help me make a choice

06-29-2004, 02:50 PM

Help me make a choice between MARIN "FAIRFAX," MARIN "KENTWOOD," AND
DIAMONDBACK "VENTURA." The Kentwood has a cromo frame, which I prefer to
aluminum, but the components are not as good as those of the other two
bikes. If I have to choose between the two aluminum bikes (Fairfax and
Ventura) I prefer the frame, light weight, and color-finish of the Fairfax.
But I like the upright-riding position and comfort of the Ventura. I would
be using the bike for streets and paved bike paths... about 12-15 miles of
riding, 6 days a week. IF you were buying one of these bikes -- and I know
lots of you wouldn't even consider buying a hybrid not to mention at this
low-end level -- but pretend that you were me and that you wanted to take
home one of these 3 bikes (after looking at many other brands) Which one
would YOU select? Never mind what I like (I'm not sure what I want right
now but hope that some opinions, and maybe a bit of discussion well help
clarify things for me. Tell me which one YOU would select and the reason
for that selection. The Fairfax is about $100 more than the other two,
which are about the same price. The bikes can be seen at the following
URL's:

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Thanks!
Glenn

06-29-2004, 05:59 PM

"Glenn Civello" wrote (clip)The Kentwood has a cromo frame, which I prefer
to aluminum, but the components are not as good as those of the other two
bikes.(clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^
For me, that eliminates the Kentwood. Economy components work when they are
new, but higher quality will pay off in the long run. I like aluminum for
its lightness. There have been aluminum frame failures in very hard use,
but you are talking about paved trails, so I wouldn't worry about that at
all.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
(clip) I like the upright-riding position and comfort of the Ventura.(clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^
Therefore, that would be my choice. (And, it's $100 less--a no-brainer for
me.)

06-29-2004, 05:59 PM

"Glenn Civello" wrote (clip)The Kentwood has a cromo frame, which I prefer
to aluminum, but the components are not as good as those of the other two
bikes.(clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^
For me, that eliminates the Kentwood. Economy components work when they are
new, but higher quality will pay off in the long run. I like aluminum for
its lightness. There have been aluminum frame failures in very hard use,
but you are talking about paved trails, so I wouldn't worry about that at
all.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
(clip) I like the upright-riding position and comfort of the Ventura.(clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^
Therefore, that would be my choice. (And, it's $100 less--a no-brainer for
me.)

06-29-2004, 05:59 PM

"Glenn Civello" wrote (clip)The Kentwood has a cromo frame, which I prefer
to aluminum, but the components are not as good as those of the other two
bikes.(clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^
For me, that eliminates the Kentwood. Economy components work when they are
new, but higher quality will pay off in the long run. I like aluminum for
its lightness. There have been aluminum frame failures in very hard use,
but you are talking about paved trails, so I wouldn't worry about that at
all.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
(clip) I like the upright-riding position and comfort of the Ventura.(clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^
Therefore, that would be my choice. (And, it's $100 less--a no-brainer for
me.)

06-29-2004, 05:59 PM

"Glenn Civello" wrote (clip)The Kentwood has a cromo frame, which I prefer
to aluminum, but the components are not as good as those of the other two
bikes.(clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^
For me, that eliminates the Kentwood. Economy components work when they are
new, but higher quality will pay off in the long run. I like aluminum for
its lightness. There have been aluminum frame failures in very hard use,
but you are talking about paved trails, so I wouldn't worry about that at
all.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
(clip) I like the upright-riding position and comfort of the Ventura.(clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^
Therefore, that would be my choice. (And, it's $100 less--a no-brainer for
me.)

06-29-2004, 05:59 PM

"Glenn Civello" wrote (clip)The Kentwood has a cromo frame, which I prefer
to aluminum, but the components are not as good as those of the other two
bikes.(clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^
For me, that eliminates the Kentwood. Economy components work when they are
new, but higher quality will pay off in the long run. I like aluminum for
its lightness. There have been aluminum frame failures in very hard use,
but you are talking about paved trails, so I wouldn't worry about that at
all.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
(clip) I like the upright-riding position and comfort of the Ventura.(clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^
Therefore, that would be my choice. (And, it's $100 less--a no-brainer for
me.)

06-29-2004, 06:33 PM

> (clip) I like the upright-riding position and comfort of
> the Ventura.(clip) ^^
^^^^^^^^^
> Therefore, that would be my choice. (And, it's $100
> less--a no-brainer for me.)
>

Agreed - given the sigificant amount of time you will spend on
your bike, I would certainly go for what feels most
comfortable to you.

Best,

Alan

(remove the x's in the email address)

06-29-2004, 06:33 PM

> (clip) I like the upright-riding position and comfort of
> the Ventura.(clip) ^^
^^^^^^^^^
> Therefore, that would be my choice. (And, it's $100
> less--a no-brainer for me.)
>

Agreed - given the sigificant amount of time you will spend on
your bike, I would certainly go for what feels most
comfortable to you.

Best,

Alan

(remove the x's in the email address)

06-29-2004, 06:33 PM

> (clip) I like the upright-riding position and comfort of
> the Ventura.(clip) ^^
^^^^^^^^^
> Therefore, that would be my choice. (And, it's $100
> less--a no-brainer for me.)
>

Agreed - given the sigificant amount of time you will spend on
your bike, I would certainly go for what feels most
comfortable to you.

Best,

Alan

(remove the x's in the email address)

06-29-2004, 06:33 PM

> (clip) I like the upright-riding position and comfort of
> the Ventura.(clip) ^^
^^^^^^^^^
> Therefore, that would be my choice. (And, it's $100
> less--a no-brainer for me.)
>

Agreed - given the sigificant amount of time you will spend on
your bike, I would certainly go for what feels most
comfortable to you.

Best,

Alan

(remove the x's in the email address)