Touring Vs Hybrid Vs Cyclocross - Page 2 - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

07-26-2004, 05:35 PM

Fx199 <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:
> I ride a mix of paved and dirt roads.
> I have a road bike, but it doesn't cut it on some loose gravel/dirt roads
I
> like to ride.
>
> I am trying to decide whether to get something like a Trek 7700 FX, a
Touring
> bike like a Trek 520, or a cyclocross bike. Ride now I am riding a
Specialized
> Stumpjumper with 1.25" tires, It works OK, but the bike is a 91.
>
> I tried a 7700 FX, I got on a 17" bike and the sale "kid" said I needed a
20".
> I'm 5'8" 30 in inseam. Due to the weird geometry of the crossbar, it felt
about
> where it should be to the crotch. On my 17" inch specialized it seems like
I
> use a lot of seatpost..doesn't it seem like you shouldn't have more than
about
> 6" coming out of the frame? I'm still wide open to all three 3 styles of
bikes.
> Any advice would be helpful. Remember I do have a road bike too, this is a
> secondary bike.
>
> Thanks!

My riding pattern is similar to yours and I had been asking myself the same
question. Here are the bikes that I looked at this spring:

Surly Crosscheck (Tire width: 32mm)
Fuji World (30mm)
Fuji Touring (30mm)
Cannondale Cyclocross (30mm)
Cannondale T2000 (37mm)
Cannondale T800 (35mm)
Lightspeed BlueRidge (32mm)
Jamis Nova (28mm)
Jamis Aurora (30mm)
Gary Fischer Utopia (35mm)
Gary Fischer Dual Sport 129 (42mm)
Gary Fischer Dual Sport 229 (42mm)
Devinci Caribou (28mm)
Devinci Destination (28mm)
Devinci performance hybrids (32mm)
Norco perfomance hybrids
Lemond BigSky (28mm)

I ended up buying a 2004 Gary Fischer Utopia. It takes me on paved roads,
gravel roads, bike paths, and light forest-trails.

07-26-2004, 05:47 PM

"Fx199" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].com...
> I ride a mix of paved and dirt roads.
> I have a road bike, but it doesn't cut it on some loose gravel/dirt roads
I
> like to ride.
>
> I am trying to decide whether to get something like a Trek 7700 FX, a
Touring
> bike like a Trek 520, or a cyclocross bike. Ride now I am riding a
Specialized
> Stumpjumper with 1.25" tires, It works OK, but the bike is a 91.
>
> I tried a 7700 FX, I got on a 17" bike and the sale "kid" said I needed a
20".
> I'm 5'8" 30 in inseam. Due to the weird geometry of the crossbar, it felt
about
> where it should be to the crotch. On my 17" inch specialized it seems like
I
> use a lot of seatpost..doesn't it seem like you shouldn't have more than
about
> 6" coming out of the frame? I'm still wide open to all three 3 styles of
bikes.
> Any advice would be helpful. Remember I do have a road bike too, this is a
> secondary bike.

I am about the same size you are. I tried out a Trek 7700 and
7700FX tonight in a 17.5" frame size and both of them fit me
really well. I prefer the 7700, but I will look around some more
before making my choice. I need a fairly upright riding position,
instead of the drop bar a road bike offers, due to neck problems.

I wish that Trek made a hybrid or comfort style bike with all
of the lightweight and high quality parts that go into the road
bikes. They seem to stop at just a little over $1000 and reserve
the best parts for the racing bikes.

