12-02-2019, 01:04 AM
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
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

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: