Navigator 3.0 - I have a few questions!

Micamaca

Hi there,

I don't know anything about bikes really but I'd like to have one. I'm interested in the Navigator 3.0.

Firstly, is there much difference between the Navigator 3.0 and the 3.0 WSD, other than the lower crossbar? Does the WSD perform as well on forest trails? Is it heavier than the Nav 3.0?

I'm 5"4 with an inside leg of 29.5 or so. Would a lowstep 16.5 be the right size for me? I was looking at this general guide to try and to determine which size. http://bicycling.about.com/od/howtoride/a/hybrid_sizing.htm

Can you attach a basket to the front of a Nav 3.0?

Does anyone have a Nav 3.0 or Nav 3.0 WSD? How do you rate them for comfort and performance?

any advice would be great....cheers

mica

kenmc

The WSD series are designed for females, so if you're a bloke you'll get pointed and laughed at.
Forest trails - wouldn't take either of them on them, not going to be able to handle the rough stuff.
Basket - probably.
As for the rest of your questions: No idea.

Morgan

What brand of bike is this?

Where are you considering buying it?

Are you male or female?

Where will you be using the bike? Will you REALLY be using it on forest trails?

kenmc

it's a trek, as i discovered by googling just before i put the same question

Morgan

Treks can't be purchased online - only through dealers. Therefore your best option is to drop into a shop and try one for size. You can attach a basket.

davej

I presume you mean a Trek Navigator ?
My OH has one (WSD) and she really likes it.

I would say that Frame size would be fine for you and I'm sure you can attach a basket easily to the front of the bike.

Re: Forest trails. It depends on what you mean by "trails"
I'm guessing the standard tyres that come with the bike are 35c which would be fine for the odd light trail.

davej

Lumen

I'm not sure that a step-through frame makes much sense without an enclosed drivetrain. If you're going to wear a flappy skirt, you don't want to be catching it in your oily drivetrain. Also, the weight penalty is usually significant.

I quite like the look of the Navigator 3.0 in blue. I once owned a hybrid with a suspension seatpost, and it was quite nice to waft along over the potholes.

edit: if you're planning on getting a basket, get the shop to fit it before purchase, then they can make sure it doesn't foul the cables

I think the painkillers are a bit strong today

Micamaca

Thanks for all the speedy replies. Sorry, I didn't put the make (as someone googled, it is a Trek) or my gender (female by the way), showing my ignorance.

I'm not sure how many forest trails I'll be cycling on but would expect to be using it for more than footpaths and potholed roads that we have here. I probably don't even know what a forest trail would entail. Maybe I mean just bicycle trails on rough ground.

I was reading reviews for the Navigator 3.0 on buzzillions.com and it got great reviews as an all-rounder.

I'm buying it it from buildabike.ie as part of cycle to work scheme.

Lumen

Just understand that this is a bike built for comfort, not speed and distance.

The riding position, suspension, fat tyres and weight will make you slower than a proper road bike, but you will be more comfortable pottering over short distances.

If any of your riding plans involve breaking a sweat, consider something else.

davej

I'm not sure that a step-through frame makes much sense without an enclosed drivetrain

Well my OH's has a partially enclosed drivetrain, solid back carrier and mudguards as standard.

She did change the seat though...she found the standard one wasn't comfortable enough.


davej

Micamaca

But the Americans loved it for trails too! Bugger! So a good bike for cycling through busy streets and on roads, but not so good for cycling in nature.

Is there any hybrid on this page you would recommend as an all-rounder? Or is that impossible to have?

http://www.buildabike.ie/menuframe/menu.html

Lumen

davej wrote: »

Well my OH's has a partially enclosed drivetrain, solid back carrier and mudguards as standard.

Ah, I was going by the pic here.

Micamaca wrote: »

But the Americans loved it for trails too! Bugger! So a good bike for cycling through busy streets and on roads, but not so good for cycling in nature.

Is there any hybrid on this page you would recommend as an all-rounder? Or is that impossible to have?

It depends on what sacrifices you are prepared to make. You must identify your specific intended uses (distance, speed, terrain, weather protection, comfort etc), or else you'll end up with something that is theoretically perfect but practically compromised.

davej

Actually my OH's is a Navigator T30, which is probably not the same as the 3.0..

Here's the "normal" crossbar version with full kit:



Nomenclature confusion reigns!


davej

Micamaca

Why do they give bikes such similar names!!

Okay, will have a good think about what I will be primarily using it for and what I would like from the bike, and then try to make a decision. At least I have idea of the size frame I need, which was the first hurdle

Lord, it was never this complicated when I was a girl buying her first second-hand racer for 55 Irish punts. Ah, the times they are a changing...

But thanks all for replies, I have a few good pointers to mull over. If anyone has anything else to add, thank you.

m

Lumen

Micamaca wrote: »

Lord, it was never this complicated when I was a girl buying her first second-hand racer for 55 Irish punts.

If you want to make it simpler, just buy another racer.

Micamaca

Lumen wrote: »

If you want to make it simpler, just buy another racer.

Very funny

Am too old and broken at the grand age of 31 to be leaning over handlebars...that much I do know!