I'm a typical old guy that came back to bicycling after my last ride was around 15 years ago. I nearly rode the wheels off of a Giant Cypress DX. I spent $300 to get it back into riding shape only to realize it was still pretty beat up.
I'm 6'5" and needed something big. I was 99% convinced that a Cannondale Quick 3 XXL was going to be my bike. I went into the LBS just about ready to purchase it. I saw two other bikes and was curious enough to give them a test ride. The Specialized Sirrus X 4.0 XL and the BMC Alpenchallenge FOUR+ XL.
The Sirrus was nice, but felt cramped. Then I test rode the Cannondale again, and while it was roomy enough, the brakes felt wooden and the shifting didn't seem very smooth. Then I rode the Alpenchallenge and it was like the clouds parted and a ray of sun hit me. The shifting was super smooth, the bars were nice and wide (the store had these preinstalled as an upgrade), the cockpit was roomy, the brakes were smooth but powerful, and I literally felt like I was being pulled by the bike on inclines. It just happened to be $25 cheaper than the Cannondale and $250 cheaper than the Specialized.
My only complaints were the rock-hard saddle (I have two used ones on order) and I would have liked another gear or two (in addition to its 11) because I live in a hilly area…but I'm hoping it will become easier with conditioning.
Anyway…I feel like a kid again. I won't be commuting, but I will use it to visit neighboring towns, farmers markets, and general fitness.
by NothingTooEdgy