Second Pass Report:We have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to dedicated bike stores in DFW. I stopped at two more shops to do my due diligence. It really pays to talk with several sales guys at different shops. I have learned different things from them all. I landed at Richardson Bike Mart and spent some time there.
I have added two bikes to consideration:
Specialized Hardrock
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32576Or this hybrid ($60 more than above):
Specialized Globe
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=33079I rode a couple of mtn bikes yesterday and a 17" size of the Hardrock was the preferred. I went in today and spoke with a different guy, who thought I ought to try a 20" size hybrid Globe, as it didn't require as much energy to go the same distance as with the mtn bike, due to skinnier tires, lighter weight, higher top gears, etc.
At first blush, dude was right. The 20" Globe was easier to get from A to B. Then, the sales guy said the 17" Hardrock looked small for me and that with my long back, I ought to use a larger framed mtn bike than a 17". So, off I rode with a 19" sized Hardrock. I'll be dipped in apple butter if the sales guy wasn't right. I had a much easier time making distance and top end required effort similar to the Globe hybrid.
Like I said, top end (highest gear) required similar effort with both 20" hybrid and 19" mtn. Looking at their front & rear gear sets, the top end gear ratios seem higher with the hybrid. Also, the hybrid's wheels are 27" vs the mtn's 26". Looks the me that the hybrid would toast the mtn on top end.
Anyways, I have a decision to make. In favor of the Hardrock:
1. It is already at my pain threshold, money-wise (recall I have zero bike gear to start out with).
2. I worry I would more easily bust the hybrid, as it is considerably lighter, and I have a tendency to be hard on gear by way of overloading it.
3. This will be my sole bike, and a mtn bike seems versatile.
OTOH, the hybrid has theoretical top-speed advantage.
Here is an image of the spreadsheet I have used to estimate costs, etc.:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/2611453001_852c588394_o.png(Front basket probably won't happen becasue the front suspension)
It is what I am using as a guide when I finally slap down my cash.
Question:In an earlier post, I mentioned the Mongoose Kaldi Double Commuter Bike:
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=25076&subcategory_ID=3060When I was a kid, "Mongoose" meant a high-end bike. But, I think I recall seeing a Mongoose in [gasp!]Walmart[/gasp!]. I have no idea if it is competitive with all the bike makers I have seen recently: Specialized, Trek, etc.
Is is a quality manufacturer or a turd-polisher?
I ask, because that one at Performance Bike is set up almost the way I would set up the bike I will purchase & equip...and it is $80 cheaper on sale ($30 higher retail).
Thanks.