Which comfort/hybrid bike to buy

Question
QUESTION: Hi Michael

I'd really appreciate your advice!  I am looking for a new bike, and have seen the Fuji Monterrey (found locally here for $299), the Gazelle Ridgeback (which I am told is the same bike as the Fuji Monterrey) and the Gazelle Dutch or Amsterdam.  The latter reminds me of an old Roadmaster Cape Cod that I LOVED.  They all appear to be decent, low end, aluminum frame bikes.

I am not a serious cyclist (although that could change), but like to ride about an hour or so through my town, which is rather hilly.  So, I must have a complete gear set to climb hills.  Also, there are no bike trails, so sometimes, when a car is coming, I end up on the edge in the gravel/uneven ground.  I am not looking for a mountain bike, because I get really uncomfortable (excuse me, in derriere area) on those.

I understand that lots of these bikes are just stamped out at some factory China, parced out to different companies, who customize the bikes.  So, is there really that much dif?

I have not given you details about shocks, brakes, etc., but they all appear to be similar.  Either Zoom or Suntour shocks.  Shimano, etc. on the gears.  Excuse me, I am not super technical!

Also, I am about 5'3" to 5'4", and a local bike buy recommended a 14" frame.  I have been riding a cheapo Huffy mountain bike with a 16" frame.  I had knee surgery on right knee back in '01, and find when I am too low and have to flex my knee too much pedaling, it causes strain.  The Monterrey is available in 14" with 26" tire.  It also is available in 17" frame, but the tire jumps to 29", which is too large for me.  The Gazelle Ridgeback comes in 14" & 17" frames, and I believe the tire size is the same on both.  The Dutch/Amsterdam comes in 15" & 17" frames, but not sure about whether the tire size is the same on both.

Also, the Gazelle bikes are not from the Dutch Gazelle Bike Co., I don't believe.  I went to the Dutch Gazelle site, and their logo is different from these other Gazelle bikes.  I think they are trying to emulate the real deal.

Anyway, I know this was long-winded, but I just don't know what to do!  All of these bikes will be $324 and under with tax, but still, that is a lot of money to me.  I don't want to end up with a bunch of junk.  The Gazelle bikes are available through Bikesdirect.com, which is more chancey - ordering from a dot.com site with no real people to talk to (they only do email).  The Fuji is from a local bike guy, who will service the bike for free for life (or as long as they stay in business), other than the cost of the parts.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!

Theresa

ANSWER: Hello Theresa,

If I read your story :-), I think you have already made up your mind with a choice between the Fuji and the Ridgeback.
I should, when I ain't technical, buy the bike at a store who definately will help you out with adjusting your bike and provides extra service and maintenance to your new bike.
That is what really count nowadays, good craftmanship.
And about the money, I see daily bike from 500 euro's till 8000 euro's, but you still have to speed it up yourselves!
I can't tell you what bike is better, but my advice is to verify the specs from both the bikes and try to see if you can ride both for a testride as well. And then make your choice.

If you want extra information, just drop me a e-mail.

Good luck.

Mick

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey Mick

Sorry to bug you again......but I was actually leaning towards the Gazelle Dutch.  That's because it looks identical to the Roadmaster I still have (but is basically a goner).  I also wanted an answer to the question about frame size in regards to my height (5'3 take a 1/2 inch or so).  So, if you don't mind, would you please advise?  Also, do you know what company actually makes the Gazelle Ridgeback and Dutch/Amsterdam?  Like I said, I don't think it's the Dutch company, Gazelle.

Thx

Theresa

Answer
Hello Theresa,

Don't mind if you bug me again :-)
Honestly I don't think that the Gazelle is like our real dutch Gazelle. That is why I should prefer a Fuji, especially with the expertise of the local bike shop. If you should drive a bike in centimeter I suggest that it must a 53/54 centimeters tall frameset.
Which is most of the times a S size. If you stand over the bike you should have space from about 2-3 inches between your cross and toptube if it not a sloping frame (socalled youthbikes).
It is difficult to put someone right on a bike while you can't view it yourself. That is why I suggest to see that local bike store.
Let him measure you at a testbike, only to see the size for you.
Maybe you still can try that Fuji bike, if you want it.
About the Gazelle, honest I can't tell you much about quality.
Also I would take 26" tires, there is plenty choice in type of tires in there instead of the 28".

Let me know what you want to do?

Mick