New bicycle to minimize short trips

I'm looking at a couple hybrid bikes right now, and will test ride a few on Saturday at the local store. One is a Diamondback Trace Sport ($450), and GT Transeo 3.0 ($600). I'm going to check out their mountain bikes as well, since from what they told me, they can do all the stuff a hybrid can, and are better off pavement (as I'd expect). Part of it comes down to price, and eventually I may ride the 4.5 miles to work - or at least most of it. I plan to have something in the Prius after test riding on Saturday.

 

The Diamondback is probably enough,whatever fits best[and maybe some baggy bike shorts].You might look for used,Of all the bikes i own,my fav. 3 were bought used,Specialized Tarmac,Merlin Extralight, and Trek STP carbon mtbike.
steve

 

I carry a Brompton folding bike in the back of my 2011 Prius all the time. It's a great combination. Sometimes I park a few miles away from the office and bike in just to get some exercise.

 

My husband and I have Cannondale Quick hybrid bikes and are very happy with them. They are the "Quick 4" and were around & 600.

Good luck bike shopping!

 

Nice bike! Beautiful. Would love to try one someday.

 

I have exactly the same Prius as you, and same bike rack (use on my Tacoma). How easy was the hitch installation? Experience so far with this combo?

 

I help out my Mom who lives about a mile away. So I like to use my fixed gear Soma for those occasions.

 

I like that Yakima rack, but it says it'll fit class 2 and 3 hitches, but doesn't say if it'll fit class 1.

I'm gonna stay away from roof racks. My road bike is light and would be easy to mount on the roof, but there's no way I'm getting my monster beach cruiser up there.

 

I picked up a GT Avalanche 3.0, I believe it was. I got it yesterday, but I was hung over so my brain wasn't functioning well most of the day. I haven't gotten a chance to get it out and riding yet, because I was busy all day yesterday and today it's chilly and raining out. Hopefully this coming weekend I can get it out.

 

Picked up a new--well old road bike this week. An older Univega. I like vintage bikes. Here's a before pic:


After some parts replacement/adjustment pics:

 

I'd look at the non-29er mountain bikes unless you really plan to be out on the trails and going over rocks and stuff. Although, it would give you a better work-out with the 29er on pavement. If you just plan for pavement, go with the hybrid, as you can always swap the tires over to something else or probably even get a separate set of wheels and tires for the trails if you want.

 

It can, and I've seen it happen. If you ride on the street in the rain, the wearing effect is magnified by the sandpaper-like grit between pad and rim. Eventually, the strength of the wheel can be dangerously compromised. Not that there aren't other good reasons to use disc brakes, but this is one of them.

Go riding already. Think of all the fun you're missing, trying to make up your mind. You can always get a better or different bike next time.

If you know you'll only ever ride on the street, get a road bike. If you know you'll only ever ride in the dirt, get a 'mountain' bike. If you know you'll do some of each, the hybrid makes good sense, and will likely serve you well. Short answer: of those two, I'd pick the Crosstrail.

 

Sure it's possible.
But I've put thousands of miles on rims and not seen it happen, especially if you don't do much poor weather riding, which most don't. So for the casual rider it's not something I would worry about. But like I said above, disc brakes are awesome anyway.

"Hybrid" bikes are a weird breed. Get a bike that's comfortable. My Rivendell would not be considered a Hybrid by local bike shop standards. But it has enough space between the fork and stays that can fit wider tires AND fenders, and the geometry is more relaxed. And it's high quality steel instead of aluminum. Things like that make it a great "all-rounder" vs the typical Lance wannabee road bike. The Surly Long Haul Trucker is another great example. Pretty much any touring bike is.

 

Nice looking ride!
Pick up a black Brooks B17. Best seat ever.
http://www.bikewagon.com/brooks-b17-standard-black-bike-saddle.html

 

I wouldve said ,go with the 29er,but I'm more of a mtbiker,and I think it can be more fun,[and a better work out]and you can always thow on some skinny ,smooth tires.I see plenty of used rims[new take-offs] for sale,make it even easier.

 

Same here....throw the bike inside,park anywhere,no weather worries,get home after a century,leave it till tomorrow,but my titanium sure looks cool up there,ha

steve