Trek Navigator 300

Price Paid:  $500.00 at Bill's bike shop

Favorite Ride:
through the mountains and Idaho high desert

Bike Setup:
bell, fenders, rear rack and large panniers, rear and front LED light, kickstand, bottle holder

Summary:
If you like an universal, multi-purpose bike for riding all year round for commuting, recreation and bike touring, the Trek Navigator is the best choice. I don't have a car and I ride the bike 6 miles and back every day to work. On weekend I enjoy riding on the more rough mountain trails around Idaho Falls. This bike is also very comfortable for riding in all types of terrain and weather. The rear pannier can carry a very heavy load of groceries. I have traveled 5000 miles on this bike last year (including cold winter months) and with basic maintenance, it still works perfectly.

Strengths:
Durability (works perfectly after 1 year rough riding in all weather including snow) - only minor maintenance like gear adjustment and chain replacement was required.
Comfortable - Riding this bike is enjoyable for commuting, rough trails as well as long distance touring. With the more upright seating position, it's easy to look around and enjoy the surrounding city and countryside.

Weaknesses:
This is not the bike for the ultra-fast sportsmen. I wouldn't recommend it for extremely rough stony mountain trails (although it will do fine on unpaved roads or moderate difficulty trails).

Price Paid:  $495.00 at Bike Tech

Favorite Ride:
Tracks and country lanes

Summary:
I have the Navigator 300 WSD ladies bike and think it's great for general recreational riding. Love the sitting position, very comfortable seat. Horses for courses it's a great bike to run around with the kids on, can't fault it.

Strengths:
Sitting position

Weaknesses:
Not full suspension

Price Paid:  $400.00 at Adventure Cycles Mel

Summary:
I am an avid spinner but on occassion I like to ride my bike around the neighborhood- 7 or so miles at a fast clip. Well, this particular bike just doesn't have it. Yes, I am a senior but this bike is for the very slow, unsteady rider. When I try and go at a good pace, every muscle in my body screams out. It is stiff and unless I got a dud, it is the most miserable bike to ride that I have ever owned. I come home frustrated and angry that I actually bought and am stuck with this bike. It has so many gears and none of them are suitable. I have tryed them all. If I use number 7 on the right and a 2 or a 3 on the left, I can ride the bike sort of well but it is a cardiovascular challenge. If I put it lower, my legs fly around the wheels as it is too light. I am not convinced that TREK sells bikes that cause this much issue. I have taken it back for servicing to no avail. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Strengths:
None.

Weaknesses:
Everything.

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Price Paid:  $409.00 at High Gear (great sto

Favorite Ride:
Delaware/Raritan Canal towpath

Bike Setup:
Bontrager back rack.

Summary:
This is a rather heavy "comfort" bike for this older rider. It is built like a tank (sturdy) and handles minor dirt trails with aplomb. It is a very upright ride (comfortable, but slow).

Strengths:
Good quality, sturdy, good (not great) components. The stem is adjustable.

Weaknesses:
Weight.

Price Paid:  $400.00 at locally

Favorite Ride:
neighborhood and town

Summary:
My daughter only wanted me to ride with her around the neighborhood....and gifted me this bike for mohter's day. I love it. I'm not all that interested in distance riding but cruising the neighborhood or into town is delightful. I barely feel the bumps in the road and the overall ride is very smooth. While it is not a fast bike, it is just perfect for local riding.

Strengths:
very comfortable seat
handle bars easily adjusted
just plain fun to ride

Weaknesses:
given my purposes, I can't think of any.