Newbie needing advice
#1
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Newbie needing advice
Hi there. I'm new to the forums and am about to buy a new bike from the LBS in the next couple weeks, and have a couple questions.
The bike shop sells Trek bikes and after doing some research I'm considering a DS 8.3, FX 7.3, Verve 3 or Marlin 6.
First question: It seems like disc breaks are more effective(?), but are they a maintenance hassle. I'd be fine with traditional rim breaks if the disc ones are a pain. Or are mechanical/hydraulic disc breaks different in this area?
Second question: I've read some people say that entry level shock absorbing forks are pretty worthless. If that's the case, maybe better to get rigid forks and save the weight? Replace the standard FX tires with a little more robust ones to absorb a little more shock?
I will be riding on streets and sidewalks mostly, but don't want a full blown road bike because of broken pavement, curbs, the occasional tree root, etc. Would also like a some versatility in case I ever ride on some unpaved trails. This probably makes a MTB way overkill.
Anyway, I appreciate any advice you guys can give me.
The bike shop sells Trek bikes and after doing some research I'm considering a DS 8.3, FX 7.3, Verve 3 or Marlin 6.
First question: It seems like disc breaks are more effective(?), but are they a maintenance hassle. I'd be fine with traditional rim breaks if the disc ones are a pain. Or are mechanical/hydraulic disc breaks different in this area?
Second question: I've read some people say that entry level shock absorbing forks are pretty worthless. If that's the case, maybe better to get rigid forks and save the weight? Replace the standard FX tires with a little more robust ones to absorb a little more shock?
I will be riding on streets and sidewalks mostly, but don't want a full blown road bike because of broken pavement, curbs, the occasional tree root, etc. Would also like a some versatility in case I ever ride on some unpaved trails. This probably makes a MTB way overkill.
Anyway, I appreciate any advice you guys can give me.
#2
Senior Member
My Suggestions (top to bottom for priority)
1. FX 7.3 - Fitness feel. The 35mm tires should be smooth, not sure how much larger you'd want.
2. DS 8.3 - Also good, but the suspension will add weight and likely overkill for your uses.
3. Verve 3 - Has a more upright ride, some people like it, some don't. My dad rides and enjoys this bike the most.
4. Marlin 6 - Overkill for your use and you'll be cussing the wide tires when on pavement.
1. FX 7.3 - Fitness feel. The 35mm tires should be smooth, not sure how much larger you'd want.
2. DS 8.3 - Also good, but the suspension will add weight and likely overkill for your uses.
3. Verve 3 - Has a more upright ride, some people like it, some don't. My dad rides and enjoys this bike the most.
4. Marlin 6 - Overkill for your use and you'll be cussing the wide tires when on pavement.
#3
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My Suggestions (top to bottom for priority)
1. FX 7.3 - Fitness feel. The 35mm tires should be smooth, not sure how much larger you'd want.
2. DS 8.3 - Also good, but the suspension will add weight and likely overkill for your uses.
3. Verve 3 - Has a more upright ride, some people like it, some don't. My dad rides and enjoys this bike the most.
4. Marlin 6 - Overkill for your use and you'll be cussing the wide tires when on pavement.
1. FX 7.3 - Fitness feel. The 35mm tires should be smooth, not sure how much larger you'd want.
2. DS 8.3 - Also good, but the suspension will add weight and likely overkill for your uses.
3. Verve 3 - Has a more upright ride, some people like it, some don't. My dad rides and enjoys this bike the most.
4. Marlin 6 - Overkill for your use and you'll be cussing the wide tires when on pavement.
#4
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FX. Hands down. Keep it light and simple. If the tires seem too big, throw some 28s or 32s on there. I personally ride 28s on my Sirrus Sport.
#5
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I have caliber brakes on my hybrid and disk brakes on my mountain bike. I prefer caliber brakes on the hybrid as they are simple and stop fine on pavement. However, it is really personal preference, the FX that has disk brakes is called the Allant I believe.
#6
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I ride a Specialized Crosstrail Sport Disc, which I think is comparable to the DS (Not trying to pick a fight with anyone). I got it because I pictured myself spending more time in the dirt than I do. With that being said I do love this bike for the road with skinnier tires 38's. I'm not the most fit person out there but I don't notice the extra weight of the suspension. I like having it when the roads get rough, and I can switch it off for paved assents (they feel weird when you stand up and/or really pedal). As for the disc brakes I love them. To me they take a little longer to work on but you don't have to mess with them as much and the performance is amazing. So in conclusion, maybe a more road oriented bike, suspension is nice but not required, and disc brakes are a super "GO". IMHO
#7
Hi there. I'm new to the forums and am about to buy a new bike from the LBS in the next couple weeks, and have a couple questions.
The bike shop sells Trek bikes and after doing some research I'm considering a DS 8.3, FX 7.3, Verve 3 or Marlin 6.