07-26-2004, 05:47 PM

"Fx199" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].com...
> I ride a mix of paved and dirt roads.
> I have a road bike, but it doesn't cut it on some loose gravel/dirt roads
I
> like to ride.
>
> I am trying to decide whether to get something like a Trek 7700 FX, a
Touring
> bike like a Trek 520, or a cyclocross bike. Ride now I am riding a
Specialized
> Stumpjumper with 1.25" tires, It works OK, but the bike is a 91.
>
> I tried a 7700 FX, I got on a 17" bike and the sale "kid" said I needed a
20".
> I'm 5'8" 30 in inseam. Due to the weird geometry of the crossbar, it felt
about
> where it should be to the crotch. On my 17" inch specialized it seems like
I
> use a lot of seatpost..doesn't it seem like you shouldn't have more than
about
> 6" coming out of the frame? I'm still wide open to all three 3 styles of
bikes.
> Any advice would be helpful. Remember I do have a road bike too, this is a
> secondary bike.

I am about the same size you are. I tried out a Trek 7700 and
7700FX tonight in a 17.5" frame size and both of them fit me
really well. I prefer the 7700, but I will look around some more
before making my choice. I need a fairly upright riding position,
instead of the drop bar a road bike offers, due to neck problems.

I wish that Trek made a hybrid or comfort style bike with all
of the lightweight and high quality parts that go into the road
bikes. They seem to stop at just a little over $1000 and reserve
the best parts for the racing bikes.

07-26-2004, 05:47 PM

"Fx199" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].com...
> I ride a mix of paved and dirt roads.
> I have a road bike, but it doesn't cut it on some loose gravel/dirt roads
I
> like to ride.
>
> I am trying to decide whether to get something like a Trek 7700 FX, a
Touring
> bike like a Trek 520, or a cyclocross bike. Ride now I am riding a
Specialized
> Stumpjumper with 1.25" tires, It works OK, but the bike is a 91.
>
> I tried a 7700 FX, I got on a 17" bike and the sale "kid" said I needed a
20".
> I'm 5'8" 30 in inseam. Due to the weird geometry of the crossbar, it felt
about
> where it should be to the crotch. On my 17" inch specialized it seems like
I
> use a lot of seatpost..doesn't it seem like you shouldn't have more than
about
> 6" coming out of the frame? I'm still wide open to all three 3 styles of
bikes.
> Any advice would be helpful. Remember I do have a road bike too, this is a
> secondary bike.

I am about the same size you are. I tried out a Trek 7700 and
7700FX tonight in a 17.5" frame size and both of them fit me
really well. I prefer the 7700, but I will look around some more
before making my choice. I need a fairly upright riding position,
instead of the drop bar a road bike offers, due to neck problems.

I wish that Trek made a hybrid or comfort style bike with all
of the lightweight and high quality parts that go into the road
bikes. They seem to stop at just a little over $1000 and reserve
the best parts for the racing bikes.

07-26-2004, 05:47 PM

"Fx199" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].com...
> I ride a mix of paved and dirt roads.
> I have a road bike, but it doesn't cut it on some loose gravel/dirt roads
I
> like to ride.
>
> I am trying to decide whether to get something like a Trek 7700 FX, a
Touring
> bike like a Trek 520, or a cyclocross bike. Ride now I am riding a
Specialized
> Stumpjumper with 1.25" tires, It works OK, but the bike is a 91.
>
> I tried a 7700 FX, I got on a 17" bike and the sale "kid" said I needed a
20".
> I'm 5'8" 30 in inseam. Due to the weird geometry of the crossbar, it felt
about
> where it should be to the crotch. On my 17" inch specialized it seems like
I
> use a lot of seatpost..doesn't it seem like you shouldn't have more than
about
> 6" coming out of the frame? I'm still wide open to all three 3 styles of
bikes.
> Any advice would be helpful. Remember I do have a road bike too, this is a
> secondary bike.

I am about the same size you are. I tried out a Trek 7700 and
7700FX tonight in a 17.5" frame size and both of them fit me
really well. I prefer the 7700, but I will look around some more
before making my choice. I need a fairly upright riding position,
instead of the drop bar a road bike offers, due to neck problems.

I wish that Trek made a hybrid or comfort style bike with all
of the lightweight and high quality parts that go into the road
bikes. They seem to stop at just a little over $1000 and reserve
the best parts for the racing bikes.

