Looking for a Hybrid I think?

Question

I'm looking to buy a bike. I am very new I will be riding with my mother in law who rides road bikes on weekends however during the week I will be using the bike on paved roads and also about 1 mile of dirt roads. Would a Hybrid be the best bet for this begginer? I did test ride a specialized globe sport but wondering if anyone has any reccomendations. I really don't want to get left behind when riding with my mother in law :)

My budget well I'd like to keep it under $600 for the bike, hopefully it is possible. Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks

Answer 1

Fit (comfort) should be very important.

But if you only want to keep up with Mom in law on a road bike....you would need a road bike.

If you only want to ride dirt roads......a hybrid - or MTN maybe with a front shock.

But if you want to do both. Something has to be sacrificed.....A Road/Hybrid with a rigid fork probably the best for what you have described. But a front shock can cut down on fatigue...and make for a more versatilebike. But it will slow you down a little on the road.

Your mom in law wont be riding her road bike on dirt roads - unless its a "bike path friendly type road"  Becasue ultra skinny tires & rims + rocks = crash or bent rim or flat tire.

That specialized you listed looked OK.

But in entry level bikes - I personally like smaller companies for better components at lowe prices.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/prof...

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/prof...

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/prof...

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/moto...

Or there's another speical kind of bike - Cyclocross - a true road bike - but made with slightly bigger tires and rims - & can take some abusive road conditions. See one of those here - http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/moto...

A speed note - budget extra for cycling shoes & pedals - and quickly learn to ride with clipless pedals - this will make you faster....and more efficient.

Answer 2

How rough is the dirt road? I have a pure trail bike and it sucks on the road. Even when I put slicks on it, there just is not any speed. It is amazing on the rough stuff in the woods. I am looking at getting a second bike that is more efficient on the road. One of the bikes I have been looking at is the Giant FZR1. The FZR series is a hybrid, but almost all road. It might be able to handle the little bit of dirt riding you do. It would give you the best chance of keeping up with a road bike. The Globe series are nice bikes too. You might want to consider Giant as they tend to give you better components for the same price point.