First question: It seems like disc breaks are more effective(?), but are they a maintenance hassle. I'd be fine with traditional rim breaks if the disc ones are a pain. Or are mechanical/hydraulic disc breaks different in this area?
Second question: I've read some people say that entry level shock absorbing forks are pretty worthless. If that's the case, maybe better to get rigid forks and save the weight? Replace the standard FX tires with a little more robust ones to absorb a little more shock?
I will be riding on streets and sidewalks mostly, but don't want a full blown road bike because of broken pavement, curbs, the occasional tree root, etc. Would also like a some versatility in case I ever ride on some unpaved trails. This probably makes a MTB way overkill.
Anyway, I appreciate any advice you guys can give me.
The bike shop sells Trek bikes and after doing some research I'm considering a DS 8.3, FX 7.3, Verve 3 or Marlin 6.
First question: It seems like disc breaks are more effective(?), but are they a maintenance hassle. I'd be fine with traditional rim breaks if the disc ones are a pain. Or are mechanical/hydraulic disc breaks different in this area?
Second question: I've read some people say that entry level shock absorbing forks are pretty worthless. If that's the case, maybe better to get rigid forks and save the weight? Replace the standard FX tires with a little more robust ones to absorb a little more shock?
I will be riding on streets and sidewalks mostly, but don't want a full blown road bike because of broken pavement, curbs, the occasional tree root, etc. Would also like a some versatility in case I ever ride on some unpaved trails. This probably makes a MTB way overkill.
Anyway, I appreciate any advice you guys can give me.
I don't own a bike with disc brakes, but have done several test rides on bikes equipped with them. I was expecting them to feel more grabby like the v brakes on my gary fisher...but they didn't feel like they had that kind of grab. So, I'm fine with cantilever brakes.
#8
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Bikes: Ritchey Swiss Cross | Teesdale Kona Hot | Haro Extreme | Specialized Stumpjumper Comp | Cannondale F1000 | Shogun 1000 | Cannondale M500 | Norco Charger | Marin Muirwoods 29er | Shogun Kaze | Breezer Lightning
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Hi there. I'm new to the forums and am about to buy a new bike from the LBS in the next couple weeks, and have a couple questions.
The bike shop sells Trek bikes and after doing some research I'm considering a DS 8.3, FX 7.3, Verve 3 or Marlin 6.
First question: It seems like disc breaks are more effective(?), but are they a maintenance hassle. I'd be fine with traditional rim breaks if the disc ones are a pain. Or are mechanical/hydraulic disc breaks different in this area?
Second question: I've read some people say that entry level shock absorbing forks are pretty worthless. If that's the case, maybe better to get rigid forks and save the weight? Replace the standard FX tires with a little more robust ones to absorb a little more shock?
I will be riding on streets and sidewalks mostly, but don't want a full blown road bike because of broken pavement, curbs, the occasional tree root, etc. Would also like a some versatility in case I ever ride on some unpaved trails. This probably makes a MTB way overkill.
Anyway, I appreciate any advice you guys can give me.
The bike shop sells Trek bikes and after doing some research I'm considering a DS 8.3, FX 7.3, Verve 3 or Marlin 6.
First question: It seems like disc breaks are more effective(?), but are they a maintenance hassle. I'd be fine with traditional rim breaks if the disc ones are a pain. Or are mechanical/hydraulic disc breaks different in this area?
Second question: I've read some people say that entry level shock absorbing forks are pretty worthless. If that's the case, maybe better to get rigid forks and save the weight? Replace the standard FX tires with a little more robust ones to absorb a little more shock?
I will be riding on streets and sidewalks mostly, but don't want a full blown road bike because of broken pavement, curbs, the occasional tree root, etc. Would also like a some versatility in case I ever ride on some unpaved trails. This probably makes a MTB way overkill.
Anyway, I appreciate any advice you guys can give me.
2) Suspension requires damping and adjustability to work properly and low end forks are devoid of such complexities. Stick to rigid. Many people ride offroad on full rigid bikes. For comfort, look first to tires
#9
☢
Hi there. I'm new to the forums and am about to buy a new bike from the LBS in the next couple weeks, and have a couple questions.
The bike shop sells Trek bikes and after doing some research I'm considering a DS 8.3, FX 7.3, Verve 3 or Marlin 6.
First question: It seems like disc breaks are more effective(?), but are they a maintenance hassle. I'd be fine with traditional rim breaks if the disc ones are a pain. Or are mechanical/hydraulic disc breaks different in this area?
Second question: I've read some people say that entry level shock absorbing forks are pretty worthless. If that's the case, maybe better to get rigid forks and save the weight? Replace the standard FX tires with a little more robust ones to absorb a little more shock?
I will be riding on streets and sidewalks mostly, but don't want a full blown road bike because of broken pavement, curbs, the occasional tree root, etc. Would also like a some versatility in case I ever ride on some unpaved trails. This probably makes a MTB way overkill.
Anyway, I appreciate any advice you guys can give me.