07-26-2004, 05:47 PM

"Fx199" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].com...
> I ride a mix of paved and dirt roads.
> I have a road bike, but it doesn't cut it on some loose gravel/dirt roads
I
> like to ride.
>
> I am trying to decide whether to get something like a Trek 7700 FX, a
Touring
> bike like a Trek 520, or a cyclocross bike. Ride now I am riding a
Specialized
> Stumpjumper with 1.25" tires, It works OK, but the bike is a 91.
>
> I tried a 7700 FX, I got on a 17" bike and the sale "kid" said I needed a
20".
> I'm 5'8" 30 in inseam. Due to the weird geometry of the crossbar, it felt
about
> where it should be to the crotch. On my 17" inch specialized it seems like
I
> use a lot of seatpost..doesn't it seem like you shouldn't have more than
about
> 6" coming out of the frame? I'm still wide open to all three 3 styles of
bikes.
> Any advice would be helpful. Remember I do have a road bike too, this is a
> secondary bike.

I am about the same size you are. I tried out a Trek 7700 and
7700FX tonight in a 17.5" frame size and both of them fit me
really well. I prefer the 7700, but I will look around some more
before making my choice. I need a fairly upright riding position,
instead of the drop bar a road bike offers, due to neck problems.

I wish that Trek made a hybrid or comfort style bike with all
of the lightweight and high quality parts that go into the road
bikes. They seem to stop at just a little over $1000 and reserve
the best parts for the racing bikes.

07-26-2004, 06:24 PM

Fx199 wrote:

>I ride a mix of paved and dirt roads.
>I have a road bike, but it doesn't cut it on some loose gravel/dirt roads I
>like to ride.
>
>I am trying to decide whether to get something like a Trek 7700 FX, a Touring
>bike like a Trek 520, or a cyclocross bike. Ride now I am riding a Specialized
>Stumpjumper with 1.25" tires, It works OK, but the bike is a 91.
>
>I tried a 7700 FX, I got on a 17" bike and the sale "kid" said I needed a 20".
>I'm 5'8" 30 in inseam. Due to the weird geometry of the crossbar, it felt about
>where it should be to the crotch. On my 17" inch specialized it seems like I
>use a lot of seatpost..doesn't it seem like you shouldn't have more than about
>6" coming out of the frame? I'm still wide open to all three 3 styles of bikes.
>Any advice would be helpful. Remember I do have a road bike too, this is a
>secondary bike.
>
>Thanks!
>
Those old rigid frame mtn bikes rock. Tough and reliable. Do you like
your Stumpjumper? Mebbe you simply need to refurbish it with some new
components and keep riding it. Frame a bit small seems to work on
mountain bikes, makes you more nimble in the tight spots, I feel.

My old Norco Bush Pilot is around '87 vintage, still strong and
reliable. Your Stumpjumper is a cut or three above my bike. I've
replaced shift levers, brake levers, drive trains a few times, new
bottom bracket... Depends how you feel, I guess. BTW, the high seat
post is fine imo, as long as you are comfortable.

The bike can probably last as long as you do!

Best, Bernie

07-26-2004, 06:24 PM

Fx199 wrote:

>I ride a mix of paved and dirt roads.
>I have a road bike, but it doesn't cut it on some loose gravel/dirt roads I
>like to ride.
>
>I am trying to decide whether to get something like a Trek 7700 FX, a Touring
>bike like a Trek 520, or a cyclocross bike. Ride now I am riding a Specialized
>Stumpjumper with 1.25" tires, It works OK, but the bike is a 91.
>
>I tried a 7700 FX, I got on a 17" bike and the sale "kid" said I needed a 20".
>I'm 5'8" 30 in inseam. Due to the weird geometry of the crossbar, it felt about
>where it should be to the crotch. On my 17" inch specialized it seems like I
>use a lot of seatpost..doesn't it seem like you shouldn't have more than about
>6" coming out of the frame? I'm still wide open to all three 3 styles of bikes.
>Any advice would be helpful. Remember I do have a road bike too, this is a
>secondary bike.
>
>Thanks!
>
Those old rigid frame mtn bikes rock. Tough and reliable. Do you like
your Stumpjumper? Mebbe you simply need to refurbish it with some new
components and keep riding it. Frame a bit small seems to work on
mountain bikes, makes you more nimble in the tight spots, I feel.

