Thanks for watching! Here's some awesome bike stuff I like & you might, too. (It also helps support this channel!) 🚲 PRIORITY BICYCLES (belt-drive bikes with hub gears): twowheelsbetter.net/go/priority 🚲 BROMPTON (reigning champ of folding bikes): twowheelsbetter.net/go/brompton ✅ BROOKS B67 (favorite saddle for upright riding): amzn.to/44JFQ2A ✅ BROOKS B17 (favorite saddle for hybrid & touring posture): amzn.to/3DE2nSc
I like that you said that step through frame is preferable. If it wasn't for the girls bike stigma, more people would buy these. They're great for easily getting on and off, it's undenyable
Bit late on my replies here lol. Yeah that stigma is a shame... Too bad how one inapt marketing term can point people away from something so practical! Thanks for watching!
@@lesnuitssanskimwilde883 Interesting question, and I have no idea. But my hypothesis is: a) it would not deter the thieves who steal whatever's nearby for quick cash but b) it would be less appealing to more "professional" thieves who know that step-through frames are rare on high-end bikes. Just an educated guess, at best!
I like mixte frames. The double rails running from head tube to rear dropouts make a really stiff and strong frame, low enough to step across if you're agile. I'd like a mixte cargo bike.
❤🚴🏽thanks … I’m a Chicago Schwinn vintage riding senior coming from a need to ride in a bad road, hilly environment (St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands) who thinks brakes are very important but ease of maintenance is also a concern. I appreciate the frank discussion about disc vs. caliper brakes. This will help take me into the 21st century for buying a modern hybrid bike that will take me riding into my 80s in a few years.
Same - these prices increases are like nothing I've ever seen. At least availability seems to be slowly catching up...but if I make a 2022 version of this video, I think I'll have to change $500 to $700 :(
Bought the Verve 2 step-thru about a year ago and I've been quite pleased with it. Which was quite nice since I really didn't have many choices when I went out looking for a bike due to the whole COVID/supply-chain issues.
Great choice, and glad you're liking it! Thanks for watching. And yeah the supply chain issues have really been something else. Figured I'd just hold out and make a 2023 update to this video lol.
Would you recommend the Trek 7.2 FX from 2006? Is it similar to the FX 1? And is it worth it for 250$ second hand since it's such an old bike or do you think it's better to get the 2016 version for around 500$ brand new?
Yes, very similar. They're deliberately simple bikes that don't change much over the years. It's possible that Shimano's entry-level drivetrains are slightly better now than in 2016, but I doubt there's a big difference. $250 sounds all right if it's in good shape and ready to ride (without spending more money on worn tires, gunky brake cables, etc.). If the condition isn't so great, or if you're not totally sure how to tell, then I'd suggest a new one *purchased from a dealer*.
Thank you for the response! Just to clarify, are you saying that the Trek 7.2 from 2006 (not from 2016) , if in good condition, is worth getting for 250$? I think that my best bet is just to get the FX 1 brand new for 500$. I don't live in the US so getting bikes here is difficult.
Ah, 2006. I mis-read that, so I'm glad you clarified. $250 is a bit steep then. I might aim for $150 since it's bound to need *some* work after sitting (let alone being ridden) for that many years. Otherwise, agreed, I'd take the brand-new 2016 instead (but I might still try to talk them down $50 or so).
They both have a wide (and identical) gear range, so your energy/fitness would be the only limiting factor. For instance, if you pedaled ~90 rpm in the highest gear (48x14), you'd be going upward of 25 mph. You can plug numbers in here if you're curious: www.bikecalc.com/speed_at_cadence
Hi , i am confused between fx2 disc / dual sport 3 / scott sub cross 30 . Im looking for a cycle where i can travel around 30-60kms for fitness, which do u suggest btw these ? If u have a better option pls let me know ? And , fx2 disc comes with 700x35c (3×8GEARS)/ dual sport 3 comes with 700x40c (2×9GEARS), / sub cross 30 comes with 700x45c (3×8GEARS),which of these tires and gears gives me better rolling and easy to ride ?
