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Home » Fitness » Gear: The new crop of 'fitness' bikes

If you're ready to ride a bike for fitness but not ready to hunch over like a Tour de France racer or tackle death-defying single-track trails in the mountains, a single-speed, bulbous-tire beach cruiser won't do. You need a "fitness bike," what the industry now calls the broad category that combines the large, fast-rolling 700-C wheels of road bikes, a tough multi-tread tire and the straight handlebars of a mountain bike. Formerly known as hybrids, these lightweight aluminum-frame bikes have become more refined, stylish and specialized; all work for commuting while sporting varying capabilities for pavement and mild dirt paths. Here are four notable, entry-level 2013 models, each outfitted with mounts for racks and water bottles, and priced so they won't break the bank.

Almost do anything

Specialized CrossTrail: A versatile pavement and dirt-path bike with Shimano Altus 24-speed trigger-shifter gearing, light-duty suspension fork with 60 millimeters (2 inches) of travel, tough multi-belt 38-millimeter-wide tires and anti-numbness platform handlebar grips.

Likes: Rugged, fast and comfortable. Perfect if you ride on the street and well-graded dirt paths. Although not designed for it, the CrossTrail even got me through some rocky single-track trails due to its shock and bulletproof knobby tires. Higher-end models add disc brakes, a lock-out on the fork, internally run cables and better components.

Dislikes: Since the fork tempts you to do challenging trails that you probably shouldn't do, I would have preferred a higher, mountain-bike-style bottom bracket (pedal axel) for rock clearance and a wider frame spacing to accommodate wider tires.

Price: $580 ($630 with disc brakes). (408) 779-6229; http://www.specialized.com

Caffeinated cool

Felt Caf 7: A simple, civilized and stylish road or mild trail bike with 7-speed gearing, a coffee cup holder on the handlebar, a kickstand and several fashion and comfort touches.

Likes: It has a rock-solid feel; a comfortable ride, due to tall, swept-back handlebars; and it's loaded with classy touches, including the frame's intricately shaped top tube, stitched synthetic leather grips and matching seat, and, of course, a cup holder. Designed for ease of use by hassle-averse riders, there's just one twist shifter, no front derailleur, a cushy seat, rubber pedals that can be ridden barefoot and a kickstand. The men's model is all black; the silver women's has a step-through frame. Caf models with up to 24 gears range to $669.

Dislikes: Lack of a double or triple front gear and front derailleur limit the bike's top-end speed, granny-gear hill-climbing ability and commuter potential.

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Gear: The new crop of 'fitness' bikes

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