My old Norco Bush Pilot is around '87 vintage, still strong and
reliable. Your Stumpjumper is a cut or three above my bike. I've
replaced shift levers, brake levers, drive trains a few times, new
bottom bracket... Depends how you feel, I guess. BTW, the high seat
post is fine imo, as long as you are comfortable.

The bike can probably last as long as you do!

Best, Bernie

07-26-2004, 06:24 PM

Fx199 wrote:

>I ride a mix of paved and dirt roads.
>I have a road bike, but it doesn't cut it on some loose gravel/dirt roads I
>like to ride.
>
>I am trying to decide whether to get something like a Trek 7700 FX, a Touring
>bike like a Trek 520, or a cyclocross bike. Ride now I am riding a Specialized
>Stumpjumper with 1.25" tires, It works OK, but the bike is a 91.
>
>I tried a 7700 FX, I got on a 17" bike and the sale "kid" said I needed a 20".
>I'm 5'8" 30 in inseam. Due to the weird geometry of the crossbar, it felt about
>where it should be to the crotch. On my 17" inch specialized it seems like I
>use a lot of seatpost..doesn't it seem like you shouldn't have more than about
>6" coming out of the frame? I'm still wide open to all three 3 styles of bikes.
>Any advice would be helpful. Remember I do have a road bike too, this is a
>secondary bike.
>
>Thanks!
>
Those old rigid frame mtn bikes rock. Tough and reliable. Do you like
your Stumpjumper? Mebbe you simply need to refurbish it with some new
components and keep riding it. Frame a bit small seems to work on
mountain bikes, makes you more nimble in the tight spots, I feel.

My old Norco Bush Pilot is around '87 vintage, still strong and
reliable. Your Stumpjumper is a cut or three above my bike. I've
replaced shift levers, brake levers, drive trains a few times, new
bottom bracket... Depends how you feel, I guess. BTW, the high seat
post is fine imo, as long as you are comfortable.

The bike can probably last as long as you do!

Best, Bernie

07-26-2004, 06:24 PM

Fx199 wrote:

>I ride a mix of paved and dirt roads.
>I have a road bike, but it doesn't cut it on some loose gravel/dirt roads I
>like to ride.
>
>I am trying to decide whether to get something like a Trek 7700 FX, a Touring
>bike like a Trek 520, or a cyclocross bike. Ride now I am riding a Specialized
>Stumpjumper with 1.25" tires, It works OK, but the bike is a 91.
>
>I tried a 7700 FX, I got on a 17" bike and the sale "kid" said I needed a 20".
>I'm 5'8" 30 in inseam. Due to the weird geometry of the crossbar, it felt about
>where it should be to the crotch. On my 17" inch specialized it seems like I
>use a lot of seatpost..doesn't it seem like you shouldn't have more than about
>6" coming out of the frame? I'm still wide open to all three 3 styles of bikes.
>Any advice would be helpful. Remember I do have a road bike too, this is a
>secondary bike.
>
>Thanks!
>
Those old rigid frame mtn bikes rock. Tough and reliable. Do you like
your Stumpjumper? Mebbe you simply need to refurbish it with some new
components and keep riding it. Frame a bit small seems to work on
mountain bikes, makes you more nimble in the tight spots, I feel.

My old Norco Bush Pilot is around '87 vintage, still strong and
reliable. Your Stumpjumper is a cut or three above my bike. I've
replaced shift levers, brake levers, drive trains a few times, new
bottom bracket... Depends how you feel, I guess. BTW, the high seat
post is fine imo, as long as you are comfortable.

The bike can probably last as long as you do!

Best, Bernie