Asking for some sound advice

[JR03CHOPPER]

I think you might benefit by approaching this from a different direction. I lived in Florida for many years and found there were some 'realities' of cycling there which you might like to consider.

First, is staying motivated. The cycling on the whole is pretty boring with temperatures and humidity that can be quite unpleasant. Back here in the UK I can get on my bike and go for a ride by myself at any time of the year because the riding is FUN! In Florida I went out every day because I needed to stay fit and I had committed to meet a group of other cyclists at 5.15pm prompt. This commitment plus their company made the cycling do-able.

The other dominant reality is the wind. Without hills, it's only the wind that differentiates the various legs. And certainly on the east coast, the wind was strong all winter and at times in the summer. Hybrids are hard work into headwinds - the reason Florida cyclists invariably have tri-bars isn't any interest in competition, but simply an example of how they'll do anything to counter those fu***n* head winds.

So as others have said, the weight is probably the least important feature of a Florida bike. I would spend about a third of that amount on a similar Trek aluminum hybrid because once the diet kicks in and you've found your own support network to make things sustainable, your 'dream bike' on which you'll happily lavish your money, might look very different.

Thanks for the advice. I hadn't thought about that too much. Summers can be brutal and I know from riding my motorcycles about the winds. TBH I never gave it much thought as an issue on the bike. I guess I should consider the aluminum bikes. They are showing only to be maybe 4lbs heavier. It only matters to me on lifting in and out of the truck and storage.

If I go with the aluminum bikes, they tend to have cheaper components and groupsets. I was thinking the 1x11 M700 Shimano would be a better set up with switching to a 42t or 46t chain ring as I advance....what are your thoughts.

 

[kingrollo]

I was looking at Brooks. It's that nerve/bone thing. I uses padded shorts with the Bontrager saddle on the last bike...but you are right...it was more than 20 years ago now. Does the shock in the seat stem help at all?

Never used one.

I would imagine the shock seatpost would absorb bumps in the road. But even on a flat smooth ride your backside will get uncomfortable.
Leather saddles mould to the shape of your backside....works for me.

 

[Reynard]

Living in the fens, I can't exactly comment about heat and humidity, but I've certainly done my fair share of cycling on flat roads with headwinds, tailwinds and just about any other kind of wind that mother nature can come up with...

A decent hybrid with a rigid front fork that comes in at around 1/3 to 1/2 your budget would be perfectly fine for the kind of riding you intend to do, IMHO. I can't comment on your suggested choices, because being an undertall lady, I ride junior-sized frames.

The trick to riding on flat roads in windy conditions is down to finding the right gear and riding to a comfortable tempo. It's a bit of a Goldilocks thing really, you don't want to be spinning, but you don't want to be grinding either. A hybrid with a triple is likely to be a better option than a drop bar with a compact double or even a 1x drivetrain, because you have more options to find that sweet spot in the gears for a given set of conditions. FWIW, I have a hybrid, a road bike and a MTB, and the hybrid is my go-to for most things.

And as other posters have said, if a bike can take mudguards and a rack, it becomes a much more practical thing. Don't forget to budget for tools, spares, a helmet (if you want one), some cycling glasses (to keep flies and road dirt out of your eyes) and gloves (if you come off, they'll stop your palms from getting shredded.)

If in summer it's too hot during the day, then why not ride in the evening or early morning?

 

[JR03CHOPPER]

Living in the fens, I can't exactly comment about heat and humidity, but I've certainly done my fair share of cycling on flat roads with headwinds, tailwinds and just about any other kind of wind that mother nature can come up with...

A decent hybrid with a rigid front fork that comes in at around 1/3 to 1/2 your budget would be perfectly fine for the kind of riding you intend to do, IMHO. I can't comment on your suggested choices, because being an undertall lady, I ride junior-sized frames.

The trick to riding on flat roads in windy conditions is down to finding the right gear and riding to a comfortable tempo. It's a bit of a Goldilocks thing really, you don't want to be spinning, but you don't want to be grinding either. A hybrid with a triple is likely to be a better option than a drop bar with a compact double or even a 1x drivetrain, because you have more options to find that sweet spot in the gears for a given set of conditions. FWIW, I have a hybrid, a road bike and a MTB, and the hybrid is my go-to for most things.

And as other posters have said, if a bike can take mudguards and a rack, it becomes a much more practical thing. Don't forget to budget for tools, spares, a helmet (if you want one), some cycling glasses (to keep flies and road dirt out of your eyes) and gloves (if you come off, they'll stop your palms from getting shredded.)

