Hi everyone,
In the market for a new hybrid bike. I live in the US in a major city with a mix of nice paved trails and gravel trails. The environment is a good mix of flat road with some sharp inclines peppered throughout depending on the route.
My use case is mostly fitness, but I have a bikepacking trip I'm going on in 2 weeks that will be on a gravel road. It'll be on the C&O Canal towpath in the DC area for those familiar.
Finding bikes in my size (XL) and price range ($500-$600) has been a bit tricky, especially when trying to keep in mind local inventory since I'd rather purchase a bike locally to do a test ride, avoid shipping costs, and potentially not get the bike in time for my trip.
So I'm between these two:
Trek FX1 Disc XL ($599): https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/hybrid-bikes/fitness-bikes/fx/fx-1-disc/p/35001/?colorCode=reddark
Marin San Rafael DS1 XL($599): https://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/2024-san-rafael-ds1
Both are available in local shops.
I was also eyeing the regular FX1 and Marin Fairfax 1, but neither are available in my size locally. I could order the FX1 online but I did want to test ride it.
So what are folks thoughts? I'd say my use case is 90% paved roads, as this bike packing trip will be my first time riding on gravel. If it goes well I'd like to try more gravel paths in the future but for the most part I've stuck to paved roads mostly. I'm 6'3" and weight 220 lbs. and plan to but a rear rack and bag on the bike as well – at least for the trip.
Thanks in advance!
by D3rptastic