HYBRIDS: Gary Fisher / Trek / Cannondale - Your Opinions Please

07-23-2003, 10:19 PM

Hello everyone,

Never posted in these newsgroups before -- I am a new biker wondering if you
can give your opinion, as I am about to purchase a new hybrid bike.

Based on the value for the money, and if you own any of these particular
models, could you recommend one over the other:
Gary Fisher Utopia ~$620 @ my local bike store
Trek 7300 ~$500 @ my local bike store
Cannondale Adventure 400 ~$500 @ my local bike store

Leaning toward the Gary Fisher but don't know if it is worth it or not. I
will probably be on pavement 80% and light trail 20%. I am a recreational
rider who wants to ride more, and have a good quality bike for a few years
that I don't have to worry about. And, my primary concern is comfort.

Basically, if you've owned these bikes and can comment, I'd love to hear
from you.
Thanks for any inputs you may have! - Matt

07-24-2003, 03:46 AM

I own an older Trek Hybrid, a 730. I like the bike very much. I do about 16
miles a day on it. Nice, well-made bike.

RJ

07-24-2003, 11:08 AM

I've got a Gary Fisher Wahoo MTB that I've hybridized by putting on
slicks and adjusting the bar postion. It's a great bike, nice strong
frame, indexed shifting is neat. But to be honest I still prefer by
25 year road bike for almost all my riding.

07-24-2003, 11:24 AM

Check out Devinci...For the money, one of the best lines of hybrids
out there! You can't beat that crappy Canadian dollar. We've sold
more of these this year than our Bianchi, fisher and Diamond back
hybrids combined. They're light weight, too, compared with the
others.

CH

BTW; $700-$1100 gets you one of the two best hybrinds out there, the
low end one (Stockholm) come is in at $550 but are hard to get.

"Matt" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].com> wrote in message news:<7UKTa.36841$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]-kc.rr.com>...
> Hello everyone,
>
> Never posted in these newsgroups before -- I am a new biker wondering if you
> can give your opinion, as I am about to purchase a new hybrid bike.
>
> Based on the value for the money, and if you own any of these particular
> models, could you recommend one over the other:
> Gary Fisher Utopia ~$620 @ my local bike store
> Trek 7300 ~$500 @ my local bike store
> Cannondale Adventure 400 ~$500 @ my local bike store
>
> Leaning toward the Gary Fisher but don't know if it is worth it or not. I
> will probably be on pavement 80% and light trail 20%. I am a recreational
> rider who wants to ride more, and have a good quality bike for a few years
> that I don't have to worry about. And, my primary concern is comfort.
>
> Basically, if you've owned these bikes and can comment, I'd love to hear
> from you.
> Thanks for any inputs you may have! - Matt

07-24-2003, 12:03 PM

I don't know anything about these bikes, but would ask some hard
quastions about comfort before settling on one. One problem is that
problems with comfort come in generally only after long rides. For
the past ten years I rode a Cannondale R500. I put almost 20,000
miles on the bike. It had a very stiff aluminum frame. Tired of
getting beat up, I recently bought a TREK 5200 with a carbon-fiber
frame. The difference in comfort was amazing. I friend of mine is
considering a new hybred. He will not touch aluminum, but is dismayed
at the lack of hybrids with steel frames.