Hey @Dilip Kaparthi, all three would work fine, but I'd pick the FX2 Disc for decent pavement and dirt/gravel, or the Sub Cross 30 if roads are pretty torn up. Reasoning: - I think suspension brings unnecessary cost and weight, unless you're on very rough terrain most of the time. Others might disagree. - The 35c tires on the FX2 Disc are great for general pavement and even gravel. If it's super rough, then you'll appreciate the widest tires (i.e., 45c on the Sub Cross 30). Not a game-changing difference, but definitely smoother. - Even though they have different *numbers* of gears, they all have very similar gear *ranges* so you won't notice a big practical difference. You can plug them into this calculator if you're really curious: www.bikecalc.com/gear_inches Hope that helps. Hope you have fun, and let us know what you pick!
Should be technically doable, but might cause fit issues. At that point, either the saddle is too low for leg extension, which is a problem...or it's OK for leg extension, which means you bought a size up and may lack stand-over clearance. I'd raise the handlebars instead (if there's enough cable length) or better yet go with Trek Verve or a similar model that's intended to be more upright.
I had to Google it (not a common brand where I'm from) but it seems like a good deal on paper. Pay extra-close attention to wheel, headset, and brake adjustment at that price point...and keep checking them over time. Definitely worth having a shop tune up before riding. Hope to hear your experience if you get it!
Maybe. Same caveats with that one, mostly because it's still from a big-box store that may not assemble bikes with the same care or precision as a local shop would. I'm not a fan of suspension forks on inexpensive bikes in general, or on hybrid bikes at all, but that's just personal preference. (Tend to be heavy and not perform that well, but YMMV.)
Excellent idea - hoping to get around to that this summer! Although with how prices are going, these $500-$600 bikes might be $800 for 2022-2023 lol :(
Yeah the demand and the supply chain issues are really incredible. Even secondhand prices seem oddly high. *Some* direct-to-consumer brands seem to get inventory every few months, so they might be the least difficult to get hold of...
Yeah, I'd say a lot of brands offer a little better value for your money in between the very bottom and very top of each range. For anyone who has the cash, it's definitely worth thinking about upgrading a level.
Something about the Verve 1 that isn't great, is the fact the rear hub is a freewheel, kinda bad place for cost savings in my opinion, even walmart bikes have cassettes.
In my opinion, nothing different: just higher prices :( I need to put together a truly sub-$500 round-up for the coming year...but they'll be mostly direct-to-consumer brands in order to hit that price point. For anything available new from a bike shop, I'd still start with the entry-level Trek FX/Specialized Cirrus/Giant Escape/Jamis Coda, etc. (since they're all extremely similar).
@@twowheelsbetter_yt used market is not bad if you are willing to make some concessions. i called a bike shop the other day to ask them if they had anytbingbgood under 500 they told me verbatim that everything under 500 is shit. such an elitist group these bike shop owners lol
Lol, yeah they could have said it more tactfully, but I think they're mostly right about that price range. But if I can find some exceptions then they'll hopefully be in a video soon!
Thanks for watching! Here's some awesome bike stuff I like & you might, too. (It also helps support this channel!)
🚲 PRIORITY BICYCLES (belt-drive bikes with hub gears): twowheelsbetter.net/go/priority
🚲 BROMPTON (reigning champ of folding bikes): twowheelsbetter.net/go/brompton
✅ BROOKS B67 (favorite saddle for upright riding): amzn.to/44JFQ2A
✅ BROOKS B17 (favorite saddle for hybrid & touring posture): amzn.to/3DE2nSc
i really like how you accentuate how important it is to have big tyres for bad roads which is the case for a lot of the roads today
First actually helpful video I’ve come across looking for a hybrid bike to purchase for my sister, thank you so much!
Thanks, and glad to hear that! Good luck and have fun choosing!
Your channel is absolutely priceless for a newb like me. Keep it up! 🙏
Thanks, Aaron. Much appreciated, and glad to hear it's helpful! More to come...
I like that you said that step through frame is preferable. If it wasn't for the girls bike stigma, more people would buy these. They're great for easily getting on and off, it's undenyable
Bit late on my replies here lol. Yeah that stigma is a shame... Too bad how one inapt marketing term can point people away from something so practical!
Thanks for watching!
