Quote:
Originally Posted by Graystoke
I don't know why Hybrids get the "Old Man Bike" label.
I like Hybrids, especially Cross Bikes.
Even in serious woods, these bikes can scream if you can handle them.
I remember when I did a race in the early 90's called Chequamegon Fat Tire festival in Wisconsin. Biggest off road, point to point race in the Midwest. 40 miles of hard and fast fire roads. I showed up on a Ibis Hackalugi Cross bike and out of 2400 participants
I got 17th place overall. The next year there was more then one Cross Bike at the event.
I guess what I am saying is "what is your riding style?" If indeed you are going to be doing a mix of woods and pavement. I recomend a Hybrid/Cross style bike.
They are faster, offer more comfort, and fun as hell.
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But CX bikes are not what you're going to get if you go into a shop and ask for a hybrid. You'e probably going to get a comfort bike which is what most people think of as hybrids (even most shop staff) and associate with "old man" bikes.
I agree with you on the CX bike and was thinking the same thing reading through the thread, but people really need to be comfortable with more of a road bike geometry to like them. "What's your riding style" is exactly the right question to ask here. Over my riding career evolved from bmx/freestyle to mountain to road and cross, and at this point I doubt I'll ever go back to anything other than a road geometry bike, but not everyone likes (or can tolerate) that riding position.
I'm not going to go into brands, because like everyone else I have my preferences and opinions. What I will say is this: the most important part of picking a bike is test riding a LOT of them.
Forget brands, and, at least for now, forget components (other than go with the best quality you can afford; same as the bikes, ride different brand component sets, you'll probably find you prefer one). First and foremost you need to find something that fits you, you're comfortable on and you actually like riding.
There can be a lot of difference between brands geometry-wise and really the only way to figure out what feels best is to try them out if you can.