Advice on hybrid bike to buy

[Mike_uk_1983]

I am looking to purchase a hybrid bike but don't know which ones are worth buying.

Really I want an upright road bike. I will mostly doing road routes with friends. He has a boardman bike from Hellfrauds which caused him no end of issues.

We are looking to do some very long routes at weekends.

I would like to spend at most £400 for a decent bike. I have been looking at second hand as well as new and seen a few like Ridgeback Genesis Day 01 and Voodoo Marasa.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[BrumJim]

Upright Road Bike is sometimes called and "Audax" bike.

Specialized Secteur (or Roubaix, if you want to spend extra on Carbon) fits this category. You will have to wait for other responses with regard to other manufacturer's alternatives.

The Genesis Day 01 is more of a commuter with bigger tyres to handle rougher conditions, available in hub-geared or single speed variants. Their Vapour is the race-orientated version, and the Croix de Fer more of a fun/touring option.

The Boardman is a very good bike, let down by variable service from their dealers. Always worth taking it to your local bike shop for them to sort if you are getting trouble from it.

 

[MattHB]

As above. Don't buy a hybrid. It'll be heavy and frustrating unless your going to wang it through woods. If you don't want drops there are plenty of flat bar road bikes that share the light weight frame and wheel sets.

 

[BrumJim]

Hybrid encompases anything from a mountain bike without suspension to a road bike with flat bars, and hence can be heavy or light, depending on the type chosen.

I would go with dropped handlebars if you are seeking very long routes, as they give more hand positions than flat bars.

 

[SubSonic]

Give the Giant Escape a look. I have the escape 1. It's classed as a sports hybrid and IMO is an excellent bike.

 

[Kies]

If your going to do long rides with your friend,and he has a road bike,then you really should look at a road bike to.
Otherwise he will end up waiting for you unless your a strong rider.
A road hybrid is good,but the upright riding position means it will always be a compromise over a true road bike.

I have both types of bike,and my commute takes longer on the road hybrid. I prefer it for commuting as it's better in traffic,but for long weekend riding with friends ..... Always the roadie

 

[paulw1969]

If your going to do long rides with your friend,and he has a road bike,then you really should look at a road bike to.
Otherwise he will end up waiting for you unless your a strong rider.
A road hybrid is good,but the upright riding position means it will always be a compromise over a true road bike.

I have both types of bike,and my commute takes longer on the road hybrid. I prefer it for commuting as it's better in traffic,but for long weekend riding with friends ..... Always the roadie

what he said^^^^^ .Plus i will echo what others have said.
I have a road bike (touring style Ridley Eos with drop bars) and a heavier hybrid (Merida Crossway 20, flat bar) which i commute on.....i prefer the road bike for any sort of distance...however you have not specified what you consider to be a long ride....as you will be surprised at what may be a long ride to you now wont be in a few months I also prefer the road bike for commuting to be honest but i do agree the hybrid is more comfy in traffic.....my hybrid was bought for winter use and the occasional river bank ride....i will be back on the road bike ASAP.
A touring road bike/road bike with flat bars will probably suit better and dont forget you may be able to filp the stem to raise the bars if they are still a little low for you on a road orientated bike......just my thoughts....

 

[Cycleops]

If you are going for a hybrid don't buy one with suspension forks, it just makes it too heavy. The Giant Escape that SubSonic suggested looks good and in your price range. It won't be much slower than a road bike with drops.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Personally, I like my front suspension.
Infrastructure isn't what it used to be.
Least around these parts.
Your results may vary.

 

[Pale Rider]

Really I want an upright road bike.

Edinburgh Bicycles has a quite a few within your budget:

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/browse/bicycles/commuter-hybrid-bikes?sort=price

 

[Cycleops]

Personally, I like my front suspension.
Infrastructure isn't what it used to be.
Least around these parts.
Your results may vary.

Don't get me wrong, I actually have a Marin hybrid with front suspension and it is great for really rough tracks as it makes things much more comfortable. However I think the op is really looking for a quicker ride on what are probably mostly good surfaces.

 

[Patrick Harvey]

I have a Giant Rapid ( Flat bar road bike ) and its a great bike, it comes with bar ends and a triple chain set ideal for the steep hills around here, it was £460 on wiggle last year.

 

[inkd]

Give it some serious thought as I and many other people have gone down the "hybrid" route as a beginner. Although I do love my Specialized Sirrus, I wish I tried a few road bikes before I made my decision.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Don't get me wrong, I actually have a Marin hybrid with front suspension and it is great for really rough tracks as it makes things much more comfortable. However I think the op is really looking for a quicker ride on what are probably mostly good surfaces.

I'm near Bloomington, Illinois, where they have a claim on inventing brick streets, so I need front suspension . I've a Schwinn World GS for commuting, and it has long travel front suspension. Very nice for city streets, and the unpredictables.

 

[Davos87]

What inkd said. I plumped for a hybrid - a Scott Sportster and although its a nice bike and I have had many, many days of riding enjoyment from it I am going to bite the bullet and buy a Giant road bike for the spring.