Trek 2001 700

Price Paid:  $250.00 at a bike shop in Wisco

Favorite Ride:
Still deciding; Fox River Trail an old standby

Bike Setup:
Riding as purchased, with only two water bottle frames and mini-air pump inserted into provided bolt

Summary:
I got this bicycle last summer to finally replace my 1986 Schwinn World, and it has inspired me to do a lot of riding. It's my first foray into hybrids with upright handlebars and grip-shifting. I probably favor the road-style handlebars, but like Mark V says, at least you can adjust the handlebars to get a forward-leaning angle. I enjoy the seat-post shock absorbing. Also like Mark V says, I find trouble shifting to the lowest/uphill gear, but the grip-shift is largely smooth for my most common gears; it's very easy to shift around while going up and down hills. The tires equally let you gain speed on the road and grip in the gravel and dirt. I sometimes have trouble adjusting the very precise front brakes when I remove the front wheel for transport and put it back on. I have not changed from the Oasis seat that's included; it largely is fine with padded shorts, but I probably will explore others.

Strengths:
Smooth ride overall. Seat-post shock absorption nice. Tires good both for road speed and gravel grip. Largely smooth grip-shift. Handlebar angle adjustable.

Weaknesses:
Trouble shifting to lowest/uphill gear up front. Front brake tricky when removing and reinserting front wheel. Little sporty gauge attached to center of handlebars to show gears is silly; just put the numbers on the grip-shifters like other bikes.

Price Paid:  $250.00 at Richardson Bike Mart

Favorite Ride:
Country Classic

Bike Setup:
Traded up to Body Geometry Comfort Plus (gel) seat & aluminum pedals w/ toe clips.

Summary:
Very nice hybrid-comfort beginner / recreational bike for fun & fitness. Large Chro-Molly frame good for my 6'2" 250# size. "Last year's model" $370, on sale for $250, so a cheap intro into weekend rallies. Purchased to get back in shape, lose weight etc, and is fun to ride, before buying a serious road bike. Functional & good for fitness-only purposes. Shimano 101 grip-shift is nice, works OK with adjustment, but smallest chain ring hard to shift into.

Strengths:
Grooved tread medium width tires are very good for road, and can handle dirt road shoulders, gravel, etc. Have gotten comments like, "Nice touring bike." Handlebars adaptable to low-forward positions, cutting down wind resistance. Fun to ride w/ my 4 kids, a good value if for that alone.

Weaknesses:
Everything functional for this price, and when adjusted properly, can't complain about anything.