Advice on replacing my bike after a crash

[novanino]

Hi all.
I had a road accident a few weeks ago and as I'm convalescing it seems like a good time to take a proper look around before deciding on a new bike to ride.

The one that got mashed up was a Ridgeback Comet, ladies style. It was the first bike I've bought rather than done up from junk and it was a massive step up in quality. I liked it a lot. Many aspects of it I'd look for again - 700c wheels, semi-dropped crossbar, shimano v-brakes, decent gearing system, lightweight frame.
I'm wondering what's out there which is at least comparable, or better a step up from that?
I'm happy to get something second hand if it's in good condition and it's verifiable that it wasn't stolen.

Previously I always rode Raleigh bikes (usually steel frame beasts which had Sturmey Archer 3-speed gears and caliper brakes.) The world of bike manufacturers is just boggling to me now and I have no idea which is a brand worth seeking and which are overpriced junk. It seems like Giant, Specialised and Trek are often quoted as good makes? I've heard mixed things about Ridgeback - someone referred to my model of bike as 'crappy' and I was well surprised! because for me it was well posh.

Basically I've come to realise that with the amount of time I spend in the saddle it's worth getting something which is going to be a pleasure to ride.

Ah that reminds me I should mention what I'll use a bike for...
Mostly it's urban cycling around the big metropolis - anything from 5 to 20+ miles in a day; I also take it with me to hilly places, sometimes (couple of times a year max) laden with camping gear.

Advice would be much appreciated!
On where to look for as well as what for. (ie. second hand but not stolen? What are the chances, is there any way to verify it...)

For now I'm limited to looking online, I'm still on crutches. Should be able to ride again in 3 weeks' time if all goes well.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Previously I always rode Raleigh bikes (usually steel frame beasts which had Sturmey Archer 3-speed gears and caliper brakes.) The world of bike manufacturers is just boggling to me now and I have no idea which is a brand worth seeking and which are overpriced junk. It seems like Giant, Specialised and Trek are often quoted as good makes? I've heard mixed things about Ridgeback - someone referred to my model of bike as 'crappy' and I was well surprised! because for me it was well posh.

For one reason or another I have worked on a fair number of Ridgebacks, including a couple of badly neglected ones, and including the Motion which is lower down the range than the Comet. I see no indication that they are any worse than any of the big international names such as Specialized, Trek, Giant etc. They are good, solid bikes that aren't particularly heavy. I would go as far as saying their hybrids must be amongst the best for their purpose and money. I have no financial interest in Madison or indeed any other manufacturer. There are snobs everywhere, usually what they have, are chips on their shoulder...

Another range of popular hybrids is the Sirrus by Specialized.

 

[albion]

The Ridgeback Comet was a main reason behind the success of Ridgeback.
It is/was a budget bike of sound quality. I have a Velocity, essentially a Comet with a couple upgraded parts. At the time the Comet was about £240 RRP and the Veocity £300 RRP.

However things have improved immensely since then so as long as you look at parts supplied there is plenty at that price range.
What you no doubt appreciated was the EZ-Fire gears and aluminium frame.

Google EZ-Fire and be aware that many 21 speed bikes come with cheap freewheels. not cassette wheels and have cheap steel feames.

 

[albion]

Following on consider something like a Dawes Mojave or the more budget Viking Keswick.

For camping loads double wall wheels are better, something that was not on the earlier Ridgebacks.
This is almost standard on hybrids these days though but some cheap bikes do not include them.

 

[novanino]

Thanks for the reassurances on Ridgebacks.
I'm going to look into double wall wheels and EZ-fire gears too. I didn't really feel the need to have all 21 gears, by the way. 14 would have been fine (I tried it with 7 and it was too small a range).

If anything I'm open to spending slightly more than my previous bike...and looking to buy reconditioned second hand, possibly, or a previous years' model, old stock. If there's not many ridgebacks around can anyone suggest a good manufacturer/model of a similar kind of bike?

This might sound daft but I don't like the style of the frame of either the Mojave or the Keswick in the ladies' version - I much prefer a dropped crossbar but I like there to still be two bars, preferably both straight. I don't know why...suspect it might be about looks, preferring to have to step thru frame without such a girly look. Possibly it's cause it looks like a stronger shape.

 

[albion]

My current cheap but upgraded Claud Butler is quite steep on the frame.
Unlike the Ridgeback with a straight bar frame the mountain bikestyle frame is much easier on my hips!

View them all up close. I'm sure many are unisex now.
And certainly visit Halfords to view the Carrera range.

 

[novanino]

Hmm there is actually a Halfords on the local high street. It never occurred to me to go in there before. Cheers for the tip, albion!

Are Trek / Specialised / Giant worth looking at for hybrids?

I've heard a lot about road bikes and tourers. Is there much to be gained by opening up that avenue..? I had a nice racer at one point, the only thing I didn't like so much was the super-thin wheel rims. If that could be changed for something wider I might like that option...if they're still nippier with the wider rims & tyres that is...would they be?