Saddle Smooth
What is the best type of bike for city riding? And what kind of bike would you recommend I buy?
I don't really have the money to replace my bike, but I will be using it every day soon and I want to have something road worthy.
I may start looking for used, but I need help deciding what to look for:
I like (need) a Comfort Saddle (like the kind you find on Specialized Comfort bikes).
I like to lean forward a bit (not ride in upright position).
I ride in the city, on pavement that is smooth (but for they occasional crack or bump).
Sometimes I ride hard and I desire performance; I use my bike for exercise and less often transportation (though that may be changing).
I enjoy my current ride: a cheap Specialized hybrid (comfort/mountain), but it's kind of boring, not enough balls I might say.
Specific models would be great (but keep the MSRP under $500).
"...not enough balls, I might say."
Then you are looking for a road bike. If your tendency to lean forward over the bars is pronounced enough, then you will find the 'drop' racing-type handlebars should suit your riding better than the more upright "hybrid" style, which are in essence, much like those for touring and commuting.
Be sure to determine what your correct frame size is, for a road bike. There is no substitute for going to a bicycle shop and having some hands-on help for this. If you are in the process of shopping around, you can ask for this sort of assistance without the obligation to buy. Be sure to engage them fully and give them a chance to show you their bikes. They deserve your attention even if you are sure that you are not quite yet ready to buy. You will learn from all of this, so don't shortchange yourself here.
Your budget may require looking for a deal on a quality used road bike, as $500 is usually slightly below a good new entry-level model, and the parts from your current bicycle cannot simply be switched over onto a new or used road frame. However, there are several models of new bicycles available at this level.
Also, ride quality is a consideration. Aluminum frames are lighter, but undeniably a bit harsher and less forgiving of road shock. If you are not serious about racing, you may find that a good steel-framed bicycle suits you better. After all, even for exercise, discomfort will affect motivation and make your riding less enjoyable.
You did not mention whether you prefer to keep your current bicycle. If you can sell your current bike and add the proceeds to your budget, then at $600 to $650, some decent road bicycle models become feasible. Also, in one month, many dealers will start looking to clear out inventory as the peak summer season ends. Don't overlook this: you can save $75 to $125, if you buy at the right time.
That said, for a basic road bicycle with a good ride and a price that can't be beat from a good manufacturer, try the Jamis Ventura Sport, which at 2007 MSRP $525 ('street', $470+), is the lowest price for a decent road bicycle that isn't "no-name". When buying a bicycle, keep in mind that while you can upgrade the components over time, replacing a frame usually means replacing a bike. So your wisest purchase is for a better frame with lesser components, as opposed to the other way around.
There are 'overstock' discounted prices a bit cheaper that can be dug up on deals which you can find on the 'Net for 'off-brand' bikes, but not where you can go into a shop and test ride one.
Spending a bit more does get you more. You should at least try test-riding a steel bike to feel how it rides. One bicycle that has received glowing reviews for ride quality is the Jamis Satellite (MSRP $775, 'street' price $680). Bianchi's Brava is worth mentioning here, with a steel frame and MSRP of $799.99 (sorry, it's those exchange rates pushing this one up a bit, 'street' price will be less).
In aluminum-framed bicycles, examples of good models to look for include the Jamis Ventura Comp (2007 MSRP $700, 'street' $620), and the Specialized Allez (2007 MSRP $770, 'street' $670) -- the basic, not the "Elite" or "Sport"; a good deal will bring this one down into your price range. Trek's entry in this range is the 1000, an "Alpha" model (2007 MSRP $710, 'street' $630).
A good bicycle purchase will remind you of how good or bad it is, every ride, for years. The time and effort expended here is well worth it.
