Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.

New: Take Part in the new April's Giveaway for a Chance to Win the Euybike S4 Pro Max ebike worth $1299


Looking for My First Real Bike
#1
Hi, I am a high school student looking for my first good bike. I have been using a walmart Schwinn for the past few years and I want something new. I mostly bike around the city of Phoenix and mainly stay on the streets. But, I do cut through some parks, go over bridges, and go off curbs, so I need a hybrid bike that can handle some minor offroading. I've been looking at quite a few different bikes and I need some advice on what would be best. Thanks!

Want
-$400-600 (preferrably)
-lightweight
-will last me a good ten years or so
-able to handle going off curbs or through grass
-fast (it's subjective, I know, but it would be nice)
-fun and easy to ride (will encourage me to ride more)

Don't Want
-a mountain bike
-suspension
-a fixie (I do travel on some inclines)
-a drop bar bike
-steel frame
-twist shifters

What I've been looking at
-Specialized Sirrus Disc (tried it in a store and shifts felt smooth)
-Raleigh Cadent 1
-Trek FX 1 (tried it in store, but didn't like the shifter)
-Raleigh Redux 1 (might be good for going around the city, might be more offroading focused than I need though)
-Marin Fairfax 1 (I have seen good reviews, seems like a good price)
-Marin Presidio 1 (out of my price range, but I like the 3 speed internal gearbox)
-open to any other recommendations
  Reply
#2
Hey.
Based on your yes/no listed above, urban/fitness bike with flatbar and 1x/2x chainrings or Nexus hub sounds like the right choice to go with Smile Those six bikes on your list are decent, and I'd choose Specialized. Nevertheless, considering that you hope it will last for many years, I'd suggest going somewhat over the limit and at least consider bike like this one: https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/fastroad-sl-3-2020

Alu frame, should be relatively lighter. It has road bike drivetrain Shimano Claris and geometry. Tektro disc brakes are also nice. Plus it should feel fast, the name itself says so Cool
That's just my subjective opinion though Smile When you divide those 150 extra dollars over 5 year span, it's 30$/year or less than 3$/month for that urban speed feeling. What do you think?
Merida Scultura 5000 (2015)
Merida Big Nine 400 (2019)
  Reply
#3
(12-02-2019, 01:04 AM)h.clakins Wrote:  What I've been looking at
-Specialized Sirrus Disc (tried it in a store and shifts felt smooth)
-Raleigh Cadent 1
-Trek FX 1 (tried it in store, but didn't like the shifter)
-Raleigh Redux 1 (might be good for going around the city, might be more offroading focused than I need though)
-Marin Fairfax 1 (I have seen good reviews, seems like a good price)
-Marin Presidio 1 (out of my price range, but I like the 3 speed internal gearbox)
-open to any other recommendations

Hello, I found one of bikes listed in the review section. I hope it helps!
Raleigh Cadent: https://www.bikeride.com/raleigh-cadent/
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread
Author
Replies
Views
Last Post
 
2,222
05-01-2022, 11:41 AM
Last Post: LISA STUART

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
Tubeless vs. tubes: What are the pros an...
Today 06:41 AM
Do you have a four foot rule?
Yesterday 02:21 PM
Let me introduce myself
Yesterday 07:56 AM
Paris-Roubaix
04-18-2025 06:19 PM
What are the best cost effective ways to...
04-18-2025 01:34 PM
Climbing hills: Where have you found the...
04-18-2025 12:27 AM
Schrader vs Presta
04-17-2025 09:59 AM
New To The Forum
04-16-2025 11:50 PM
Good morning form Alberta CA
04-16-2025 08:16 AM
What is the best Mountain Bike you've ev...
04-15-2025 12:31 PM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. GirishH
20 posts
no avatar 2. Flowrider
15 posts
no avatar 3. meamoantonio
13 posts
no avatar 4. SPINMAN
12 posts
no avatar 5. rydabent
9 posts