If in summer it's too hot during the day, then why not ride in the evening or early morning?

Thank you. I too am vertically challenged. I am looking at a Medium sized frame. I was concerned about the drive train as you mentioned. The bikes I had picked both had 1X Shimano M700 groupsets on them, where the other models had 2X and noticeably cheaper components. Through reading these suggestions, I am wondering if going with a bike like the TREK Verv 3 Disc and buying the higher end groupset and having it put on would make better sense. The bike is only 5lbs heavier and I would make some of that up by swapping the components. It can have a ton of parts attached to it, but by the time I change the components it would be about $1450. Not really a savings.

Luckily, I have a helmet and gloves. Actually purchases them first! 😆

 

[IaninSheffield]

Here is what I have narrowed down to. A TREK FX Sport Carbon 4 or a Specialized Sirus X 5. Neither of which are available right now. I will need to change out the stems to an adjustable one and I will need a huge pillow seat (at least in the beginning).

I was considering these two bikes a while ago and posted here https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/trek-sport-carbon-4-or-sirrus-x-5-0-or.278945/
Some of the suggested dealers and alternative bikes are in the UK so may not suit, but there may be some advice which you find helpful.
I don't think the lead times have got any shorter so you might be better seeking an alternative which gets you on the road more quickly.

If I go with the aluminum bikes, they tend to have cheaper components and groupsets. I was thinking the 1x11 M700 Shimano would be a better set up with switching to a 42t or 46t chain ring as I advance....what are your thoughts.

You'll probably find any groupset with Alivio or Deore components will do the job more than adequately. And better to get out on the road when you're keen rather than losing interest waiting for just the right bike to come along? If you do find a bike which fits you, but has a 2x or 3x groupset further down the pecking order, you might be able to upgrade later. Worth asking the bike shop whether the model you're looking at lends itself to upgrading?

I'd agree with other folks that a super soft saddle is not a good way to go, but I'm not sure I'd recommend Brooks. Some folks find they suit them perfectly and would never ride anything else, but equally others - me included - find them brutally uncomfortable. It very much is a matter of what suits your rear end. There are plenty of good quality, supportive saddles at much less than the cost of a Brooks. It's arguably more important to get a bike with the right frame for you and your riding; try the saddle it comes with, and see how it suits you. If it's not for you, a saddle is much easier to swap than a poorly fitting frame. But do keep in mind that if you've not ridden for a long time, it might be a little uncomfortable at first, but will get better as your time in the saddle improves.

The Verv you mentioned seems to be almost 18kg (if I've got the right bike). If lightness is important for lifting around, you might be better looking elsewhere. Whilst not quite the sub 10kg of your original choice, there should be plenty to choose from around the 12kg mark - Trek FX3 Disc for example. The Verv appears to offer a much more upright riding style than the FX range. That might be what you're seeking, but also think about being more upright in the context of a regularly windy environment.

There are some bike shops over here that will let you have a decent test ride of over an hour or more. It might not be so easy in your vicinity, but ideally look for one that offers similar. You won't learn much from a couple of minutes pootling around their parking lot.

Hope I've not muddied the waters too much

 

[Cycleops]

Good advice from @IaninSheffield. Hybrids now seem to have split into two separate groups. There’s the more ‘sit up and beg’ type which have a more upright position with fatter tyres for comfort. Then there’s the type with a more aggressive position and narrower faster tyres, so you need to decide which one suits your needs best.

As said don’t get too hung up on group sets, even those in the lower tier will perform well. Same with aluminium frames, there’s no real disadvantage to choosing one.

 

[Reynard]

As said don’t get too hung up on group sets, even those in the lower tier will perform well. Same with aluminium frames, there’s no real disadvantage to choosing one.

This ^^^

My road bike runs Claris (2x8) and my hybrid Altus (3x9), while my MTB has a 3x8 frankensystem made up of a mix of assorted compatible parts. All I'm bothered about is getting the right gear when I want it.

Parts are much more affordable at this end of the range as well.

 

[Reynard]

Thank you. I too am vertically challenged. I am looking at a Medium sized frame. I was concerned about the drive train as you mentioned. The bikes I had picked both had 1X Shimano M700 groupsets on them, where the other models had 2X and noticeably cheaper components. Through reading these suggestions, I am wondering if going with a bike like the TREK Verv 3 Disc and buying the higher end groupset and having it put on would make better sense. The bike is only 5lbs heavier and I would make some of that up by swapping the components. It can have a ton of parts attached to it, but by the time I change the components it would be about $1450. Not really a savings.