@@twowheelsbetter_yt Does that kind of frame also mean less" thief attraction"?
@@lesnuitssanskimwilde883 Interesting question, and I have no idea.
But my hypothesis is: a) it would not deter the thieves who steal whatever's nearby for quick cash but b) it would be less appealing to more "professional" thieves who know that step-through frames are rare on high-end bikes. Just an educated guess, at best!
I like mixte frames. The double rails running from head tube to rear dropouts make a really stiff and strong frame, low enough to step across if you're agile.
I'd like a mixte cargo bike.
does the straight frame actually have any advantage over the step through? i can't think of any except for carrying it over the shoulder :/
❤🚴🏽thanks … I’m a Chicago Schwinn vintage riding senior coming from a need to ride in a bad road, hilly environment (St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands) who thinks brakes are very important but ease of maintenance is also a concern. I appreciate the frank discussion about disc vs. caliper brakes. This will help take me into the 21st century for buying a modern hybrid bike that will take me riding into my 80s in a few years.
Thank you very much for this video. Thinking about verve 2 for casual cruising. This really helps.
Glad it helped. Hope you're able to snag one. Have fun!
All of these bikes are 25% more expensive 1 year later.
...haven't seen inflation like this in my lifetime.
Same - these prices increases are like nothing I've ever seen. At least availability seems to be slowly catching up...but if I make a 2022 version of this video, I think I'll have to change $500 to $700 :(
This was extremely helpful thank you!
That's great to hear, and thank you for watching!
This was an awesome video! I learned stuff! I live in the NW as well. Maybe I'll see you on the trail.
Awesome, I'm glad, and thanks for watching!
Yes indeed--you never know! Have fun out there.
Picked up a muddyfox tempo 200 for £80 and it's fantastic
Cool, not a brand I'm familiar with here but glad you found a good deal. Hope you're having a blast on it!
Bought the Verve 2 step-thru about a year ago and I've been quite pleased with it. Which was quite nice since I really didn't have many choices when I went out looking for a bike due to the whole COVID/supply-chain issues.
Great choice, and glad you're liking it! Thanks for watching.
And yeah the supply chain issues have really been something else. Figured I'd just hold out and make a 2023 update to this video lol.
Hey, what do you think about Riverside 700?
Would you recommend the Trek 7.2 FX from 2006? Is it similar to the FX 1? And is it worth it for 250$ second hand since it's such an old bike or do you think it's better to get the 2016 version for around 500$ brand new?
Yes, very similar. They're deliberately simple bikes that don't change much over the years. It's possible that Shimano's entry-level drivetrains are slightly better now than in 2016, but I doubt there's a big difference.
$250 sounds all right if it's in good shape and ready to ride (without spending more money on worn tires, gunky brake cables, etc.).
If the condition isn't so great, or if you're not totally sure how to tell, then I'd suggest a new one *purchased from a dealer*.
Thank you for the response!
Just to clarify, are you saying that the Trek 7.2 from 2006 (not from 2016) , if in good condition, is worth getting for 250$?
I think that my best bet is just to get the FX 1 brand new for 500$. I don't live in the US so getting bikes here is difficult.
Ah, 2006. I mis-read that, so I'm glad you clarified. $250 is a bit steep then. I might aim for $150 since it's bound to need *some* work after sitting (let alone being ridden) for that many years.
Otherwise, agreed, I'd take the brand-new 2016 instead (but I might still try to talk them down $50 or so).
Great video, and I did notice your speaking "cadence" to be very Chritopher Walken-like.
Thanks for watching!
And lol...guess now is the time for a cowbell reference? ;)
@@twowheelsbetter_yt Moooore!
How to FX and Verve compare with the higher gearing for keeping up with traffic?
They both have a wide (and identical) gear range, so your energy/fitness would be the only limiting factor. For instance, if you pedaled ~90 rpm in the highest gear (48x14), you'd be going upward of 25 mph.
You can plug numbers in here if you're curious: www.bikecalc.com/speed_at_cadence
@@twowheelsbetter_yt Nice. Much obliged.