"Scott C" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message news:<%OQTa.136359$H17.47335@sccrnsc02>...
> General experience..
>
> I'm a fairly new 'poster' here too..
>
> I just bought 2 new hybrid bikes. I ended up with Trek 300's - my 1st choice
> would have been Specialized deluxe (based on a little better components, and
> the front shock travel was more). My issue: Specialized dealers would not
> match prices of Trek dealers. Comparing apples and apples, and my riding
> style - mostly on road, fairly smooth rides - and when more bumpy roads, not
> racing, so my analysis was that I did not need the shock / fork travel of
> the Specialized.
>
> My suggestion: Really analyze the riding 'style' you do. Don't buy things
> you do not need. Then SHOP for price. I called about 8 dealers in the San
> Jose area, and ended up buying my bikes at a store called Reed's Sporting
> Goods. The first Trek 300 bike I bought (for $350) was $80 less than the
> lowest priced Specialized Deluxe ($430 as I recall), and the 2nd bike I
> bought was $125 less than Specialized due to buying a 2nd bike. The Trek
> bikes list for $450 - and some bike stores were selling for $400). I put the
> money I saved into bike tools and now have all the tools I need to take the
> bike apart down to the frame only (bike tool kit at REI for $65).
>
> Before I bought, I took each bike our for an hour ride, trying to analyze
> what the differences were. I would suggest you do this too - maybe you have?
>
> Good luck on your purchase. You will enjoy any of these bikes.
>
> sc
>
>
>
> "Matt" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].com> wrote in message
> news:7UKTa.36841$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]-kc.rr.com...
> > Hello everyone,
> >
> > Never posted in these newsgroups before -- I am a new biker wondering if
> you
> > can give your opinion, as I am about to purchase a new hybrid bike.
> >
> > Based on the value for the money, and if you own any of these particular
> > models, could you recommend one over the other:
> > Gary Fisher Utopia ~$620 @ my local bike store
> > Trek 7300 ~$500 @ my local bike store
> > Cannondale Adventure 400 ~$500 @ my local bike store
> >
> > Leaning toward the Gary Fisher but don't know if it is worth it or not. I
> > will probably be on pavement 80% and light trail 20%. I am a recreational
> > rider who wants to ride more, and have a good quality bike for a few years
> > that I don't have to worry about. And, my primary concern is comfort.
> >
> > Basically, if you've owned these bikes and can comment, I'd love to hear
> > from you.
> > Thanks for any inputs you may have! - Matt
> >
> >

07-25-2003, 05:08 AM

"Matt" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].com> wrote in message news:<7UKTa.36841$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]-kc.rr.com>...
> Hello everyone,
>
> Never posted in these newsgroups before -- I am a new biker wondering if you
> can give your opinion, as I am about to purchase a new hybrid bike.
>
> Based on the value for the money, and if you own any of these particular
> models, could you recommend one over the other:
> Gary Fisher Utopia ~$620 @ my local bike store
> Trek 7300 ~$500 @ my local bike store
> Cannondale Adventure 400 ~$500 @ my local bike store
>
> Leaning toward the Gary Fisher but don't know if it is worth it or not. I
> will probably be on pavement 80% and light trail 20%. I am a recreational
> rider who wants to ride more, and have a good quality bike for a few years
> that I don't have to worry about. And, my primary concern is comfort.
>
> Basically, if you've owned these bikes and can comment, I'd love to hear
> from you.
> Thanks for any inputs you may have! - Matt

I have the GF Fast City and I love it. It is one step up the GF hybrid
food chain. Feel free to read my review here

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

I test rode Treks in my quest to purchase a hybrid. At the time I just
felt the FC was faster and handled better. I could not nail down why
because I had not ridden a bike in almost 15 years. Now I know why I
love the GF bike building philosophy: excellent handling, light
weight, great components and the Genesis geometry really works. I
ride 20% pavement and 80% light trail. It flies on both. Excellent
value too! My bike is VERY comfortable. I have no shoulder or back
issues. I have grown so accustomed to the saddle that if I get
another GF I will purchase the same saddle. Yesterday I was on a light
trail and a road bike passed me. I hung behind him (drafting) until
my turn off point. Conversly, last week I tried to hang with a roadie
and had to back off. The thing is my bike makes me feel I can hang
with anyone speed wise. Great wheels - same as Utopia. They are
light and wear like iron and after 800 miles (most since June)still no
truing issues. I have really pushed the bike in a few circumstances
over challenging terrain and inclement weather and the GFFC handles it
all predictably and with stability. A couple weeks ago I got caught
in a rainstorm on a trail. Twelve miles over limestone, mud, and clay
- no problems. I would not want to do it everyday on this bike but
its nice to know that the capability is there. If you go with GF you
will love its abilityto climb hills and smooth decents. Sorry about
the long message but I really love my bike and the GF thinking on
bikes. Leave a message as to your decision and why.