The bike shop sells Trek bikes and after doing some research I'm considering a DS 8.3, FX 7.3, Verve 3 or Marlin 6.
First question: It seems like disc breaks are more effective(?), but are they a maintenance hassle. I'd be fine with traditional rim breaks if the disc ones are a pain. Or are mechanical/hydraulic disc breaks different in this area?
Second question: I've read some people say that entry level shock absorbing forks are pretty worthless. If that's the case, maybe better to get rigid forks and save the weight? Replace the standard FX tires with a little more robust ones to absorb a little more shock?
I will be riding on streets and sidewalks mostly, but don't want a full blown road bike because of broken pavement, curbs, the occasional tree root, etc. Would also like a some versatility in case I ever ride on some unpaved trails. This probably makes a MTB way overkill.
Anyway, I appreciate any advice you guys can give me.
Nevertheless, they're becoming more and more in use on bikes today, so in that case there's no reason to avoid them. I just wouldn't pay extra for them.
If you want/need a more compliant ride look for 32 tires and moderate (lower) the pressure. I have 28 on mine for more on road performance. I found I never went off the black top except to see what it felt like.
#10
Senior Member
First question: It seems like disc breaks are more effective(?), but are they a maintenance hassle. I'd be fine with traditional rim breaks if the disc ones are a pain. Or are mechanical/hydraulic disc breaks different in this area?
Second question: I've read some people say that entry level shock absorbing forks are pretty worthless. If that's the case, maybe better to get rigid forks and save the weight? Replace the standard FX tires with a little more robust ones to absorb a little more shock?
I will be riding on streets and sidewalks mostly, but don't want a full blown road bike because of broken pavement, curbs, the occasional tree root, etc. Would also like a some versatility in case I ever ride on some unpaved trails. This probably makes a MTB way overkill.
Anyway, I appreciate any advice you guys can give me.
Second question: I've read some people say that entry level shock absorbing forks are pretty worthless. If that's the case, maybe better to get rigid forks and save the weight? Replace the standard FX tires with a little more robust ones to absorb a little more shock?
I will be riding on streets and sidewalks mostly, but don't want a full blown road bike because of broken pavement, curbs, the occasional tree root, etc. Would also like a some versatility in case I ever ride on some unpaved trails. This probably makes a MTB way overkill.
Anyway, I appreciate any advice you guys can give me.
After owning a Specialized Crosstrail I realized the entry level shock was worthless. I had it locked all the time anyway and it's extra weight.
#11
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Disc brakes
Hi there. I'm new to the forums and am about to buy a new bike from the LBS in the next couple weeks, and have a couple questions.
The bike shop sells Trek bikes and after doing some research I'm considering a DS 8.3, FX 7.3, Verve 3 or Marlin 6.
First question: It seems like disc breaks are more effective(?), but are they a maintenance hassle. I'd be fine with traditional rim breaks if the disc ones are a pain. Or are mechanical/hydraulic disc breaks different in this area?
Second question: I've read some people say that entry level shock absorbing forks are pretty worthless. If that's the case, maybe better to get rigid forks and save the weight? Replace the standard FX tires with a little more robust ones to absorb a little more shock?
I will be riding on streets and sidewalks mostly, but don't want a full blown road bike because of broken pavement, curbs, the occasional tree root, etc. Would also like a some versatility in case I ever ride on some unpaved trails. This probably makes a MTB way overkill.
Anyway, I appreciate any advice you guys can give me.
The bike shop sells Trek bikes and after doing some research I'm considering a DS 8.3, FX 7.3, Verve 3 or Marlin 6.
First question: It seems like disc breaks are more effective(?), but are they a maintenance hassle. I'd be fine with traditional rim breaks if the disc ones are a pain. Or are mechanical/hydraulic disc breaks different in this area?
Second question: I've read some people say that entry level shock absorbing forks are pretty worthless. If that's the case, maybe better to get rigid forks and save the weight? Replace the standard FX tires with a little more robust ones to absorb a little more shock?
I will be riding on streets and sidewalks mostly, but don't want a full blown road bike because of broken pavement, curbs, the occasional tree root, etc. Would also like a some versatility in case I ever ride on some unpaved trails. This probably makes a MTB way overkill.
Anyway, I appreciate any advice you guys can give me.
Mechanical discs work like old fashioned car brake with a fixed side. Hydraulic ones have pressure from both sides which reduces chances for warping.
#12
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Thx so much for your advice guys. I'm going the the LBS this weekend to test out the different models, but based on your tips I'll probably end up with the FX 7.3. We'll see though.
#13
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I'm in Florida, so there is none of this "winter" that you speak of. The worst is the sickening hot and humid summer.
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#15
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Well I want to the LBS today and tested out the bikes I was interested in. Ended up pulling the trigger on the FX 7.3- a very sleek and comfortable ride. Going to pick it up tomorrow!
Thanks for all the advice guys.
Thanks for all the advice guys.