Conference noted::bicycle

    
    Both bikes offer about similar componants and probably price. 
    You say you loved the Bridgestone, go for it......
    
    Shaw
    
    P.S 9 months free service doesn't realy mean anything, it's not like
    you are bying a car. The only service that you will need in 9 months
    with as little riding as you are considering might be derailure
    adjustment, lubrication etc. Most of these are more fun when you
    do it yourself anyways. 
             

    I would buy what you LOVE over what you LIKE. You will be second 
    guessing yourself if don't by the bike you love. 

    As for the components, the two system are pretty comparable.  but the 
    thumb shifters will be more reliable then the grip shifters in the long
    run. Also, the replacement cost of a thumb shift should cost a lot lower 
    then the grip shifters if it ever fails.

    As for the service, usually after the dealer readjust the bike once due to
    cable stretch. The bike should be fine until the next season tune up unless 
    you plan to do over a thousand miles this year.

    As for the US base company status. I always like to buy US products also.
    But like you said, both of these bike components are made in Japan and 
    both bikes are assembled in Taiwan. But the Trek are probably 
    designed in the USA rather then Japan. 

    If both was a toss up, I would probably buy the Trek sine it is a USA 
    company. But in your case, I think your are favoring the XO3. 
   
    Good luck and enjoy,

    Dave 
    
 
    
    

    
    	A year ago April I purchased an XO3 Bridgestone.  That year they
    	only had XO1s, 2s and 3s.  This year they added 4s and 5s and I
    	am told the XO5 is the same as my XO3.
    
    	Last year I proceeded to put 1200 miles on the bike and so far this
    	year I have done 1000.  It suits my needs quite nicely.  I do road
    	touring almost exclusively, but some of the roads I use might
    	better be described as 'cross country' :^).  
    
    	I did change the seat to an Avocet C20 which is very comfortable
    	and I changed to a smoother tread on the tires.
    
    	While I cannot compare it to a Trek, I can say I am very pleased 
    	with the XO3.
    
    	FWIW,  George

    I also did wha tyou have done. Try them all and go with the one that
    feels good to you. I ended up buying GT hybrids. I really like mine and
    I also bought one for my wife. I've never seen her enjoy riding like
    she does now. when we had road bikes I could never get her to ride. She
    did not like the caharacteristics of riding road bikes. These hybrids
    are"GREAT"! We also changed the seats to Avocet 20's. 
    
    good luck with your purchase, and enjoy,
    
    Bob 

Just a general comment.

I own a Hybrid and I know a number of people with Hybrids.  EVERYONE replaces their 
knobby tires with "smoother" road tires (In my case, the Avocet Cross).  It may be in 
your best interest to attempt to get a deal where you get the new tires thrown in, or at 
least at a severe discount.  

Just a thought,

Jack Boyle

    Actually this model comes with Ritchey Tom Slick tires. Maybe everyone
    was asking for smoother tires. The seat is Velo VL, Avocet on the
    higher end models.
    
    Thanks for all your advice. I'll go with the bike that's the most fun
    to ride.
    
    dh