lightweight hybrids?

louise said:

Does anyone know how the weight of a Raleigh C700 would
compare with that of a Specialized Sirrus? I'm looking for
a hybrid that I can carry comfortably up subway stairs. I'm
also hoping for a fairly upright posture. Any thoughts on
how those compare or other recommendations?

TIA
Louise

I'm not familiar with those bikes, but they look like they are likely
to be similar in weight. Probably within 1/2 a pound of each other.

You might look into a city/mtb single speed. Low cost and light weight
in one easy-to-lug package. You'll never drop your chain because you
accidentally spun your cranks bakwards while the bike was on your
shoulder crooked. There's a lot less to go wrong with an SS.

Unless you're in a really steep hilly area (San Fran, Salt Lake City,
etc.), it will ride nicely.

A bike similar to these is what I'm thinking:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/singlespeed.html

You might be able to find a cheap one used on your local Craiglist or
similar outlet.

Good luck!

-Mike

Mike Reed said:

louise said:

Does anyone know how the weight of a Raleigh C700 would
compare with that of a Specialized Sirrus? I'm looking for
a hybrid that I can carry comfortably up subway stairs. I'm
also hoping for a fairly upright posture. Any thoughts on
how those compare or other recommendations?

TIA
Louise

I'm not familiar with those bikes, but they look like they are likely
to be similar in weight. Probably within 1/2 a pound of each other.

You might look into a city/mtb single speed. Low cost and light weight
in one easy-to-lug package. You'll never drop your chain because you
accidentally spun your cranks bakwards while the bike was on your
shoulder crooked. There's a lot less to go wrong with an SS.

Totally agree. I'm not a zealot, I've currently got a 35# geared city
bike and a lightweight single, and have owned derailleur bikes and hub
geared bikes--but if you're in Manhattan, Chicago, or Boston--which are
flat enough--single speed is the ticket.

Getting the bar up is possible on any model using stem extensions,
don't be too worried, just find a cool shop that 's willing to work
with ya.

Don't think that it has to be a high strung messenger bike either,
there are a few neato, but practical singles like the Redline 9*2*5 on
the market.

With the right components, you should easily put together a sub
twenty-pounder that's plenty durable. 😉

louise says...

Quoted message said:

Does anyone know how the weight of a Raleigh C700 would
compare with that of a Specialized Sirrus? I'm looking for
a hybrid that I can carry comfortably up subway stairs. I'm
also hoping for a fairly upright posture. Any thoughts on
how those compare or other recommendations?

TIA
Louise

It would depend on which model of Sirrus you are talking about. The
$2400 carbon model would obviously be lighter than the $550 model. The
price equivalent to the C700 would be the middle of the road Sirrus
Comp. I doubt that there is a big difference in weight between the two,
with big meaning 2 or more lbs (1 kg). I would guess either would weigh
about 23 lbs. If you have access to both bikes, why not arrange to
weigh them with the respective bike shops? If they don't have weighing
capabilities, bring a decent bathroom scale with you. Weigh yourself,
then weigh yourself holding the bike off the ground.

louise said:

Does anyone know how the weight of a Raleigh C700 would
compare with that of a Specialized Sirrus? I'm looking for
a hybrid that I can carry comfortably up subway stairs. I'm
also hoping for a fairly upright posture. Any thoughts on
how those compare or other recommendations?

TIA
Louise

A suggestion, try to find a bike shop that starts with a bike fit and
then a frame and then builds the bike. We can take any frame we sell
and build it as a flat bar bicycle, with the corresponding weight of
one with drop bars. Unfortunately, hybrids outta bozes are heavy, heavy
with silly things like front suspension...

louise said:

Does anyone know how the weight of a Raleigh C700 would
compare with that of a Specialized Sirrus? I'm looking for
a hybrid that I can carry comfortably up subway stairs. I'm
also hoping for a fairly upright posture. Any thoughts on
how those compare or other recommendations?

TIA
Louise

Hi Louise,

They both appear to be "roadish" flat-bar bikes. So each will probably
be lighter than your average hybrid.

Since you mention subway steps, I assume that you either live in a city
or travel to a city often. Have you considered a folding bike? Dahon
and Xootr both make 20"-wheel bikes that travel on public
transportation easily and are relatively light. Performance is quite
good and the added flexibility is considerable. Also Brompton makes
bikes that fold into tiny packages yet still perform well. But they
can be expensive.

For general information on the Dahons

www.dahon.com
www.gaerlan.com

For general information on the Xootr Swift Folder

www.xootr.com

Good luck.

-G