Hello,
I’ve been looking around at bikes for about a month now and I’d like some input from y’all on what to get. I’ve collected a list of potential bikes in the $500\~ range from research and lurking about here. I don’t expect to get a cut and dry answer, but slimming some down options would be welcome.
I’d like to use this bike for general riding and multi-day bikepacking trips with some uphill and dirt roads. The only requirements I have is a flatbar, 14+ gears, and be around $800 or less. I’m also willing to find used.
Here is the list I’ve complied.
[Trek FX1](https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/hybrid-bikes/fitness-bikes/fx/fx-1/p/32769/?colorCode=grey)\- 3×7 21 speed 700-35
[Trek FX2 Disc](https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/hybrid-bikes/fitness-bikes/fx/fx-2-disc/p/35003/?gclid=CjwKCAjw1t2pBhAFEiwA_-A-NFjw6AUWQPEHOmGpgKUPD6NRAmIef2nuQcAf-eEISvUJ6vY9RZzdnhoCop0QAvD_BwE)\- 2×9 18 speed 700-35
[Kona Dew](https://www.konaworld.com/products/dew-1?variant=41030250266668)\- 2×8 16 speed 650-47 (rode this in person, loved it although not sure about top speed)
[Kona Splice](https://www.konaworld.com/products/splice?_pos=3&_fid=880ffd407&_ss=c&variant=41029890277420)\- 3×8 24 speed 700-45 (rode this in person, loved the feel)
[Fairfax 1](https://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/2024-fairfax-1#gallery)\- 3×7 21 speed 700-35
[Escape 3](https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/escape-3-2022)\- 3×7 21 speed 700-38
[Escape 2](https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/escape-2-disc-2021?partnumber=2100115218&gclid=CjwKCAjw1t2pBhAFEiwA_-A-NFd9EQtyUUzn1uZpDvpDikyk9fmQAaK2xZpsUqOq5yQnUoUjFMlHdRoCzkMQAvD_BwE)\- 2×8 16 speed 700-38
Some of these choices are redundant like the Trek FX1, Escape 3, and Fairfax 1 which are mostly the same. Most criticisms with these is the drive train is cheaper and is prone to breaking. How true is that? I’m fine with riding it until something needs to be fixed/upgraded as I’d like to keep it as long as possible. I’d love some other options and input from those who have some of these.
Thanks!
In US
Max $800\~ budget
by MKVIII1917
3 Comments
$100 under budget, [Marin DSX](https://www.bikesonline.com/2023-marin-dsx-flat-bar-gravel-bike) if your size is S or XL.
$100 over budget, [Marin DSX](https://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/2024-dsx#specifications) for all sizes.
Specialized Sirrus X Series
They are all decent choices imo. For the big criteria is how rough the “dirt roads” you want to ride are.
If they are propper rough then you might want to prioritize bigger tyres, and why not the suspension fork > I’d go with the Kona Dew or Splice. If they really are smooth gravel, not too much rocks or mud or anything like that then the other choices are fine.