Advice needed on ladies hybrids

[davsim]

Hi,
Firstly I would like to apologise, as I may well be asking what seems to be a ridiculous question.

I am in the process of changing my (too big) MTB. I am after a hybrid, as I have a dodgy back and need to be upright (plus need a bike that is the right size for me).

So, here is the deal... I have up to £300 (I would love the specialized ariel but at £400 it is too far out of my price range )

The first question is - do I need suspension? I have been looking at the following bikes and would love someone to help me out by offering some advice on what to choose and why?!!

My 3 options are:
Giant Escape 3 W:
http://shop.cyclejunxion.co.uk/30034/products/giant-escape-3-w.aspx

Ridgeback Velocity SE 2014 Womens Hybrid Bike
http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/m18b187.../RS_GB/34054?gclid=CJvioqKN6b8CFcSWtAodBl4AYQ

Indigo verso 3
http://www.bikesdirect365.com/products/Indigo-Verso-3,-Hybrid-Bike,-24-Speed,-Ladies.html#.U9bVSC9OXIU

I would be very grateful for any help that you could give me... I have 13 days until my birthday and would love to be opening up a on the day

Thanks in anticipation

 

[raleighnut]

Avoid suspension unless you're off roading, its just unwanted weight, other than that I'm a big fan of Ridgeback cycles so I'm a bit biased when I vote for that but Maz has a stepthrough Dawes that she loves but that's just a 7 speed hub version, well made though.
BTW to Cyclechat.

 

[Cycleops]

I'm with raleighnut on the suspension, you don't need it. Ridgeback are good VFM bikes, Giant are also good. Nothing much separates these two. The Giant might feel a bit quicker on the road due to the 32c section tyres, as opposed to the 42c on the Ridgeback.

 

[vickster]

Giant or Ridgeback, take your pick but go sit on them and have a testride if your local shop sells - very important to get the right size, if you have a dodgy back. Looks like the Ridgeback has slightly better components (Altus/Acera vs Tourney), and it's a much nicer colour...and it's from a UK company

 

[Cycleops]

You could also consider this: http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/carrera-gryphon-hybrid-bike-2011-2012-large-21
Has disc brakes but a double chainset instead of triples on your other choices. Plus you will likely have a local store where you can check it out.

 

[davsim]

Hi,

Thanks so much for your replies... It seems however I was a little too slow on the reduced ridgebacks... Am secretly gutted as I liked that one. I also agree that I don't need suspension, so have ruled that one out.

I went to my LBS today and sat on a giant escape 3w. Was very nice, seemed comfy and I liked it too. Tomorrow in going to another LBS that specialise in specialized bikes to have a look at a specialized crossroads, as it appears they are reduced ATM too . Does anyone have any knowledge about these too?

Thanks in advance for taking the time to help out

 

[baolongyan]

The Giant might feel a bit quicker on the road due to the 32c section tyres, as opposed to the 42c on the Ridgeback.