What's a good hybrid bike for a newbie?

[Scotty Davis]

I haven't ridden a bike in over 15 years. I'd like to get a
road/trail bike to get back in shape and just plain enjoy riding
again. I'd use it mostly on pavement or gravel roads, maybe an
occasional trail. No stunts, rock drops or anything really rough.
I'm about 6'3" and around 290. I've been looking at a Trek Navigator
2.0. Anyone know anything about this bike? Are there any comparable
bikes out there to this model in the same price range (around 300
bucks is my absolute budget limit.)

Thanks.




"Somewhere in heaven, a very groggy, very confused angel has just woken up and is trying to figure out why a boisterous Australian man is poking it with a stick."

[Mike Jacoubowsky]

>I haven't ridden a bike in over 15 years. I'd like to get a
> road/trail bike to get back in shape and just plain enjoy riding
> again. I'd use it mostly on pavement or gravel roads, maybe an
> occasional trail. No stunts, rock drops or anything really rough.
> I'm about 6'3" and around 290. I've been looking at a Trek Navigator
> 2.0. Anyone know anything about this bike? Are there any comparable
> bikes out there to this model in the same price range (around 300
> bucks is my absolute budget limit.)


Given your height and, er, sturdiness, the Trek Navigator 2.0 might be a
very good choice. The 26" wheels will be substantially stronger than the
700c variety found on most hybrids. And, as always, finding a really good
bike shop is as important as the bike itself, and if it was the shop that
was pointing you in the direction of that bike, it sounds like things are
lined up nicely for you.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com


"Scotty Davis" > wrote in message
...
>I haven't ridden a bike in over 15 years. I'd like to get a
> road/trail bike to get back in shape and just plain enjoy riding
> again. I'd use it mostly on pavement or gravel roads, maybe an
> occasional trail. No stunts, rock drops or anything really rough.
> I'm about 6'3" and around 290. I've been looking at a Trek Navigator
> 2.0. Anyone know anything about this bike? Are there any comparable
> bikes out there to this model in the same price range (around 300
> bucks is my absolute budget limit.)
>
> Thanks.
>
>
>
>
> "Somewhere in heaven, a very groggy, very confused angel has just woken up
> and is trying to figure out why a boisterous Australian man is poking it
> with a stick."

[[email protected]]

No Hybrid! Hybrids are bad on roads and trails. Get a used road bike
from a reputable bike dealer/fitter and swap the clipless pedals for
old fashioned pedals and toe lips sans cinch straps until you get used
to the bike. Then get an entry level dual suspended cross-country
mountain bike with mechanical discs. It takes two different bikes for
two different kinds of riding.

On Nov 27, 2:51 am, "Mike Jacoubowsky" > wrote:
> >I haven't ridden a bike in over 15 years. I'd like to get a
> > road/trail bike to get back in shape and just plain enjoy riding
> > again. I'd use it mostly on pavement or gravel roads, maybe an
> > occasional trail. No stunts, rock drops or anything really rough.
> > I'm about 6'3" and around 290. I've been looking at a Trek Navigator
> > 2.0. Anyone know anything about this bike? Are there any comparable
> > bikes out there to this model in the same price range (around 300
> > bucks is my absolute budget limit.)Given your height and, er, sturdiness, the Trek Navigator 2.0 might be a
> very good choice. The 26" wheels will be substantially stronger than the
> 700c variety found on most hybrids. And, as always, finding a really good
> bike shop is as important as the bike itself, and if it was the shop that
> was pointing you in the direction of that bike, it sounds like things are
> lined up nicely for you.
>
> --Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycleswww.ChainReactionBicycles.com
>
> "Scotty Davis" > wrote in messagenews:59kkm21baqb68cd9nnpv3lhpbrkt8hcapl@4ax .com...
>
>
>
> >I haven't ridden a bike in over 15 years. I'd like to get a
> > road/trail bike to get back in shape and just plain enjoy riding
> > again. I'd use it mostly on pavement or gravel roads, maybe an
> > occasional trail. No stunts, rock drops or anything really rough.
> > I'm about 6'3" and around 290. I've been looking at a Trek Navigator
> > 2.0. Anyone know anything about this bike? Are there any comparable
> > bikes out there to this model in the same price range (around 300
> > bucks is my absolute budget limit.)
>
> > Thanks.
>
> > "Somewhere in heaven, a very groggy, very confused angel has just woken up
> > and is trying to figure out why a boisterous Australian man is poking it
> > with a stick."- Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text -

[Mike A Schwab]

http://www.raamcyclonauts.com/mary.htm is a satisfied Navigator 50
rider with about 7,000 miles in 14 months (per her
http://www.bikejournal.com profile), and Slayed a Vitamaster last
winter.