 4 CUTBACK SMOOTH LEATHERSUEDE SEAT BLK 21 SADDLE  US $129.99
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 EquiRoyal Liberty Lane Fox Smooth Seat Saddle Blk 18 US $268.99
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 EquiRoyal Liberty Lane Fox Smooth Seat Saddle Brn 19 US $268.99
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 Tekna A6 All Purpose Saddle Smooth Seat Wide 16 US $494.99
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 EquiRoyal Liberty Lane Fox Smooth Seat Saddle Blk 17 US $268.99
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 17 Medium Tree US $1,014.60
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 175M XL Flaps US $1,014.60
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 EquiRoyal Liberty Lane Fox Smooth Seat Saddle Brn 18 US $268.99
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 16 Wide Tree US $1,014.60
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 175W No Roll US $1,014.60
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 EquiRoyal Liberty Lane Fox Smooth Seat Saddle Blk 21 US $268.99
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 16 Medium Tree US $1,014.99
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 17W No Roll US $1,014.60
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 18M XL Flaps US $1,014.60
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 17 Wide Tree US $1,014.60
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 EquiRoyal Liberty Lane Fox Smooth Seat Saddle Blk 19 US $268.99
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 165W XL Flaps US $1,014.60
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 165M XL Flaps US $1,014.99
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 EquiRoyal Liberty Lane Fox Smooth Seat Saddle Brn 17 US $268.99
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 17W XL Flaps US $1,014.60
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 Tekna A8 Dressage Saddle Smooth Seat Medium 17 US $516.95
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 EquiRoyal Liberty Lane Fox Smooth Seat Saddle Blk 20 US $268.99
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 EquiRoyal Liberty Lane Fox Smooth Seat Saddle Brn 20 US $268.99
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 165 Wide Tree US $1,014.60
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 Tekna A6 All Purpose Saddle Smooth Seat Medium 17 US $494.95
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 175W XL Flaps US $1,014.95
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 175 Medium Tree US $1,014.95
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 18 Wide Tree US $1,014.95
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 17M XL Flaps US $1,014.95
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 Tekna A8 Dressage Saddle Smooth Seat Wide 17 1 2 US $516.95
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 16W XL Flaps US $1,014.95
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 Tekna A6 All Purpose Saddle Smooth Seat Medium Wide 18 US $494.95
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 Amadeus Classic Medium Saddle Smooth Cognac 16 1 2 US $783.95
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 Tekna A4 Jumping Saddle Smooth Seat Medium 17 US $467.95
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 Tekna A4 Jumping Saddle Smooth Seat Medium 17 1 2 US $467.95
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 18W XL Flaps US $1,014.95
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 Amadeus Classic Wide Saddle Smooth Cognac 16 US $783.95
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 Tekna A6 All Purpose Saddle Smooth Seat Medium Wide 17 US $494.95
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 17M No Roll US $1,014.95
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 19 Wide Tree US $1,014.95
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 165 Medium Tree US $1,014.95
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 Amadeus Classic Wide Saddle Smooth Cognac 17 1 2 US $783.95
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 Amadeus Classic Wide Saddle Smooth Cognac 18 US $783.95
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 Tekna A8 Dressage Saddle Smooth Seat Medium Wide 18 US $516.95
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 165M No Roll US $1,014.95
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 HDR Pro A O Saddle Smooth Oakbark 16M XL Flaps US $1,014.95
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 HDR Close Contact Saddle 17Wide Smooth Hazelnut US $836.95
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 17JUMPING ENGLISH SADDLE WITH SMOOTH FLAP 17 IN US $159.00
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Dr. Martens Rafi Saddle Shoe List Price: $109.99  |
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Airwair's original signature leather: a firm, finished leather with a smooth, semi bright appearance. |
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Silver Fox Gold Winner Smooth Seat Side Saddle List Price: $498.00 |
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Traditional English style leather saddle with a leaping horn and balance strap. Flat padded seat, complete with leathers, irons and cotton girth. A great value in elegance and comfort. Available in Black o Brown |
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King Series Miniature Saddle - Smooth Leather |
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No Additional Freight Charges Added! Miniature Horse Saddle! Finally a saddle for the vertically challenged equine! This saddle is perfect in construction and looks. Constructed of a soft and supple smooth leather... |
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Bianchi B9 Fancy Stitched Belt Tan 44" Smooth Full Grain Saddle Leather Solid Brass Buckle Sale Price: $89.99 |
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It is easily reversible, it has a plain finish with fancy stitching and a solid brass buckle. |
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Bianchi B9 Fancy Stitched Belt Tan 32" Smooth Full Grain Saddle Leather Solid Brass Buckle Sale Price: $83.79 |
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Bianchi B9 Fancy Stitched Belt Tan 32" Smooth Full Grain Saddle Leather Solid Brass Buckle. |
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Bianchi B9 Fancy Stitched Belt Tan 34" Smooth Full Grain Saddle Leather Solid Brass Buckle Sale Price: $89.99 |
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This belt has smooth, full grain saddle leather on one side, brushed suede on the other. |
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Bianchi B9 Fancy Stitched Belt Tan 46" Smooth Full Grain Saddle Leather Solid Brass Buckle Sale Price: $89.99 |
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This belt has smooth, full grain saddle leather on one side, brushed suede on the other. |
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Saint Lourdes Bull Smooth Oak Leather Close Contact Saddle |
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The Bull is specially created for long-legged riders. The flaps are advanced, the panels and knee rolls are of special Gel Foam. This is a unique combination of foam and injected rubber which gives additional comfort and support... |
Lime Green
Orange Nylon
Boots English
Turquoise Tan
Cinch Girth
Saddle Ranch
Buckle Field
Dan Post
Ranch Roping
Wool Felt