type better because of the extra M/L sizing. It has practicalities like a kick stand mount, which if you use your bike on the commute or for short rides to the cafe or store, it becomes an issue. Finding a place to prop up a carbon bike without damaging it is a pain. Good luck!

poiuyt

Being perfectionist in today's supply situation is also the best way to never have a bike. Bikes are evolutive machines, focusing on the frame is probably the best strategy, as you can always change the components as they wear and tend to the perfection you want. Given that you search in the segment of the market with the best value for money, combining upgrades with the replacement of worn components is reasonable in term of price (and flat bars are much more flexible in term of upgrades than drop bars, as brakes and shifting are separate).

msalvetti

I will actually be near a Giant dealer tomorrow, so I will check them out and see what is in stock. The FastRoad Advanced may be a better value, but it also costs $500 more than the Trek. However, since I was originally looking at an FX 3, the aluminum FastRoad bikes are probably worth a look and I could save quite a bit of money. You are right, the geometry of the ML and L sizes looks favorable.

I agree I would want a kickstand, I was planning on getting an Upstand if I got the carbon bike: https://upstandingbicycle.com/shop/the-upstand/

Thanks for the advice,

Mark

Sardines

I had the Upstand, which snapped a couple of times. It's only rated up to 26lbs, but my bike was 15lbs. The mount system puts quite a bit of torque at the neck of the CF stick, so if you have a bike which has a natural twist to the fronts (like the Trek FX), and park on any gradient, the resulting torque will wear down the CF. Check out the knock off Corki version, which is cheaper, but unfortunately just as fragile, if not more! I buy a few at a time for myself and my kid's FX. She's already broken 1, but she's a goof who overloads the bike and too lazy to unload before putting it on.
A proper kickstand mount may weigh 200+g, but is sturdier by far.
Another forum member, Masonchat , has both the SL and the FX, so he may be able to help you with your choices.

msalvetti

Checked out the Giant dealer. No FastRoads in stock, no ETA. But I did try on a Specialized Sirrus 4.0 that I think would fit me (the size chart suggested it would be too tall). The LBS with the Trek also carries Specialized, so maybe I'll be able to ride both from the same shop. Not today, it was pouring rain that ended as snow, and tomorrow will be cold and icy.

I think the Trek FX 4 Sport Carbon components are higher quality than are on the Specialized, but I'll probably go with whichever bike feels best.

Mark

Sardines

Yeah, I think you have to check the website to find a dealer who has the stock. Giant and other big companies have a weird system of stock allocation to dealers. My friend had to order from another retailer in another city, then made a day road trip to pick it up. Specialized has certain strengths but value for money isn't one of them.

msalvetti

Ah, got it. Apparently there is a large SL1 at a shop in downtown Boston near Kenmore Square, and the next nearest is 300 miles away in Pennsylvania. Seem to be more SL3s, there is a shop about 40 miles away that is suppose to have a large, next nearest are in CT or Queens, NY. The Giant website for some reason doesn't help you track down sizes below Large, they just say to contact your local dealer for availability. Odd.

I appreciate all the help and advice. I'll probably start with the LBS that is really local (Specialized and Trek), and if for some reason that doesn't work out consider checking out a Giant at the more distant shop.

Mark

Sardines

I suspect it's just no stock and the supply chain is affecting them as well. Then again, I think if a company is out of stock and the other big companies have stock, and all their products come from the same source country, then it's more of a popularity thing than just preference. haha

Nate8727

What about the FX in a Stagger model?

msalvetti

Yes, considered that. I just don't like how they look. If I'm going to spend $1k to $2K on a bike, it's going to be one I like the looks of as well. Not the primary driver, but it's up there. I'll admit that is another reason I like the Trek - I'm hoping I can get it in blue.

Mark

poiuyt

In the alternative suggestions, thinking about it, what about the Trek Dual Sport? It's similar to the FX but a bit more on the gravel side, and it share the same 300lbs weight limit. I'm suggesting it because the design of the frame is less horizontal, so the top tube is in a position that would be between a "normal" FX and a stagger one. You'll find a picture of mine here (it's a size L, for reference). Oh, and it's available in blue too.

msalvetti

Thanks! Yes, I considered a DS 3, which is in stock. I don't really have any trails nearby, but to have more versatility compared to the FX 4 Carbon was appealing. But it turned out the standover for the DS 3 is 80.8 cm, and the FX 4 Carbon is only 78.1 cm. Over an inch difference, and it turns out that would kill the deal.

I rode the FX 4 Carbon yesterday. Standover is barely enough - I was wearing my usual shoes and padded cycling shorts. I don't think I would be comfortable losing another inch.

So I bought the FX 4 Carbon! Pick it up today. Pretty happy with the LBS, but I thought I would get a break with accessories I bought at the same time. Nope. I also bought fenders to use for the next couple of months, and they wanted $40 to install them on top of the price of the fenders themselves. Is this typical when buying a new $2K bike?

Stock pedals are pretty lousy, and the dark aquatic/black carbon smoke color is much darker in person than it appears on their website (and my monitor is calibrated).

I have a bike stand and all the tools I need, so I'm going to install all the accessories I bought (bottle cages, fenders, bag) myself. Amazon delivers new pedals later today. And I need to move the lights over from my other bike until the spare Cygolite mounts arrive.

Just want to thank everyone for all the thoughtful advice in this thread. I really appreciate it.

Hopefully I'll get a ride in tomorrow (pouring rain today).

Thanks again,

Mark

Hzb431987

Do you mind if I ask what size did you get your Canyon? I’m 5’8, 29 inseam.

Polaris OBark

I got one for my kid (which he subsequently out-grew), but if I were to get one, it would have to be size small.

blinky

Can't offer much advice on the best option for you where sizing is a big factor - I'm 6'2" and 185lbs and measured a "Large" frame when I looked at the Canyon Roadlite 7 which comes with some pretty nice components like Ultegra 8000 - I watched their assembly video and thought it was something I could do as well but steered away when I thought further about more complex service down the road with local bike shops who didn't sell the bike .

Right now it looks like Canyon , Trek, and Giant have some very good options in the Hybrid world - Good Luck !!