Actually, a http://www.breezerbikes.com/ bike would more complete (no
need to buy accessories)

Scotty Davis wrote:
> I haven't ridden a bike in over 15 years. I'd like to get a
> road/trail bike to get back in shape and just plain enjoy riding
> again. I'd use it mostly on pavement or gravel roads, maybe an
> occasional trail. No stunts, rock drops or anything really rough.
> I'm about 6'3" and around 290. I've been looking at a Trek Navigator
> 2.0. Anyone know anything about this bike? Are there any comparable
> bikes out there to this model in the same price range (around 300
> bucks is my absolute budget limit.)
>
> Thanks.
>
> "Somewhere in heaven, a very groggy, very confused angel has just woken up and is trying to figure out why a boisterous Australian man is poking it with a stick."

[Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman]

wrote:
> No Hybrid! Hybrids are bad on roads and trails. Get a used road bike
> from a reputable bike dealer/fitter and swap the clipless pedals for
> old fashioned pedals and toe lips sans cinch straps until you get used
> to the bike. Then get an entry level dual suspended cross-country
> mountain bike with mechanical discs. It takes two different bikes for
> two different kinds of riding.....

No No No!!! Toe clips belong on the dustbin of ideas whose time has
come and gone.

Power Grips [1] are a much better answer for those who are not ready
for clipless systems or have the need and/or desire to ride in regular
shoes.

[1] <http://www.powergrips.com/>.

[Mike Jacoubowsky]

> No Hybrid! Hybrids are bad on roads and trails. Get a used road bike
> from a reputable bike dealer/fitter and swap the clipless pedals for
> old fashioned pedals and toe lips sans cinch straps until you get used
> to the bike. Then get an entry level dual suspended cross-country
> mountain bike with mechanical discs. It takes two different bikes for
> two different kinds of riding.


The original poster said-
> I'd use it mostly on pavement or gravel roads, maybe an
> occasional trail. No stunts, rock drops or anything really rough.
> I'm about 6'3" and around 290.

While I agree that a proper mountain bike is best for hard trail use, I'm
not sure that's what he has in mind. And there's no question in my mind
that, at 290 lbs, a bike with wide 26" tires is going to be more appropriate
on the road than a "road" bike, especially for a relatively-inexperienced
rider.

--Mike Jacoubowsky
Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReaction.com
Redwood City & Los Altos, CA USA

> wrote in message
oups.com...
> No Hybrid! Hybrids are bad on roads and trails. Get a used road bike
> from a reputable bike dealer/fitter and swap the clipless pedals for
> old fashioned pedals and toe lips sans cinch straps until you get used
> to the bike. Then get an entry level dual suspended cross-country
> mountain bike with mechanical discs. It takes two different bikes for
> two different kinds of riding.
>
> On Nov 27, 2:51 am, "Mike Jacoubowsky" > wrote:
>> >I haven't ridden a bike in over 15 years. I'd like to get a
>> > road/trail bike to get back in shape and just plain enjoy riding
>> > again. I'd use it mostly on pavement or gravel roads, maybe an
>> > occasional trail. No stunts, rock drops or anything really rough.
>> > I'm about 6'3" and around 290. I've been looking at a Trek Navigator
>> > 2.0. Anyone know anything about this bike? Are there any comparable
>> > bikes out there to this model in the same price range (around 300
>> > bucks is my absolute budget limit.)Given your height and, er,
>> > sturdiness, the Trek Navigator 2.0 might be a
>> very good choice. The 26" wheels will be substantially stronger than the
>> 700c variety found on most hybrids. And, as always, finding a really good
>> bike shop is as important as the bike itself, and if it was the shop that
>> was pointing you in the direction of that bike, it sounds like things are
>> lined up nicely for you.
>>
>> --Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycleswww.ChainReactionBicycles.com
>>
>> "Scotty Davis" > wrote in
>> messagenews:59kkm21baqb68cd9nnpv3lhpbrkt8hcapl@4ax .com...
>>
>>
>>
>> >I haven't ridden a bike in over 15 years. I'd like to get a
>> > road/trail bike to get back in shape and just plain enjoy riding
>> > again. I'd use it mostly on pavement or gravel roads, maybe an
>> > occasional trail. No stunts, rock drops or anything really rough.
>> > I'm about 6'3" and around 290. I've been looking at a Trek Navigator
>> > 2.0. Anyone know anything about this bike? Are there any comparable
>> > bikes out there to this model in the same price range (around 300
>> > bucks is my absolute budget limit.)
>>
>> > Thanks.
>>
>> > "Somewhere in heaven, a very groggy, very confused angel has just woken
>> > up
>> > and is trying to figure out why a boisterous Australian man is poking
>> > it
>> > with a stick."- Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text -
>

[pj]

"No Hybrid! Hybrids are bad on roads and trails. "

BS! It depends on what you want to do. I used to exclusively ride road
bikes until I tried a hybrid - I love my hybrid. If you plan on 50 mile
rides on good roads, annmartha is probably correct you want a road bike. If
you are going for speed or power, a road bike would be better also
(different riding position). If you take short to medium rides the hybrid
is fine. Also if you are planning on really tough terrain or to give it
lots of abuse, then you probably want a mountain bike - otherwise, I see
hybrids as a great compromise.

