Which Hybrid? Trek 7.2/Sirrus...

[Zoko]

Hello there, cycling newbie here so any advice and guidance you give is well received.

I'm looking at a new hybrid bike due to the combination of road use and light trail attributes they possess. I've done a bit of research online and come up with a selection of bikes that have decent reviews. As for the type of rider I am and the sort of usage I'll get out of it, I will be doing mainly road based activities on an occasional basis. I would choose comfort over speed but I would like something that is fairly quick. A bike that isn't too harsh on the lower back region would be ideal too so a flat bar may be suitable.

I'm looking at something under £450. For a first time buyer of a moderately expensive bike, I'm looking for value for money but also something that will last the duration and withstand different weather conditions.

These are the bikes that I have seen mentioned/reviewed around the web.

http://tinyurl.com/subway1bike

An option with a lot of positive reviews on Halfords. My friend says this is good value and having had two Carrera bikes himself, he would recommend this bike.

http://tinyurl.com/giantnewescapebike

A bike from the biggest manufacturer out there. Not read much about this choice but I've seen it mentioned on several occasions and it's a good price.

http://tinyurl.com/specializedsirrusfitness

Seen this bike highlighted on many occasions around the web. This being perhaps a cheaper model that what I've seen but I'm interested in reading your own opinions. Read that it may be a bit 'boring'?

http://tinyurl.com/trek72fxbike

And finally on the upper range of my price bracket, the Trek 7.2 fx. Has positive reviews and seems like a strong option.

Any other suggestions that you have would be highly appreciated and any information/advice on the above bikes would be great.

 

[vickster]

Go have some test rides, see which floats your boat. They'll all be much of a muchness in terms of spec

 

[Zoko]

I've had a go on my mates Subway 1 and it feels pretty good. Not been able to view the others so just wanted some personal opinions. I understand around that price range many of the components are similar.

 

[vickster]

I'd choose Giant then Trek based on brand preference, but none of those as they are black/grey in colour

The Subway would just be too heavy and chunky for me (prefer 700c wheels on skinnier tyres too)

But seriously, get yourself to a shop - those are 4 massive brands and should be available to see in pretty much any largeish town. Trek you can't actually buy online, you have to collect from a shop

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I've a Sirrus and think it is a great bike, I can't comment on the other bikes.

 

[jack smith]

The sirrus out of those.

 

[PaulSecteur]

a bit 'boring'

Some bikes have shaper handling, some make look more exciting but if any bike is considered "Boring" then that is 100% down to the rider.

 

[Zoko]

Thanks for all the replies so far. The Sirrus is perhaps my own personal preference. as well. Heavily considered the Subway but it does seem to lean towards more of an off-road scene as opposed to on road, although it does feel nice to ride either way.

The Sirrus has 700x32c tyres, would these be suitable for light trails and slightly rougher terrain?

 

[vickster]

Yes

 

[jack smith]

32 is more than enough i would get some semi slick tyres though if youll be on the road alot if the bike dosent come with them already

 

[Bicykell]

I bought a Sirrus Sport in the sale last September (see "You Can Not Be Sirrus" in the welcome mat).
I tried a Giant and a Carrera. If the guy in the bike shop had moved £50 I would have bought the Giant. It felt comfortable and slick. The Carrera, at Halfords, was not the right size (I'm 5' 6" with a 29" inside leg. With proper legs I'd be a proper height. Then again, I wouldn't do so well in the sales at M&S). At another bike shop I tried the Sirrus Sport, which my mate had recommended and did a deal. With mudguards fitted plus handlebar bag and rear rack bag for my camera, spare tubes, three lenses (one a 150 - 600mm) it's well loaded down. It took a lot of tweaking to get right, but now it's set up I feel very comfortable on it, and am really happy with it, doing up to 35 miles of very hilly terrain round the Eden Valley without any problems.
So, yes I can recommend it, but really you have to try them all out for yourself, like everyone says. Good hunting.

 

[gbb]

I have an older Trek 7100FX and must say I found the Bontrager wheels poor, they didn't last long at all. Replaced them with very budget alloys from my LBS and they've run true and good for 5 or 7 years or so. Doesn't say much for the original Bonty wheels.
Things may be different now....

 

[speedymerida]

I am also a newbie on this site but last year bought a Merida Speeder S1 (now discontinued).I considered the Sirrus as this was similar in price.I find the S1 quite light at 10kg and would happily buy another Merida. Worth a look if you've got a local dealer. Nb Merida also make some of the Specialized frames.