Bike suggestion?

[bigbadboss101]

Looking for some ideas for a bike. I had a 2010 Trance 1 for about 4 years and rode it about 7 times. Most of the time we did bike paths and a bit of easy trails. You know how it is when we think we will go do jumps and rough terrains and end up not. Sold it 1.5 years ago and now am looking to get a bike again.

I will be towing my 14 month old daughter in her chariot. For that purpose alone a commuter with no suspension would do the job and may be simple 1x10 or fewer speeds. However a bike with ability to do a bit of bumpy roads would be good too. Looking to spend no more than $800 although my wife thinks $300-500 is good enough. I have looked at various LBS’s websites and also Kijiji. Here are a few that came across my mind. Some might be over budget.

New
- Trek X Calibre 7
- Ghost Tecana 7
- Giant Talon 4
- Scott Aspect 750

Used

- 2008 Kona Explosif
- 2012 Specialized Hardrock
- 2013 Mec Cote

And anything else between $300 and $700. There are some used bikes with nice components but I am afraid the geometry might be outdated or components need replacing.

[Moonracer]

Are you set on a mountain bike with suspension for pulling the chariot? Ideally I like a hybrid with no suspension and hydraulic disc brakes for this purpose. You can put on some knobies/studded tires for the winter if you ride in the winter and summer throw on some nice slick road tires. I'm using a kona dew with disc brakes and it's perfect for pulling my daughter around in the chariot.

[JRSC00LUDE]

Yeah, I always ended up locking out my suspension when pulling the chariot fyi.

[danno]

Can you post the chariot your using i have disc brakes and the trailer i have doesnt fit. I went to pure cycle on the weekend and they didnt have any and were to busy to ask.

[bigbadboss101]

We have the Chinook 1 chariot. May be MEC can help you find adapter for your bike to make it work?

[98type_r]

Originally posted by danno
Can you post the chariot your using i have disc brakes and the trailer i have doesnt fit. I went to pure cycle on the weekend and they didnt have any and were to busy to ask.

You have the older style Chariot that mounts/clamps onto the bike frame?

[danno]

Yes mine is older. Might just get a new chariot. Im heading to mec tmr anyway so ill ask there thanks.

[SkiBum5.0]

You may only have to get the Thule hub/quick release and the new style arm to connect to the Chariot.

[bigbadboss101]

Hmm SportChek has a 25%/10% off deal for people with a SCENE card.
Do you guys think the GT Grade road bikes are good choice? I looked online and roadcc and others gave good reviews. Granted they are not the most colorful and the triple triangle is different for sure.

[Penguin_Racecar]

Bow Cycle has their blue light sale this weekend - I'm sure there's a bike that would work for you at a serious discount. You'll also be dealing with someone at a bike shop that knows about bike fit, and capable technicians for any tune-ups. If you came from a Giant Trance I would not lower yourself to Sportchek level - I'd buy used if the budget is lower than what you can afford new.

[bigbadboss101]

Yes you are right about going to a bike store vs department store. I phoned them yesterday at SportChek and the guy wasn't aware of the GT Grade which goes from $799 to $3xxx.xx. It's a new model thy carry. Nice reviews done by couple bike sites but not many LBS carry GT.

[bigbadboss101]

Done deal. Didn't like the drop bar so went with a hybrid. Trek FX. Good for now :-)

[Penguin_Racecar]

Nice - that'll do the trick for sure. Enjoy!

[Moonracer]

Good city ripper!