Luckily, I have a helmet and gloves. Actually purchases them first! 😆

Riding a medium frame is not what I'd call being vertically challenged I'd need the mountaineering gear to get on that...

 

[bonzobanana]

Factor in weight limits of bikes and that performance components sacrifice strength and lifespan for speed so if you are overweight depending on how overweight it might skew your choice for a different type of bike. If you are comfortably in the weight limits of all the bikes you are considering then no problem but the strength and durability of bikes does vary a lot. A 80kg rider can pretty much choose any bike they want but a 120kg rider might have slightly reduced options and a 140kg rider would have limited options.

 

[JR03CHOPPER]

I was considering these two bikes a while ago and posted here https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/trek-sport-carbon-4-or-sirrus-x-5-0-or.278945/
Some of the suggested dealers and alternative bikes are in the UK so may not suit, but there may be some advice which you find helpful.
I don't think the lead times have got any shorter so you might be better seeking an alternative which gets you on the road more quickly.

You'll probably find any groupset with Alivio or Deore components will do the job more than adequately. And better to get out on the road when you're keen rather than losing interest waiting for just the right bike to come along? If you do find a bike which fits you, but has a 2x or 3x groupset further down the pecking order, you might be able to upgrade later. Worth asking the bike shop whether the model you're looking at lends itself to upgrading?

I'd agree with other folks that a super soft saddle is not a good way to go, but I'm not sure I'd recommend Brooks. Some folks find they suit them perfectly and would never ride anything else, but equally others - me included - find them brutally uncomfortable. It very much is a matter of what suits your rear end. There are plenty of good quality, supportive saddles at much less than the cost of a Brooks. It's arguably more important to get a bike with the right frame for you and your riding; try the saddle it comes with, and see how it suits you. If it's not for you, a saddle is much easier to swap than a poorly fitting frame. But do keep in mind that if you've not ridden for a long time, it might be a little uncomfortable at first, but will get better as your time in the saddle improves.

The Verv you mentioned seems to be almost 18kg (if I've got the right bike). If lightness is important for lifting around, you might be better looking elsewhere. Whilst not quite the sub 10kg of your original choice, there should be plenty to choose from around the 12kg mark - Trek FX3 Disc for example. The Verv appears to offer a much more upright riding style than the FX range. That might be what you're seeking, but also think about being more upright in the context of a regularly windy environment.

There are some bike shops over here that will let you have a decent test ride of over an hour or more. It might not be so easy in your vicinity, but ideally look for one that offers similar. You won't learn much from a couple of minutes pootling around their parking lot.

Hope I've not muddied the waters too much

No muddling at all. Thank you for the insight. Food for thought. I am a sponge to soak up as much knowledge as I can. I do not want to make a mistake again.

 

[JR03CHOPPER]

Factor in weight limits of bikes and that performance components sacrifice strength and lifespan for speed so if you are overweight depending on how overweight it might skew your choice for a different type of bike. If you are comfortably in the weight limits of all the bikes you are considering then no problem but the strength and durability of bikes does vary a lot. A 80kg rider can pretty much choose any bike they want but a 120kg rider might have slightly reduced options and a 140kg rider would have limited options.

I am under the max on both bikes...thank God. Hoping to quickly shed as well.

 

[JR03CHOPPER]

So, I went and rode the Trek Verv 3 for about half an hour. It was comfortable. Groupset seemed okay. I was told if I wanted either of the other bikes it would be a years wait. By the time I priced out the Verv it was $1600 with extras. The Duotrap sensor, Garmin 530, extended maintenance contract, and lifetime flat repair. I figure the last 2 would help trade in value if I wish to upgrade when the others come in. Still disappointed that the shop does not offer proper fitting. They had a scale in the shop and the Verv was only 9lbs heavier than the FX 4 Carbon. I lifted it over my head several times to make sure it wasn't a strain.

I am really kind of in a funk now. Not sure if I am being told the truth by the dealer or if I should still shop around.

 

[IaninSheffield]

Not sure if I am being told the truth by the dealer

In what way do you think they are being untruthful?

Is 'lifetime flat repair' a thing in the US? It's not something we have over here, as far as I'm aware.

 

[Cycleops]

Is 'lifetime flat repair' a thing in the US? It's not something we have over here, as far as I'm aware.

I wonder how that works. If you’re miles from home does this character descend from the sky?

 

[IaninSheffield]

@Cycleops For a service like that, on sub-zero, winter days, I'd give subscribing some thought.
(Being a Scots/Yorkshireman, not for long, mind!)