NFT: BBI Cyclers - Bike recs

you're doing a triathlon on a hybrid.

I have a road bike and a mountain bike.

for road bike this is my first and I get a basic entry level road bike: a Specialized Allez E5 (I want to say it was $850), I like it a lot, takes some practice getting used to clipping in and out with the pedals, but it's not even close how the performance of that bike blows away the mountain bike in terms of speed and ease of riding, but the tires are very thin and you go over wet surfaces hit leaves, etc. and it's very slippery.

my mountain bike is a Trek Superfly (and this was under $1500).

I like both.

Basically I want something that I can use to ride around the block and short distances with the kids, and also something for low to medium difficulty trails. My neighbor is all into this so I will be attempting some trails with him.

Right now through my job I have a pretty hefty corporate discount on Diamondbacks and leaning towards one called "Overdrive Sport". Its in the sweet spot of price range (under $1k)

I would greatly appreciate any recommendations !

FYI, I'm female.

I have regular mountain bike, a Trek Cali.

I also have a fat bike, a Gravity Monster.

Last year, I got a "plus" bike, a Specialized Ruze (male version is the "Fuze").

I LOVE the Ruze. It is kind of the best of both the regular mountain bike along with wider tires (not as wide as a traditional fat bike). I also have front suspension, which is important if you are going to ride trails.

My husband rides either a Trek Stache or Farley. Loves them both.

My best advice is to go to a local bike shop (not a box store), tell them where you plan on riding and your budget. A good shop will help you find the right bike and will fit it for you. Check local cycling groups, they should be give you recommendations on good local shops.

I have ridden for years, all on the road, and I found the best thing I ever did was to get fit for the bike. This will get you in the proper riding position. This is very important
especially if you are going to ride mini triathlons.

Make sure you go to a reputable(sp)shop.

Great bike for someone who does not see themselves riding in the Tour de France but wants to put on a good amount of miles.

A hybrid bike will not do anything particularly well. So in my mind your better off with two bikes.

A mountain bike for trails like the C&O canal path and for just screwing around. I have a used Specialized Hardrock (cheapo) for that. Paid $125 for it off craigslist. It is older and has it's share of scrathes...but rides smooth. Bought it from a guy north of Baltimore who tunes up older bikes. Purchased new pedals and inner tubes and was good to go.

Then get yourself a roadbike for road riding and tri's. I have a middle of the road (Under $2k) Lemond Sarthe (Steel framed TREK). It's not a tri bike...but it does not sound like you need that.

Going used on each is a good idea. You will get much more bike for the money and it will not depreciate all that much if you decide you want to upgrade later. Be picky about the roadbike. Little imperfections or problems with the bike will drive you crazy 20 miles into a ride. Know what size you need as well.

Read up on how to fix (wrench) the bike. Things break or need adjusting. You gotta know how to do that.

These are the things a shop can help you with. You can also do them yourself with a friend helping.
bike fitting - ( New Window )

Giant Escape 1 Disc. Great for commuting, errands, pleasure rides, hills, good roads, bad roads, gravel (32mm tires) mild trails. Gearing, posture, and wheels aimed at all-purpose functionality. MSRP is $650.

Trek, Cannondale, Specialized also have good hybrids in roughly the same price range. Unless you find a big price difference, decide which store you like best and go with the model they sell. A good bike store will help with fitting. IMO stay away form the store where they try to convince you that cycling is only worthwhile if you spend more than $1k and wear bike shorts and clipless shoes.
I chose the Escape 1 because I wanted the disc brakes which are really effective in bad weather.