07-28-2003, 06:16 PM

Hi everyone, and thanks for the several posts back. I appreciate your
inputs.
Unfortunately, I was hoping for someone who actually owned one or more of
the below three models, especially the Cannondale or Gary Fisher, as I am
leading towards one of these two. I am going to purchase something in the
next day or two, so any other inputs greatly appreciated. I've test ridden
the bikes mentioned below - like the Gary Fisher best EXCEPT I'm not sure if
the biggest 22.5" inch frame is really big enough. I believe Trek and
Cannondale make frames as large as 24-25" or XL/Jumbo as in the case w/ the
Cannondale I test rode. Strange thing is, the wheelbase on the Gary Fisher
is actually about an inch longer compared to the Cannondale. Being a tall
guy, 6'4", I'm wondering if any of you other tall bikers had the feeling
that the GF Utopia was a little small?
Again, your posts welcome and appreciated...THANKS!
- Matt

"TekBuf" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:ab648e32.0307250508.3fc9d39f@posting.google.c om...
> "Matt" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].com> wrote in message
news:<7UKTa.36841$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]-kc.rr.com>...
> > Hello everyone,
> >
> > Never posted in these newsgroups before -- I am a new biker wondering if
you
> > can give your opinion, as I am about to purchase a new hybrid bike.
> >
> > Based on the value for the money, and if you own any of these particular
> > models, could you recommend one over the other:
> > Gary Fisher Utopia ~$620 @ my local bike store
> > Trek 7300 ~$500 @ my local bike store
> > Cannondale Adventure 400 ~$500 @ my local bike store
> >
> > Leaning toward the Gary Fisher but don't know if it is worth it or not.
I
> > will probably be on pavement 80% and light trail 20%. I am a
recreational
> > rider who wants to ride more, and have a good quality bike for a few
years
> > that I don't have to worry about. And, my primary concern is comfort.
> >
> > Basically, if you've owned these bikes and can comment, I'd love to hear
> > from you.
> > Thanks for any inputs you may have! - Matt
>
> I have the GF Fast City and I love it. It is one step up the GF hybrid
> food chain. Feel free to read my review here
>
>
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
>
> I test rode Treks in my quest to purchase a hybrid. At the time I just
> felt the FC was faster and handled better. I could not nail down why
> because I had not ridden a bike in almost 15 years. Now I know why I
> love the GF bike building philosophy: excellent handling, light
> weight, great components and the Genesis geometry really works. I
> ride 20% pavement and 80% light trail. It flies on both. Excellent
> value too! My bike is VERY comfortable. I have no shoulder or back
> issues. I have grown so accustomed to the saddle that if I get
> another GF I will purchase the same saddle. Yesterday I was on a light
> trail and a road bike passed me. I hung behind him (drafting) until
> my turn off point. Conversly, last week I tried to hang with a roadie
> and had to back off. The thing is my bike makes me feel I can hang
> with anyone speed wise. Great wheels - same as Utopia. They are
> light and wear like iron and after 800 miles (most since June)still no
> truing issues. I have really pushed the bike in a few circumstances
> over challenging terrain and inclement weather and the GFFC handles it
> all predictably and with stability. A couple weeks ago I got caught
> in a rainstorm on a trail. Twelve miles over limestone, mud, and clay
> - no problems. I would not want to do it everyday on this bike but
> its nice to know that the capability is there. If you go with GF you
> will love its abilityto climb hills and smooth decents. Sorry about
> the long message but I really love my bike and the GF thinking on
> bikes. Leave a message as to your decision and why.

07-29-2003, 01:33 AM

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (Matt) wrote:
> Hi everyone, and thanks for the several posts back. I appreciate your
> inputs.
> Unfortunately, I was hoping for someone who actually owned one or more of
> the below three models, especially the Cannondale or Gary Fisher, as I am
> leading towards one of these two.

