Advice sought over buying a hybrid

[otherpossibleworlds]

I suppose I'm a long time / low level cyclist (I've never worn lycra in my life. ...Actually, that's a lie. I have. But it had nothing to do with cycling. ) And I'm new to this site, so please be gentle with me.
After many years of loyal and faithful service my old Trek mountain bike is creaking and squeeking towards the great cycle path in the sky. I am, then, looking for a replacement. I probably cycle around sixty per cent on towpaths, tracks and paths, and forty per cent on the road. I started out looking for a hybrid around five hundred pounds. However, I've found a couple of contenders with decent discounts that I'm seriously considering:

http://www.snozeldirect.com/20-nishiki-hybrid-comp-24-speed-gents-white
and...
http://server77-68-36-195.live-servers.net/p51454/Merida-S-Presso-100-MD-2012-Hybrid-Bike.aspx

I suppose what I'm asking is, if you were in my position, which, if either, of these would you opt for, and why?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Many thanks
otherpossibleworlds

 

[Easytigers]

Hmmm...have never heard of either of these but have heard of Merida and they make pretty decent road bikes.

 

[otherpossibleworlds]

There are lots of threads in Bikes, Accessories, Kit and Clothing on this subject; you might get some help over there.

Duh! I realise now I have posted in the wrong place. Thanks for the gentle nudge!
Will try to delete this post after reposting as per your suggestion.

 

[otherpossibleworlds]

Nope! Don't seem to be able to delete. I suppose I could post a thread asking for advice on how to delete a thread. But then I'd probably post that in the wrong place too,
Sorry for messing things up. Anyone who can offer advice on the original question regarding the hybrid options, if you could use the thread in Bikes, Accessories, Kit and Clothing... (Even if all you do is click on the links and give an opinion on the specs.)
Cheers.
opw

 

[ianrauk]

Nope! Don't seem to be able to delete. I suppose I could post a thread asking for advice on how to delete a thread. But then I'd probably post that in the wrong place too,
Sorry for messing things up. Anyone who can offer advice on the original question regarding the hybrid options, if you could use the thread in Bikes, Accessories, Kit and Clothing... (Even if all you do is click on the links and give an opinion on the specs.)
Cheers.
opw

Have moved the thread to the Bikes and Accessories forum.
Welcome BTW!

 

[Chris Norton]

Have a trek fx 7.2 with the disc brake option. Nice bike and considering you already have a trek the geometry may be similar.

 

[Typhon]

I can't offer any advice on the bikes you posted but I helped a friend of mine pick a sub £500 hybrid recently and what was the best in my opinion was the Boardman Comp Hybrid. It's lightweight, well equipped and just generally a very good bike for the money. He bought it and he loves it. It's got £100 off at the moment too:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_777849_langId_-1_categoryId_165534#tab2

He got 10% off with British cycling membership. Not sure if that stacks with things on sale, if it does it becomes even cheaper.

Welcome to the forum by the way!

 

[otherpossibleworlds]

Have a trek fx 7.2 with the disc brake option. Nice bike and considering you already have a trek the geometry may be similar.

Have a trek fx 7.2 with the disc brake option. Nice bike and considering you already have a trek the geometry may be similar.

I love my old Trek and was all set on replacing it with another but then I heard reports that Treks are no longer what they were. But will look into your suggestion. Thanks.

 

[otherpossibleworlds]

I can't offer any advice on the bikes you posted but I helped a friend of mine pick a sub £500 hybrid recently and what was the best in my opinion was the Boardman Comp Hybrid. It's lightweight, well equipped and just generally a very good bike for the money. He bought it and he loves it. It's got £100 off at the moment too:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_777849_langId_-1_categoryId_165534#tab2

He got 10% off with British cycling membership. Not sure if that stacks with things on sale, if it does it becomes even cheaper.

Welcome to the forum by the way!

Coincidentally, I was in Halfords the other day (checking my frame size) and saw the Boardman. I was quite taken with it but it was still at the original price and just outside what I'd budgetted for. The sale price may just tip things its way again. Think I'd better do a revisit!
Thanks for the tip and the welcome.

 

[bahamas]

Specialized Sirrus

 

[themosquitoking]

Specialized Sirrus

+1, if you have to have a hybrid i couldn't fault mine.