Need advice for right bike choice

Question
Hi Tad,

I'm looking for a new bike that will be great for my area and long distance biking. I currently have a diamondback vital 2 wich was my first adult bike and affordability at the time. The upright position and being that it is a comfort bike, I'm finding that going up hills(and we have mostly hills) is very difficult and it's also starting to make a clicking noise when in 21 speed.  My husband and I want to train to travel the great alleghany trail  but I know I'm not equipped with the right bike.  I know I want a hybrid but there are so many choices and features I don't know. I have been looking at the Cannondale althea 3 and the specialized vita. Do u have any recommendations for me? What features should I look for? I'm looking to shop under $700 but I'm leary of knowing too little going into a shop to buy.  Distance, comfort, dependibilty, versatility of terrain is important.   

        Thanks for your help!

Answer
Hello Bekah,

I have started your answer three times as this is one of the hardest questions to answer. I really wish I could tell you to go buy Brand X because it is the best bike ever made... but I just can't.

You are right on target in looking at a hybrid for what you want to do. However, I would not rule out a touring road bike either. A road bike will give you more hand positions than a hybrid and that can mean a lot when it comes to comfort. It also gives you the option of "dropping down" to reduce your profile should you have to ride into a strong headwind.

Since both types of bikes usually have a triple crankset up front, that should give you great gearing for the hills. Dependability comes from you maintaining your bike. A well cared for bike will last for years with just wear items (mainly tires and tubes) having to be changed. I hate to admit it but I have over 5000 miles on the drivetrain of my road bike - same chain and same rear gear cluster. I don't recommend this since my shifting isn't quite what it used to be and I am starting to ask for trouble.

So what type of bike? Well my stock answer will also address the distance and comfort part of your question. My mantra is: The right bike is the one that fits. Not all bikes fit exactly the same and a proper fitting bike will be comfortable thus giving you more happy miles in the saddle and greater distance covered.

What you will want to do is take a day and go test ride bikes. Not just around the parking lot but down some back streets where you can concentrate on the feel of the bike. Play around with the shifting for a while but then settle into a comfortable gear and concentrate on the fit. You should feel "natural" on the bike... not extending so far forward that you are reaching for the bars nor having the bars so close to you you feel crunched up.

If you are reaching too far ask to try the next size down if possible. If you feel too cramped up ask to try the next size up. DO NOT let the store salesperson have you step over the bike and lift it up to check your clearance. This is not a way to size someone on a bike. The bike should be sized on how you feel in the cockpit - the area between the saddle and handlebars.

After you have ridden one brand try a different one. And even a third or fourth if possible. A good bike shop should be willing to work with you to find the right size bike. This is really important, finding a bike shop that you can work with. Tell them what you are planning to do and if they are good they will listen to you and recommend a few different bikes. They should also offer you the accessories that you will need to make you trip the best possible. Again, find a shop that you are comfortable with, one that listens to you, and one that will work with you to get you that right bike. Bike shops can be a bit scary, but if you ask questions and show them that you really want to find a good bike and a good shop then they should be enthused to have a new customer.

I would recommend that you consider: two water bottle cages, a rear rack, a rear flashing light, clipless pedals, cycling shoes, cycling specific clothing, and a good, comfortable, helmet. I know this is adding up, but I want to make sure your trip, and all the cycling that you do leading up to your trip, is only the start of a lifetime of cycling enjoyment.  

If you have more questions please ask! I love helping people out!

Enjoy!
Tad