> > > Gary Fisher Utopia ~$620 @ my local bike store
> > > Trek 7300 ~$500 @ my local bike store
> > > Cannondale Adventure 400 ~$500 @ my local bike store

The closest I can get, Matt, is a 1997 Cannondale H300 hybrid I bought
my wife. They keep changing the names, but at that time, it was the
entry-level hybrid from Cannondale, and it looks like the Adventure 400
is the current holder of that title. SO... hmmm. I know hers was pretty
handy and reasonably capable - we lived in an old town and she had a
garden at a friend's farm several miles away, so we'd ride out there on
paved roads, then go on dirt roads and offroad at the farm to the garden.

Hers was 21-speed, of course everything has gone 8-speed in the back now,
so you'd get 24-speed. I'm pretty sure hers has a CAAD1 frame; they've
stopped calling a lot of things CAAD now, hybrid frames included. I'm
not sure whether it's the same frame.

The riding position on hers is pretty upright; we stuck a rack on the
back (heavy-duty with 3 supports, had to have the shop grind down the
curved end of one support due to the size of the seatstay tubes) and a
child seat.

I have to get her a new inner tube sometime... I was the last one to
ride it and now it's got a flat. (But my '98 XR800 cyclocross doesn't
have a flat, so... I lack motivation to go to the store.

I hope maybe this is a little helpful. Oh, and some other pointers.
We actually bought hers in the spring of '98 - the dealer still had a
couple of "last year's model" boxed up in their back room, and were
pretty eager to build them up and get rid of them... I think it was
listing for $460+ and we got it for something like $360 plus tax due
to it being old.

We're nearing the end of summer now, and they'll be coming out with
the 2004 models soon (just like cars

so you may find that your local
stores are eager to get rid of their 2003's. And if one of them has a
2002 still gathering dust, you might score a really good price.

-Dan

--
If you spam this address, you (obviously) agree to pay me $100/spam.

07-29-2003, 01:50 AM

Matt wrote:

like the Gary Fisher best EXCEPT I'm not
> sure if
> the biggest 22.5" inch frame is really big enough. I believe Trek and
> Cannondale make frames as large as 24-25" or XL/Jumbo as in the case
> w/ the

GF is owned by Trek so looking at the spec the GF hybrids all seem to be
lower cost versions of the Trek 7xxx series hybrids (at least that's how it
appears in the UK). The GF models tend to have -slightly- lower spec
components (like last season's Trek suspension forks) but they do have
better colours over here! ;-) Trek 7xxx do have an extra larger frame size
in the range than GF over here.

07-31-2003, 05:57 AM

A couple of comments:

I've owned several Cannondale bikes, including a H700 hybrid (late 90s
model), T700 touring bike, and an MTB. I've been happy with them all,
and never really have felt that the aluminum frame has been harsh (I
also own/have owned steel bikes too). Comparing bikes objectively is
pretty hard, as even the slightest frame design can radically change
the way the bike "feels" to different riders. The best bet is to test
ride all you are interested in, and see how they work for your body
and riding style. When comparing components, look at all the
components, not just the obvious ones (like rear derailleur). Often
companies will put, say, an XT rear derailleur on a bike, but crummy
components elsewhere to save money. Go for overall quality, as it's
easy to upgrade specific components down the road.

I advise against shopping for PRICE, PRICE, PRICE as another poster
mentioned. Find a shop that you feel comfortable with and that gives
you good SERVICE from competent salespeople/service people. Whenever
possible, give this shop your business and develop a relationship.
You'll be amazed about how useful such a relationship is in the long
run (like when you come in needing a really quick repair on a Saturday
for that big Sunday ride, and they fix it then and there).

Finally, seriously consider looking for a used bike that fits your
needs. Used bikes are great values. I've only bought two bikes over
the past 20 years new. Local bike clubs, classified newspapers, and
even Ebay (only buy it local) are good sources.

Brian W.