I'm finally getting myself a bike after years of talking about it. I know absolutely nothing about bikes or which is my best option (which is why I've put it off for years). I've shopped around a little and have some options.
Background: I'm female, 5'2", looking for a hybrid to ride paved trails or downtown streets in my city for more casual exercise. Eventually, I'd love to ride longer trails (40+ miles). I recently bought a house so I'd love to spend less vs more. I do want something of decent quality but doesn't need to be super fancy. I'd also love to support a local business if I can, though I can always do my maintenance and accessories at a local co-op.
The options I've found:
Trek FX 1 Disc Mid-Step Gen 3. On sale for $500usd. Seems like a good quality bike for a decent price.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/hybrid-bikes/fitness-bikes/fx/fx-1-disc-mid-step-gen-3/p/35002/
Liv Alight DD Disc 2. I love that this bike is built for women. A local bike shop offered $700. https://www.liv-cycling.com/us/alight-dd-disc-2?partnumber=1002005195&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA7Y28BhAnEiwAAdOJUMTrYfun2ACntRPQh1o15bDjukTb57XRnBxmK0EbL5XnmQ55qVO1KRoC2CIQAvD_BwE
Batch Lifestyle. This was at a local co-op months ago for $370, not sure if it's still available. https://www.batchbicycles.com/lifestyle-bike/?srsltid=AfmBOopu5G1ynxyspohZlijfGpT1ZyEXj7V1VSSQtX2t6RtoU50K39am
I do really like the Liv, but it the most expensive option and I'm not sure if it's too fancy for what I need. Obviously, the Trek store isn't a small business but I'd love to save the extra money. Are the Trek and Liv comparable bikes?? Thank you so much in advance for any insight!
by ubetcha09
1 Comment
The extra money on the Liv does get you a nicer and less hassle 1×9 drivetrain with decent gearing range and hydraulic brakes, which aren’t essential but are nice to have (typically hydraulic is less frequent maintenance, but harder to maintain without tools for hydraulic bleeding). It is more of a competitor to the Trek FX 2 than the FX 1.
That said, the FX 1 disc is a perfectly good bike with very usable 2×8 drivetrain and easier to maintain mechanical disc brakes, you can’t go wrong either way but I think you’ll be happy spending a little more on the Liv.