Help Me Choose a Hybrid
03-12-22, 02:00 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Help Me Choose a Hybrid
So I have a LHT that I love and use for longer rides/tours but want something cheaper and lighter to bomb around town with e.g. grocery runs, pub-hopping, etc. Really want to live a more car-free (or at least car lite) life. My job gives me a company car so I don't need this as a commuter FYI.
I'm 52 and ride these days for the fitness, scenery and fun of cycling - speed and going aero ain't my bag but comfort is and the ability to carry some panniers or perhaps even a small trailer eventually. The majority of my riding will be asphalt roads/MUPs with some gravel paths here and there e.g. rail trails.
I've decided to make this purchase via a LBS as they've had a hell of a tough time over the last few years. I've narrowed my search down to 3, all of which are currently in stock at LBSs in my size but I want to jump on one soon before they get scooped with Spring approaching fast.
I've narrowed it down to 3 bikes. The Kona Dew Plus (or basic Dew), Norco Indie 2, Trek Verve 3. I basically need a city bomber with the ability for rear rack and fenders (which they all have the mounts for). I want to be upright and comfortable which is a priority over speed for me. The Verve seems the most upright and relaxed geometry (I see a Verve thread in this forum which I will look at next). The Norco seems to lean towards a MTB geometry and comes with a nice bar with 30 degrees of sweep - also like the Schwalbe Big Bens. The weather hasn't been good for test rides recently but I did take the Kona for a spin and really liked the upright ride and simplicity of the 1x drive train.
Any thoughts, experience, opinions are welcome.
I'm 52 and ride these days for the fitness, scenery and fun of cycling - speed and going aero ain't my bag but comfort is and the ability to carry some panniers or perhaps even a small trailer eventually. The majority of my riding will be asphalt roads/MUPs with some gravel paths here and there e.g. rail trails.
I've decided to make this purchase via a LBS as they've had a hell of a tough time over the last few years. I've narrowed my search down to 3, all of which are currently in stock at LBSs in my size but I want to jump on one soon before they get scooped with Spring approaching fast.
I've narrowed it down to 3 bikes. The Kona Dew Plus (or basic Dew), Norco Indie 2, Trek Verve 3. I basically need a city bomber with the ability for rear rack and fenders (which they all have the mounts for). I want to be upright and comfortable which is a priority over speed for me. The Verve seems the most upright and relaxed geometry (I see a Verve thread in this forum which I will look at next). The Norco seems to lean towards a MTB geometry and comes with a nice bar with 30 degrees of sweep - also like the Schwalbe Big Bens. The weather hasn't been good for test rides recently but I did take the Kona for a spin and really liked the upright ride and simplicity of the 1x drive train.
Any thoughts, experience, opinions are welcome.
Last edited by smokeycanuck; 03-13-22 at 06:34 AM.
03-15-22, 07:16 AM
#2
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The best advice is to try all three places and bikes to see which you like best. You just know when you find the right one.
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03-15-22, 08:32 AM
#3
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fwiw - big fat slicks can be really fun to ride
03-23-22, 01:44 PM
#4
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Ive had my Kona Dew about ten years now. I love it and Ive stopped riding my other bikes. Id like to get a new one with disc instead of rim brakes when I retire.
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03-23-22, 05:43 PM
#5
Junior Member
Before I got my ebike I had a great time doing what you want to with my Cannondale Quick 5 disk brake model.
03-28-22, 07:34 AM
#6
Newbie
Thread Starter
Just an update, I went with the Kona Dew Plus and it's been great so far. Thanks to all.