I was at a Trek shop yesterday. Cheapest bike was $750;
Hi , i am confused between fx2 disc / dual sport 3 / scott sub cross 30 . Im looking for a cycle where i can travel around 30-60kms for fitness, which do u suggest btw these ? If u have a better option pls let me know ?
And , fx2 disc comes with 700x35c (3×8GEARS)/ dual sport 3 comes with 700x40c (2×9GEARS), / sub cross 30 comes with 700x45c (3×8GEARS),which of these tires and gears gives me better rolling and easy to ride ?
Hey @Dilip Kaparthi, all three would work fine, but I'd pick the FX2 Disc for decent pavement and dirt/gravel, or the Sub Cross 30 if roads are pretty torn up. Reasoning:
- I think suspension brings unnecessary cost and weight, unless you're on very rough terrain most of the time. Others might disagree.
- The 35c tires on the FX2 Disc are great for general pavement and even gravel. If it's super rough, then you'll appreciate the widest tires (i.e., 45c on the Sub Cross 30). Not a game-changing difference, but definitely smoother.
- Even though they have different *numbers* of gears, they all have very similar gear *ranges* so you won't notice a big practical difference. You can plug them into this calculator if you're really curious: www.bikecalc.com/gear_inches
Hope that helps. Hope you have fun, and let us know what you pick!
@@twowheelsbetter_yt thankyou for this much needed reply
For the fx1, can the seat be lowered to be below the handlebar height?
Should be technically doable, but might cause fit issues. At that point, either the saddle is too low for leg extension, which is a problem...or it's OK for leg extension, which means you bought a size up and may lack stand-over clearance.
I'd raise the handlebars instead (if there's enough cable length) or better yet go with Trek Verve or a similar model that's intended to be more upright.
How much does Norko Indie 4 weigh?
What do you think of the riverside 100 hybrid bike
I had to Google it (not a common brand where I'm from) but it seems like a good deal on paper. Pay extra-close attention to wheel, headset, and brake adjustment at that price point...and keep checking them over time. Definitely worth having a shop tune up before riding. Hope to hear your experience if you get it!
@@twowheelsbetter_yt thanks better upgrade to the Riverside 900 then?
Maybe. Same caveats with that one, mostly because it's still from a big-box store that may not assemble bikes with the same care or precision as a local shop would.
I'm not a fan of suspension forks on inexpensive bikes in general, or on hybrid bikes at all, but that's just personal preference. (Tend to be heavy and not perform that well, but YMMV.)
Can you do best hybrid under 1000
Excellent idea - hoping to get around to that this summer! Although with how prices are going, these $500-$600 bikes might be $800 for 2022-2023 lol :(
@@twowheelsbetter_yt yea your prob right .
Not a single bike on this list can be found right now. :(
Yeah the demand and the supply chain issues are really incredible. Even secondhand prices seem oddly high.
*Some* direct-to-consumer brands seem to get inventory every few months, so they might be the least difficult to get hold of...
TIP DONT EVER BUY TREK 1 MODELS ALWAYS BUY THE SECOND OR THIRD MODELS.
Yeah, I'd say a lot of brands offer a little better value for your money in between the very bottom and very top of each range. For anyone who has the cash, it's definitely worth thinking about upgrading a level.
Something about the Verve 1 that isn't great, is the fact the rear hub is a freewheel, kinda bad place for cost savings in my opinion, even walmart bikes have cassettes.
That's a great catch, thanks for pointing it out! Not a deal-breaker in my book, but agreed, it really should be a cassette even at that price.
are there any good recommendations now in 2022/2023?
In my opinion, nothing different: just higher prices :(
I need to put together a truly sub-$500 round-up for the coming year...but they'll be mostly direct-to-consumer brands in order to hit that price point. For anything available new from a bike shop, I'd still start with the entry-level Trek FX/Specialized Cirrus/Giant Escape/Jamis Coda, etc. (since they're all extremely similar).
@@twowheelsbetter_yt used market is not bad if you are willing to make some concessions. i called a bike shop the other day to ask them if they had anytbingbgood under 500 they told me verbatim that everything under 500 is shit. such an elitist group these bike shop owners lol
Lol, yeah they could have said it more tactfully, but I think they're mostly right about that price range. But if I can find some exceptions then they'll hopefully be in a video soon!