Confused by specs and jargon

[Deleted member 32060]

Being new to cycling it is difficult to know what bike to buy. The Bike technology has advanced so much since I last had a bike. Not knowing a lot about bikes I am getting confused reading all the jargon and the specs. If all the bikes were the same price which one would you go for from my shortlist for cycling off road and on the road.

A) Marin San Rafael DS1
B) Merida Speeder S1
C) Claud Butler Explorer 300
D) Specialized Sirrus Sport
E) Specialized Crosstrail
F) Trek 8.2 DS
G) Giant Roam 3
H) Carrera Kraken

Thanks!

 

[betty swollocks]

Don't get hung up on specs.
Test ride as many of them of your size as you can and go for the one you like best.

 

[the_mikey]

I think we'd all see different things in the bikes on that list, personally I like the Specialized Sirrus Sport or the merrida speeder S1 but the other bikes have their own merits. I'm looking at the ability to add mudguards and/or a rack for some light touring, but also personally I don't particularly enjoy riding with front suspension so I prefer the rigid forks, this is just my personal preference. You should go for the bike that's best for you!

 

[Gravity Aided]

I like the Giant Roam. I saw one the other day, and thought it was fantastic. My size, a couple of years old, etc. Were it not for the current economic recession/depression/debacle/catsastrophe, I'd probably consider it foremost, although, being in the States, I don't see much of Claud Butler. Mostly Raleighs and Dawes and Robin Hoods and Dunelts of some vintage. And a few Bob Jacksons'. That pretty much covers what I get to see regularly of British Bicycles.

 

[Deleted member 32060]

Thanks for all your comments. I am beginning to realise, that there is much more to buying a bike than just the specs and that cycling is down to personal choice. At this stage of returning to cycling it is more important to get on a bike and learn about cycling I can then upgrade as I go along. I think it is time for me to get out there and start test riding a few bikes, this will make the process of buying a bike much more interesting and exciting. Where I live I do not think that the local bike shop does test riding. I have looked at the Giant website and they only allow certain models to be test ridden. Evans looks a good bet but they do not stock all the bikes that are on my list. Any advise on getting hold of bikes to test ride would appreciate. i will look on google to see what I can find out.

 

[vickster]

Talk to the lbs that does sell them