What should I buy? Bike edition

[KuruptEX]

I'm currently in the market for a bike, 'm looking at something I can ride in the city. Primarily on bike paths along the bow (inner city). I have narrowed it down to couple bikes. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Norco:
http://www.bowcycle.com/bicycle/xfr-3-1/
or
http://www.bowcycle.com/bicycle/indie-2/

Cannondale:
http://www.bowcycle.com/bicycle/quick-cx-3/
or
http://www.bowcycle.com/bicycle/quick-5/

I'm looking for best bang for buck, also longevity.

Budget is $1000-

[sheik_yerbouti]

You should go into the stores and try them out. The first three are all pretty similar, except the first one doesn't have suspension.

[kaput]

.

[D'z Nutz]

I'd also suggest considering getting a used bike. There can be some really great deals out on the used market. Watch for stuff on Pink Bike and Kijiji.

For instance, this looks like a decent find similar to what you've posted and well within your budget and it looks like it's been taken care of very well:

www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1587603/

[Strider]

Bike noob here, but I found the Giant Roam series to be the best value in that class
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ca/bikes/model/roam.2/20489/80038/

Although in hindsight I'm wishing I went with something a bit more road oriented though.

[Moonracer]

Originally posted by Strider
Bike noob here, but I found the Giant Roam series to be the best value in that class
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ca/bikes/model/roam.2/20489/80038/

Although in hindsight I'm wishing I went with something a bit more road oriented though.

You're almost there, just swap out the suspension fork for a rigid one and put on some skinny road tires and you're good to go.

[gpomp]

Good reading material here:

http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-hybrid-commuter-bike/

[ZeroGravity]

Originally posted by Strider
Bike noob here, but I found the Giant Roam series to be the best value in that class
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ca/bikes/model/roam.2/20489/80038/

Although in hindsight I'm wishing I went with something a bit more road oriented though.

This is exactly my case. Picked up a 2013 Giant Roam XR2 a couple of years ago for riding around paths in the neighborhood and towing the chariot :P . Now wishing to have a more road oriented bike like a Giant Defy (which supposedly is less aggressive than a "race" road bike).

If going used is an option, here's what looks like to be a pretty good condition Defy 1 with 105.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-road-bike/calgary/2014-giant-defy-1-road-bike-with-shimano-105/1089686744?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

[jacky4566]

Originally posted by kaput
...
Brakes - do you need disc brakes? Personally I think v brakes are fine for your use, but having disc's isn't a bad thing. Just be aware of the difference in case you have a preference because it isn't a simple change to make later. I think discs cost more too, which may come at the expense of other components.
....
Good information but I would recommend disc brakes if you can. Too many advantages for commuter/ fun bike.
- No regular pads alignments
- No PITA if you rim is slightly bent.
- Easier to change pads (Not that its hard)
- (Preferential) Better initial bite and brake feel.

[J-D]

I would never go back to V brakes after having discs.

[r3ccOs]

everything is going to disc... even the performance aero road bikes.

Hydraulics are by far the best, as honestly v-brakes are as good as cable discs (with the exception of avid 5s)

but disc's advantages are as aforementioned... specifically around the lack of dependancy on the rim material and trueness.

[corsvette]

I'd try to find a 29er, throw some hybrid slick on and go. Rocky Mountain has a 29er in the $1,000 range. I bought a Specialized Crave comp for $1,900, put 1500 km on it since May with a mix of trail/asphalt and absolutely love the bike.