Advice Please on Buying New Bike

[Newie Traveller]

Hello, new member & hoping for some advice.

I am looking at buying a 'better' bike for fitness & enjoyment of getting out & about. My current bike is quite few years old, a Giant Elswood ES, 21 speed. I ride a mixture of pathed cycleways & roads around Newcastle & Lake Macquarie area. My home area is fairly hilly.

I am ok fit 57 y/o, weight 112kilos, height 181cm

I ride about 60 to 80 kilometres each time I go for a ride.

Looking at following bikes;

Trek FX 7.4
Merida Speeder 200
Giant Cross City 0

All 2016 models

I am looking to put clipless/clip on pedals for first time in my life. Been think Shimano Clickers using recessed cleat on shoe.

What are members views on the bikes for my weight & riding plans?

And also advice on clip on?

Thanks
Newie Traveller

[ValleyForge]

Welcome!

Probably best posted in the more general sections. "Cycling Health" tends to revolve around diets, electrolytes. and anterior knee pain.

[Mulger bill]

Welcome!

Probably best posted in the more general sections. "Cycling Health" tends to revolve around diets, electrolytes. and anterior knee pain.

Sorted
Shaun

[koshari]

There really isnt a quantum leap from your elwood to a speedway/crx ect... disc brakes being the only real improvement and the later bikes being freehub 700 wheels as opposed to your 7 speed freewheel. The geometry and weight would be comparable. But hey if you want to upgrade its your call of course.

Pesonally i would be inclined to keep the elwood for commuting duties and compliment it with a roadee. Space could be a premium for you which could make having 2 bikes an isdue as well.

Anyway others will likely have different opinions as well so stay tuned.

Btw i have a couple of crx bikes (which are the previous line to cross citys) and they are very fine and versatile bikes. A bloke i ride with has an elwood and he has no probs taking the front.

Edit: i see you reposted in the more suitable section. I assume the mods will tidy up this reply. Also i notice your se version of the elwood has a suspension fork. The one i was comparing to was a rigid. There is a lot more difference between your chosen upgrades and the se. I would be more inclined to suggest you take the upgrade path now knowing this.