As far as brands, my latest is a specialized Crossroads Sport. In
retrospect, I would have purchased another brand. The pedals broke after
just a couple of months (no abuse) and the saddle is just awful - very
uncomfortable after just a few miles and its springs squeaked like heck
until the 4th time I lubricated the heck out of the underside of the saddle.
I've really enjoyed all the other hybrids I have had and like this one
except for the things I just mentioned - and those were just model related.
I have only ridden my Trek 1100 road bike once since the first time I bought
a hybrid.

Since you haven't ridden in a long time, I think a hybrid is a good choice
for you. If you end up really serious about long road trips or mountain
biking, then proper road or mountain bikes are in order - but cross that
bridge if and when you get to that point.


> wrote in message
oups.com...
> No Hybrid! Hybrids are bad on roads and trails. Get a used road bike
> from a reputable bike dealer/fitter and swap the clipless pedals for
> old fashioned pedals and toe lips sans cinch straps until you get used
> to the bike. Then get an entry level dual suspended cross-country
> mountain bike with mechanical discs. It takes two different bikes for
> two different kinds of riding.
>
> On Nov 27, 2:51 am, "Mike Jacoubowsky" > wrote:
>> >I haven't ridden a bike in over 15 years. I'd like to get a
>> > road/trail bike to get back in shape and just plain enjoy riding
>> > again. I'd use it mostly on pavement or gravel roads, maybe an
>> > occasional trail. No stunts, rock drops or anything really rough.
>> > I'm about 6'3" and around 290. I've been looking at a Trek Navigator
>> > 2.0. Anyone know anything about this bike? Are there any comparable
>> > bikes out there to this model in the same price range (around 300
>> > bucks is my absolute budget limit.)Given your height and, er,
>> > sturdiness, the Trek Navigator 2.0 might be a
>> very good choice. The 26" wheels will be substantially stronger than the
>> 700c variety found on most hybrids. And, as always, finding a really good
>> bike shop is as important as the bike itself, and if it was the shop that
>> was pointing you in the direction of that bike, it sounds like things are
>> lined up nicely for you.
>>
>> --Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycleswww.ChainReactionBicycles.com
>>
>> "Scotty Davis" > wrote in
>> messagenews:59kkm21baqb68cd9nnpv3lhpbrkt8hcapl@4ax .com...
>>
>>
>>
>> >I haven't ridden a bike in over 15 years. I'd like to get a
>> > road/trail bike to get back in shape and just plain enjoy riding
>> > again. I'd use it mostly on pavement or gravel roads, maybe an
>> > occasional trail. No stunts, rock drops or anything really rough.
>> > I'm about 6'3" and around 290. I've been looking at a Trek Navigator
>> > 2.0. Anyone know anything about this bike? Are there any comparable
>> > bikes out there to this model in the same price range (around 300
>> > bucks is my absolute budget limit.)
>>
>> > Thanks.
>>
>> > "Somewhere in heaven, a very groggy, very confused angel has just woken
>> > up
>> > and is trying to figure out why a boisterous Australian man is poking
>> > it
>> > with a stick."- Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text -
>

[Blair Maynard]

A hardtail or rigid 29er, maybe steel (Soma comes to mind, not sure how
strong they are: http://www.somafab.com/juice29.html). Once you have your
bike, and the seat is at the right height, make a mark at the top and check
the length of the seatpost which extends down into the frame. Replace the
post with a longer one if it can go down an inch or more into the seat tube.
This may save you a broken frame at the rear of the top tube.

If you are worried about wheel strength, go with rim brakes and either build
your own wheels (out of strong components) or order a custom set of wheels
built for you from your LBS. Emphasize strength, not weight. I agree,
establishing a good relationship with your LBS is important.


"Scotty Davis" > wrote in message
...
>I haven't ridden a bike in over 15 years. I'd like to get a
> road/trail bike to get back in shape and just plain enjoy riding
> again. I'd use it mostly on pavement or gravel roads, maybe an
> occasional trail. No stunts, rock drops or anything really rough.
> I'm about 6'3" and around 290. I've been looking at a Trek Navigator
> 2.0. Anyone know anything about this bike? Are there any comparable
> bikes out there to this model in the same price range (around 300
> bucks is my absolute budget limit.)
>
> Thanks.
>
>
>
>
> "Somewhere in heaven, a very groggy, very confused angel has just woken up
> and is trying to figure out why a boisterous Australian man is poking it
> with a stick."

[nash]

Wow, that takes me back to my high school days. (power grips)

I love my spd's